I haven't written much about the sad turn of events regarding Deadwood. I've been digesting the news and I've got a stomach ache. Or maybe it's my heart. And yet, because to not take a position is to grab ankle, I'll share these few thoughts.

I have no idea what results all the letters, emails, protests, and other efforts to save Deadwood shall bring about. However, I believe it's the right thing to do. I applaud everyone's work. It's the right thing to do because what HBO is doing to Deadwood is wrong. It is wrong from an artistic point of view. Such a quality series should not end in this way. As a work of art, the series deserves a proper conclusion. If in fact art doesn't matter to this cable channel then they should change their slogan to HBO - It's just TV. What they are doing is wrong because they have verbally betrayed the actors, an outstanding ensemble cast who have been gut-punched by this decision. What HBO is doing is wrong because it treats the fans in a shabby and inconsiderate manner. While the actors on Deadwood have treated the fans with enormous deference, kindness and thoughtfulness, HBO is treating us as mere living capital. This is both wrong and just plain stupid. HBO has to know that sooner or later these actions are going to have consequences and a dire result. The people who made this decision are showing themselves to be bean counting pencil pushers with dollar signs where their hearts should be. These are the actions of Nietzsche's "last men" who do not care about art and who aspire to nothing more than basking comfortably in the warm glow of their bank accounts. I don't know if this rises to the level of irony, but it is one hell of a coincidence that just as the characters on Deadwood struggle to save their community from the forces of unrestrained corporate greed, fans of the show face a very similar situation. It always saddens me to meet people whose only bottom line is the bottom line. They can worship at that altar if they choose, but they shouldn't expect fans to follow like mindless acolytes. In fact, they should tell their god to ready for blood.

PS.,

I use the term "blood" only in a metaphorical, poetical sense. The people who made this decision might remember blood. It's what would have flowed through their veins had they once been young and thought art important. It's also similar in color to red ink, which they'll be seeing a lot of if they keep pulling this kind of shit.