HBO has produced some of the greatest drama shows in history because the network has been consistently able to subvert expectations when it comes to genre.
The Sopranos proved to be a more family-centered take on the gangster story, Oz was more emotionally resonant than other prison narratives, and The Wire was incredibly detail-oriented when compared to other dramas about the drug trade.
While there are many beloved classic Western shows, HBO’s drama series Deadwood aimed to take a grittier interpretation that reflected a more accurate depiction of life on the American frontier.
While the series is filled with memorable moments, Deadwood’s Season 1 finale “Sold Under Sin” is a definitive moment of Western television drama that reflects the innovative storytelling that made the series so iconic.