The Trial of Jack McCall (Deadwood episode)
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| “The Trial of Jack McCall” | |
|---|---|
| Deadwood episode | |
 |
|
| Episode no. | Season 1 Episode 5 |
| Guest stars | see main article |
| Written by | John Belluso |
| Directed by | Ed Bianchi |
| Production no. | 99749 |
| Original airdate | April 18, 2004 |
| Episode chronology | |
| ← Previous | Next → |
| "Here Was A Man" | "Plague" |
"The Trial of Jack McCall" is the 5th episode of the HBO original series, Deadwood. It was the fifth episode of the first season. The episode was written by John Belluso and was directed by Ed Bianchi. It originally aired on April 18, 2004.
[edit] Guest roles
- Marshall Bell as Magistrate Clagett
- Sean Bridgers as Johnny Burns
- Larry Cedar as Leon
- Kim Dickens as Joanie Stubbs
- Garret Dillahunt as Jack McCall
- Zach Grenier as Andy Cramed
- Peter Jason as Con Stapleton
- Ricky Jay as Eddie Sawyer
- Geri Jewel as Jewel
- Jeffrey Jones as AW Merrick
- Ray McKinnon as Rev. H.W. Smith
- Bree Wall as Sofia Metz
- Keone Young as Mr. Wu
[edit] Plot synopsis
In Deadwood’s main thoroughfare mourners line to view the body of Wild Bill Hickock, while elsewhere another large crowd line up to volunteer for jury duty and legal representation alike. Overseeing the proceedings from his balcony, Swearengen discusses his concern to Cy Tolliver such a high-profile trial may elicit unwanted attention from outside sources considering Deadwood has no sovereignty, but nevertheless elects to allow the trial to happen in his saloon – no doubt to allow easier access for his manipulations.
At the Grand Central Hotel, the widow Alma Garret continues her care for the Metz girl as Jane has vanished on a drinking bender. Though now caring for a child and suffering from the early symptoms of laudanum withdrawal, she seems determined to have her claim assayed. She meets with Bullock, who is adamant in keeping his word to Hickock, and agrees to sign a proxy giving him control over the property. Swearengen later discovers the former marshal’s involvement and is unhappy, devising a plan with Farnum to send Trixie to help care for the Metz girl, all the while plying her with opium to make her an easier mark for ceasing her claim.
A desperately ill Andy Cramed continues to worsen at the Bella Union, prompting Tolliver to have Cramed taken out into the woods and left to die; away from his place of business. As Doctor Cochran arrives to check up on Andy Cramed, he is angered to discover Tolliver’s discarding of his former partner; warning him that medicine to combat the plague must be sought immediately – lest Cochran inform the whole camp of a possible epidemic. Tolliver grudgingly dispatches an agent to Fort Kearney, Nebraska, to pick up some vaccine.
An enraged Bullock goes to see McCall, who is imprisoned in Mr. Wu's slaughterhouse. After a tense conversation, Bullock begins to strangle McCall, but backs away when McCall’s lawyer arrives. When the two are alone, the Lawyer begins to discuss with McCall his plan to get him acquitted – by claiming Hickock murdered his brother.
Trixie, dispatched on Swearengen’s orders, arrives at Alma's room and immediately takes a liking to both her and the orphaned child; recognizing that Alma is in the early stages of withdrawal. Instead of following her boss’s orders to ply her with dope, she seeks out Cochran for some medicine to help ease the widow’s pains and shakes.
The trial begins at the Gem, and McCall's defence is unveiled; that he was allegedly avenging the death of his brother whom Hickock shot in Abeline, Kansas. The proceedings are soon interrupted by Swearengen who takes the judge aside – one Magistrate Clagett – and converse privately about possible problems should McCall be tried in terms of the law and instead of custom. The judge returns to his duty and dispatches the jury to deliberations; reminding them they should judge McCall on custom, whether the murder can be excused as a revenge attack, and not the ‘simple matter’ of whether McCall shot him or not. It is not long before a Not Guilty verdict is returned, and the assassin is set free.
In Deadwood’s graveyard, several of the townsfolk attend Hickock’s burial – presided over by an ailing but passionate Reverend Smith. Joanie Stubbs attends, upset over Tolliver’s treatment of Cramed, as are Bullock and Star; an inebriated and distraught Jane watching from a distance. Merrick arrives from the Gem and shares the bad news that McCall was set free an innocent man. As they depart the funeral, Star mentions concern at Reverend Smith’s appearance and strange demeanor, but a seething Bullock pays it no heed.
Elsewhere, Jane wanders the woods drunk and stumbles upon the abandoned Andy Cramed. Though in a drunken stupor, she elects to take care of him – talking emotionally about her dead friend and the birds in the forest while generally oblivious to the worsening state of her ward.
The trial concluded, the Gem once again returns to its normal business. Among those drinking is a satisfied Jack McCall; but Swearengen soon makes it abundantly clear that it would be unwise for him to stay in Deadwood as not everyone will be thrilled he was acquitted – noting someone who cares about right or wrong may murder him; or failing that he will. McCall, in a rare show of sound judgement, heeds his words and flees.
Not far away, Bullock also makes a decision. After saying goodbye to his friend Star and entrusting care of his holdings and Alma’s claim, he rides out after the murderer of his friend.
[edit] Notes
- The music in the closing credits is "God and Man" by Brownie McGhee and Sonny Terry.
- Keith Carradine's final appearance as James Butler Hickock – appearing as a corpse. In subsequent episodes his name is no longer credited in the title sequence.
