Deadwood is fantastic. It is an HBO series so not likely to be cancelled the way FOX stuff is, and the season finale is just coming up, so the very least we'll get is a full season, although I would be shocked to find that it wasn't being renewed. In my view, it is the most watchable show on television. Warning: most of the characters (this is the Old West in a mining camp town) curse a blue streak. Some folks won't want to get past that, although I suspect most Buffistas aren't too squeamish.

I was so-so with Deadwood to start, but I adored (and screamed with laughter at) the last episode. I think it's found its niche in the "bad guy" Swerengen (almost certainly spelled wrong). My mom and I have also started counting usage of the word cocksucker because, well, it's fun. Last ep almost hit 40.

Deadwood was already renewed for a second season.

Dave keeps raving about Deadwood. Is it as good as he says?

I was also so-so on it at first and it grew on my rapidly. I can now skip Sopranos and feel little pain but I MUST watch Deadwood.

Personally, though, I am very impatiently awaiting the return of the Wire.

I don't have HBO, but a friend tapes Sopranos for me. They accidentally taped the first episode of Deadwood and I watched it (Timothy Olyphant!) and really liked it. Unfortunately, she hated it, so I didn't get to see any other episodes. But if it comes out on DVD, I'll definitely Netflix it!

Timothy Olyphant is a major part of my Deadwood lust right now. Strangely, because facial hair usually does nothing for me, I don't find him that attractive sans his Deadwood beard.

The Deadwood beard really transforms Timothy Olyphant. I didn't recognize him at first, and, until now, I've been only mild interested in his character, but I think his story is going to get lots better soon.

Also, as hard as the last episode made me laugh, the preacher's story is starting to make me cry.

Also, he asked me last night if Joss or Tim has thought about moving to HBO or Showtime given the fact they seem more inclined to be bold in original programming. I know we talked about this at one point, but I don't remember the response--is that a possibility?

Didn't that article by Occipital have something about their contracts with 20th? And from what I understand, cable series usually have smaller budgets than say, a 20th show. I could be completely wrong, though. So in answer to your question... I have no idea.

the preacher's story is starting to make me cry

so sad.

I could get past the swearing no problem, but I'm having trouble getting past Lovejoy as the bad guy :) [old BBC tv show]