Plague (Deadwood episode)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| “Plague” | |
|---|---|
| Deadwood episode | |
 |
|
| Episode no. | Season 1 Episode 6 |
| Guest stars | see main article |
| Written by | Malcom MacRury |
| Directed by | Davis Guggenheim |
| Production no. | 99750 |
| Original airdate | April 25, 2004 |
| Episode chronology | |
| ← Previous | Next → |
| "The Trial of Jack McCall" | "Bullock Returns to the Camp" |
"Plague" is the 6th episode of the HBO original series, Deadwood. It was the sixth episode of the first season. The episode was written by Malcom MacRury and was directed by Davis Guggenheim. It originally aired on April 25, 2004.
[edit] Guest roles
- Sean Bridgers as Johnny Burns
- Larry Cedar as Leon
- Kim Dickens as Joanie Stubbs
- Peter Jason as Con Stapleton
- Ricky Jay as Eddie Sawyer
- Jeffrey Jones as AW Merrick
- Ray McKinnon as Rev. H.W. Smith
- Bree Wall as Sofia Metz
- Everette Wallin as Joey
[edit] Plot synopsis
In pursuit of Jack McCall, Seth Bullock is attacked by a Native American raider. Though beaten and wounded, Bullock manages to overpower his attacker and, in a fit of rage, beats him to death with a small rock before collapsing into unconsciousness.
At the The Gem, a patron has fallen ill with the fever that felled Cramed, confirming to Swearengen and Cochran that smallpox has indeed arrived. To make matters worse Joey, the man dispatched to Fort Kearney to pick up vaccine, has returned to the Bella Union – felled by the plague. Swearengen and Cochran go to see Tolliver, and they begin to plan a sit-down of the camp elders.
Despite the approaching epidemic, Swearengen is still adamant to get hold of Alma’s gold claim. Farnum reports that the widow does not seem high to him, and Al grows increasingly concerned Trixie has not been obeying his orders. He makes it clear that there will be consequences if she does not comply with his orders.
Trixie tells Alma to fake intoxication whenever Farnum shows up, having filled her in on her employers plans. Alma understands and plays up to Farnum, who reports back to a pleased Swearengen.
A group of Deadwood’s town leaders and most prominent figures meet at the Gem and discuss tackling the threat of smallpox. They agree to band together and pay for riders to be dispatched immediately to fetch the vaccine and to set up a plague tent for the victims to be treated, and to be quarantined. Tolliver reveals he has bought a plot for future development in Chinamen’s alley which can be used as site of the tent – a piece of news that disturbs Swearengen.
Jane returns to Deadwood to get an update on the Metz girl from Cochran, who is surprised to learn Jane is aware of the smallpox breakout; explaining she has been caring for Andy Cramed in the woodland. Cochran realizes that Jane may have immunity to the disease, and enlists her help in nursing the sick. Though still mourning the loss of her friend Hickock, she agrees to help Doctor Cochran.
At the Bella Union, Ellsworth makes his first call to the new saloon and ends up at the craps table alongside Joanie Stubbs. Growing fond of the prospector, she tries to suggest he quit when he starts losing money; until Tolliver and Eddie Sawyer take over the mark to goad him back into the game. Later, Tolliver talks to a morose Joanie and makes it clear she needs to pull herself together and improve her work. He also makes it clear that, despite his soft spot for her, there will be consequences if she does not.
Back on the trail, a returning Charlie Utter locates and nurses a wounded Bullock who informs Charlie of his friend’s death and his plans to find McCall. Utter agrees to travel with Bullock, but the latter insists first to take the corpse of the Native American to a nearby burial ground as a sign of respect for his fallen foe.
In his newspaper, Merrick - with editorial influence from Cochran, Al Swearengen and Cy Tolliver – put out word of the plague, but play down any apocalyptic predictions. At the end of Chinamen’s alley the tent is erected for the sick, staffed by Doctor Cochran, Reverend Smith and Calamity Jane.
Out on the trail, Charlie Utter and Seth Bullock return to chasing McCall.
[edit] Notes
- The music in the closing credits is "High River Blues" by Bukka White
- Dan Dority notes that the new baseball league has set up a team in Chicago. The National League was formed in 1876 a few months before the events of this episode, including the Chicago club now known as the Cubs.
