Leon Rippy Movies
A veteran actor with a charming drawl, South Carolina native Leon Rippy began his acting career in the early '80s, making very minor appearances in very big films, like a store clerk in The Color Purple and an FBI agent in Firestarter. Rippy would continue to appear in several projects over the coming years, often taking on a number of roles every year. He notably played a prosecutor in 1988's Illegally Yours, and an Army sergeant in 1990's Moon 44, one of seven collaborations Rippy would make with director Roland Emmerich. The '90s would find the actor just as active as ever, appearing in the usual plethora of movies and TV shows, including high-profile appearances in 2000's The Patriot and on the series Walker, Texas Ranger. The new millennium would bring even more prominent work for the now silver-haired actor, with a starring role on the HBO western series Deadwood, which Rippy would appear on from 2004 to 2006. He soon took on another starring role on the police drama Saving Grace with Holly Hunter, playing Earl, a tough-talking, tobacco-spitting messenger from God. ~ Cammila Albertson, All Movie Guide
The edgy crime series' sophomore season charts hard-living detective Grace Hanadarko (Holly Hunter) solving myriad crimes in Oklahoma City, confronting a haunting figure from her past, and continuing her extended journey toward spiritual fulfillment with otherworldly help from her ragged "last-chance angel" (Leon Rippy). Swirling through it all: the dark memory of the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. The season opens with hell-raising antiheroine Grace finally cornering the priest (Rene Auberjonois) who molested her as a child. In other developments, Grace gains a new partner in the form of Abby Charles (Christina Ricci, in a three-episode guest arc), a single mother who helps Grace investigate a serial-killer case and a deadly drug party that involved Grace's niece. But there might be more to Abby than meets the eye. Other probes include the murder of the squad's evidence supervisor, the vanishing of a mother of two, and the slaying of a young Mexican woman in a case that brims with racial and political overtones. In another case, Grace's self-destructive, girl-gone-wild penchant surfaces yet again when she's lured to a high-profile murder suspect (Elias Koteas) with an unconventional sex life. Meanwhile, life-changing events impact Grace's coworker and off-and-on paramour, Ham (Kenneth Johnson): He's mired in a divorce and his little brother goes missing during a tour of duty in Afghanistan. On the home front, Grace's wide-eyed nephew (Dylan Minnette) joins a youth police program; and love blooms between Grace's brother-in-law (Chris Mulkey) and the local joint's new bartender (Kathy Baker). Then there's death-row inmate Leon Cooley (Bokeem Woodbine), whose spiritual bond with Grace is tested as the final hours tick away to his execution. ~ Dean Maurer, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Holly Hunter, Leon Rippy, (more)
Oscar winner Holly Hunter made her TV series debut in the gritty semi-fantasy Saving Grace. Hunter was cast as Oklahoma City police detective Grace Hanadarko, who after the death of her sister in the Murrah Building bombing of 1995 had turned her back on God and taken the first step down the road to self-destruction. Drowning her problems in booze and clouding her neuroses in cigarette smoke, Grace also degraded herself with a long line of dead-end romances, most recently with her married partner Ham Dewey (Kenny Johnson). Late one night, while driving drunk, Grace was involved in a terrible car crash. She was plucked from certain death by the enigmatic Earl (Leon Rippy) a "last chance" angel who had been giving the unenviable task of helping Grace find redemption before it was too late. Far from grateful, Grace constantly groused about Earl's unorthodox methods and the fact that she no longer had control over her own life; but little by little, our hard-bitten heroine began to turn her life around, beginning with her affectionate treatment of her late sister's troubled son, Clay (Dylan Minnette). Even so, it was hard for Grace to convince her co-workers that an angel had entered her life -- all except for forensic specialist Rhetta Rodriguez (Laura San Giacomo), a deeply religious woman who was estranged from her family because of her unwillingness to "judge" anyone. Besides Grace, the only other person able to see Earl was death-row inmate Leon Cooley (Bokeem Woodbine), who likewise had precious little time to save his own soul. Rounding out the regulars were Detective Butch Ada (Bailey Chase), former college athlete and one of Grace's discarded lovers; and Detective Bobby Stillwater (Gregory Norman Cruz), a devoted family man with a burning desire to make the world a better place (though he didn't quite know how). Saving Grace premiered July 23, 2007, on the TNT cable channel. Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Holly Hunter, Leon Rippy, (more)
(Rolling Stone) "The Best Drama on Television" is back with the third season on DVD! Timed to coincide with Father's Day, HBO will release Deadwood: The Complete Third Season DVD on June 12, 2007. Watch as the lawless era of Deadwood comes to an end. This DVD is loaded with bonus features including two featurettes, audio commentaries and more.
- Starring:
- Timothy Olyphant, Ian McShane, (more)
1877. A new day is dawning in the Black Hills outlaw camp of Deadwood. For better or worse, times are changing, and the transformation from camp to town is imminent. Unsavory new arrivals - looking to cash in on the lucrative anarchy -- and a government of outsiders usher in an era of hard decisions and brutal power struggles among the camp's founders, all learning the hard way...fortune comes with a price.
- Starring:
- Timothy Olyphant, Ian McShane, (more)
- 2005
Martha (Anna Gunn) and William Bullock (Josh Eriksson), Seth's (Timothy Olyphant) wife and son, make their way to the camp in a coach accompanied by Maddie (Alice Krige), Joanie's (Kim Dickens) new partner in an upscale brothel. In Deadwood, Seth is dealing with a shooting at the No. 10, involving a prank that went wrong. Al (Ian McShane) is angry to learn that the feds have appointed three commissioners to oversee the territory, and all of them are from Yankton. He expects Seth to be playing a prominent role in the camp's future, and is disappointed that Seth seems preoccupied with the worst-kept secret in camp -- his affair with Alma (Molly Parker). Al expresses his disappointment to Seth in the crudest terms, and from the balcony of the Gem, prompting Seth to pay a visit. Al questions Seth about why Alma is sending her gold out of town instead of putting it to use in the camp, but it's too late for rational conversation. Seth is insulted, and is determined to fight with Al. Their brutal combat is interrupted by the arrival of the coach, but not before Dan (W. Earl Brown) intervenes, prompting both Sol (John Hawkes) and Charlie (Dayton Callie) to take a run at Johnny (Sean Bridgers), who, unfortunately, wields a shotgun. Cy (Powers Boothe), meanwhile, is less than thrilled at the new arrivals in camp -- Maddie and her new whores -- and enraged that Joanie did not notify him of her plans, finding another backer for her move. "It's kill you or let you go," Cy tells her as he bitterly mulls his options. "Could I make it with you dead?" ~ Josh Ralske, All Movie Guide
- 2005
In the wake of Martha (Anna Gunn) and William's (Josh Eriksson) arrival, Seth (Timothy Olyphant) tells Alma (Molly Parker) that they must either leave the camp immediately or "remain and sever connection." He wants Alma to decide their course, and gives her a few hours to do so. Trixie (Paula Malcomson) is tending to the wounded Sol (John Hawkes), who suggests to Seth that if he left with Alma, it would be out of shame, not love. "You think shame will end when you clear the camp?" he asks. Alma confides in the tutor she's hired for Sophia (Bree Seanna Wall), Miss Isringhausen (Sarah Paulson), who suggests that Seth might not be planning to take Sophia along with them for their adventurous life on the run. Charlie (Dayton Callie), fearful of Seth's temper, tries to forestall Seth's returning to the Gem to retrieve his gun and badge. Silas (Titus Welliver) tells Al (Ian McShane) that the powers in Yankton are worried about Seth's prominence in the camp, because Seth has powerful connections in Montana, which could annex the territory instead of Dakota. Al, whose health problems extend well beyond the injuries incurred in his fight with Seth, refuses to talk to the Doc (Brad Dourif) about his difficulty passing water. Dan (W. Earl Brown), feeling increasingly threatened by Silas, picks a fight when Silas' old partner, Hawkeye (Monty Henson), arrives in camp. Later, Al reassures him, "Whatever looks ahead of grievous abominations and disorder, you and me walk into it together, like always." ~ Josh Ralske, All Movie Guide
- 2005
Al (Ian McShane) is apparently suffering from kidney stones, and his health has worsened to the point where he cannot speak. He has locked himself in his office, and writhes on the floor in agony as his minions knock and deliver news, uncertain as to what to do. Francis Wolcott (Garret Dillahunt, who played Jack McCall in season one) arrives in the camp, looking to buy gold claims, and is immediately taken for a fish by E.B. (William Sanderson), who offers to sell Wolcott the last letter written by Wild Bill Hickok, falsely claiming that it makes reference to a massive find. Maddie (Alice Krige) knows precisely who Wolcott is, and tells Joanie (Kim Dickens), who is dismayed to learn that Maddie had a hidden motive for coming to Deadwood. Wolcott is a "specialist" who has a particular fondness for one of Maddie's girls, and who has been known to become violent with whores. He is also a talented geologist in the employ of the ruthless and powerful mining magnate George Hearst, and it's clear that Maddie plans to use his perverse interests against him. Alma (Molly Parker) tells Ellsworth (Jim Beaver) that she's thinking of buying E.B.'s hotel, mainly because she despises E.B. and would like to see him out in the street. She also decides to fire Miss Isringhausen (Sarah Paulson), complaining about the young woman's "air of disapproval." Trixie (Paula Malcomson) asks Sol (John Hawkes) to teach her accounting. Wolcott enlists both E.B. and Cy (Powers Boothe) to circulate rumors about the validity of the camp's gold claims. ~ Josh Ralske, All Movie Guide
- 2005
Trixie (Paula Malcomson) is tending to Al (Ian McShane), whose condition is worsening. Doc (Brad Dourif) decides that he may have to perform surgery, which Al would stand little chance of surviving. Ellsworth (Jim Beaver) catches Wolcott (Garret Dillahunt) snooping around at Alma's (Molly Parker) claim and confronts him. Ellsworth is painfully familiar with George Hearst's operation, and makes his disposition toward Hearst quite clear. Lawrence County Commissioner Hugo Jarry (Stephen Tobolowsky) arrives from Yankton, and confirms to Cy (Powers Boothe) and Wolcott that the gold claims will be validated. Panicked prospectors are selling their claims to Cy, who is acting as a front for Hearst. When Alma notes the air of panic in the camp, Ellsworth reassures her. "Panic's easier on the back than the short-handed shovel," he jokes, before noting that Hearst's man's presence in the camp might have something to do with the rumors that have been circulating. E.B. mentions to Alma that the camp is in peril, and she coolly offers to buy his hotel, sending him into his own personal panic. Sol (John Hawkes) suggests to Seth (Timothy Olyphant) that they could use Alma's holdings as collateral to open a bank in Deadwood, but Seth doesn't want to involve Alma. Mr. Lee (Philip Moon), another of Hearst's employees, arrives in camp and makes his presence know in "Celestials' Alley," much to Wu's (Keone Young) dismay. Miss Isringhausen (Sarah Paulson), having lost her job, turns to an unlikely source for help. Carrie (Izabella Miko), the whore Wolcott likes, arrives in camp. Joanie (Kim Dickens) expresses further trepidation about Maddie's (Alice Krige) plot. ~ Josh Ralske, All Movie Guide
- 2005
Alma (Molly Parker) proposes the formation of a bank in Deadwood, with Sol (John Hawkes) as chief officer. She also has a bout of morning sickness in the presence of Sol and Ellsworth (Jim Beaver). When Sol reports the news to Seth (Timothy Olyphant), he's less than thrilled. Merrick (Jeffrey Jones) gives a very informative tour of the camp to Mary Stokes (Carla Bianchi), the new schoolteacher. When Ellsworth approaches Trixie (Paula Malcomson) to discuss Alma's predicament, she proposes an interesting solution. Al (Ian McShane), feeling stronger, holds meetings with several prominent people in camp. Trixie tells him about the bank. E.B. (William Sanderson) reluctantly tells him about the apparent partnership between Cy (Powers Boothe), Wolcott (Garret Dillahunt), and Jarry (Stephen Tobolowsky). Miss Isringhausen (Sarah Paulson) tells him the fascinating story of how Alma admitted to hiring Al to kill her husband. Al quickly recognizes that Isringhausen is working for the Pinkerton Agency. They want to pay Al to implicate Alma in Brom's death, after which they'll let him escape with their money. He asks for some time to think about it. Al also meets with Lee (Philip Moon) in an effort to gauge how much "juice" he's got. Steve (Michael Harney), angry at Seth for stopping him from tarring and feathering the innocent Fields (Franklyn Ajaye), plans his own unique form of vengeance involving the sheriff's horse. Jarry is angry at Cy because Cy didn't protect him from the angry mob. Merrick pays a price for his refusal to print Jarry's notice. Cy, perhaps realizing his advantage has slipped a bit, makes insinuations to Wolcott about his reputedly violent dealings with the whores. When Cy threatens to inform Wolcott's employer, George Hearst, Wolcott is provoked to take drastic action. ~ Josh Ralske, All Movie Guide
- 2005
Al (Ian McShane) regains consciousness, but he's in bad shape. Alma (Molly Parker) learns that she's pregnant, and, feeling that Doc (Brad Dourif) has been judgmental with her, she turns to Trixie (Paula Malcomson). Alma explains that she wants children of her own, but she has a physical deformity that could endanger her life if she tried to bear a child. Trixie later upbraids Doc about his attitude, and urges him to see Alma. Samuel Fields (Franklyn Ajaye), who calls himself the "Nigger General," arrives in camp to return a horse to Hostetler (Richard Gant), and befriends Jane (Robin Weigert) over an afternoon drink. Miss Isringhausen (Sarah Paulson) tells Silas (Titus Welliver) that she fears Alma. She claims that Alma admitted to killing her husband, and named Al as her instrument. When she then asks to meet Al, Silas moans, "Why do I feel lucky we didn't meet across a poker table?" Doris (Erica Swanson) reports to Cy (Powers Boothe), who is intrigued to learn of Wolcott's (Garret Dillahunt) disturbing activities at the Chez Amis. Jarry (Stephen Tobolowsky) gives Merrick (Jeffrey Jones) a notice about the validity of the camp's gold claims to print on the front page of the paper. Merrick, recognizing that the notice will only foster more confusion about the claims (as per Jarry's intentions), decides to dissociate his paper from the notice by simply posting it outside his office. The posting gets a number of claim holders riled up. Cy stops by and offers to buy their claims, but they're more interested in seeking revenge upon the author of the statement, Jarry. Led by Steve the Drunk (Michael Harney), the mob goes after Jarry, and when Seth (Timothy Olyphant) protects the commissioner, they turn their attention elsewhere. ~ Josh Ralske, All Movie Guide
- 2004
On the night that Sheriff Seth Bullock (Timothy Olyphant) and his friend and business partner, Sol Star (John Hawkes), plan to leave Montana for Deadwood, with plans to open a hardware store, Bullock is faced with a dilemma. He's got Clell Watson (James Parks), a horse thief due to be hanged the next morning, in his jail, and an angry mob outside that wants to kill Watson in a less orderly fashion. After dealing with the situation bravely and honorably, Seth and Sol set out a little earlier than planned. Also among the many making their way to the lawless frontier town are legendary gunfighter Wild Bill Hickok (Keith Carradine) and his cohorts, Calamity Jane (Robin Weigert) and Charlie Utter (Dayton Callie). Already making his mark in town, Whitney Ellsworth (Jim Beaver), a prospector, is talking to the owner of the Gem, Al Swearengen (Ian McShane) about his gold claim. "I don't trust you as far as I can throw you," Ellsworth, a fair judge of character, tells Al, "but I enjoy the way you lie." Al's attention is quickly diverted when one of his prostitutes, Trixie (Paula Malcolmson), guns down an abusive john. He's also involved in conning Brom Garret (Timothy Omundson), a wealthy New Yorker, into buying a seemingly worthless gold claim. Seth and Sol arrive in town, and rent a space for their store from Al, to whom Seth takes an almost immediate dislike. Bill seems eager to spend all his time losing all his money at poker to the obnoxious Jack McCall (Garret Dillahunt), but when a family is found slaughtered not far from town, presumably by Sioux, he joins Seth on a ride out to the scene of the carnage. The premiere episode of Deadwood was directed by Walter Hill (The Long Riders). ~ Josh Ralske, All Movie Guide
- 2004
Al (Ian McShane), cleaning a bloodstain off the floor of the Gem, offers some advice. "You might, Dan (W. Earl Brown), want to learn how to indicate interest in a girl without murdering another person." E.B. (William Sanderson) has murder on his mind, suggesting to Al that offing Seth (Timothy Olyphant) and Alma (Molly Parker) in their sleep might be the best way to gain control of Alma's gold claim. But then smallpox vaccine arrives in the camp, along with news of a probable treaty with the Sioux, and Al, sensing a change of times, preaches patience. "We are about to be swimming in money," he tells E.B. Alma, having taken Trixie's (Paula Malcolmson) words to heart, is ready to accept E.B.'s bid and return with the girl (Breeseanna Wall) to New York, but Seth insists on assaying her claim first. Ellsworth (Jim Beaver) is just the man to do it, but at the claim, he lets Seth get far enough ahead of him that he can say to Dan, "If I'm to get my throat cut...I'd rather not exert myself further." With Dan's reassurance, Ellsworth points out a rich vein of gold to Seth. Trixie, meanwhile, has apparently decided that her prospects for continued survival in Deadwood are poor. On returning to camp, Seth meets with Al, who tells him, "If a treaty is signed, it'd be wise for you and me to paddle in the same direction." Seth wants Al to guarantee Alma's safety, and he does. Flora (Kristen Bell), knowing that Cy (Powers Boothe) suspects her, convinces Miles (Greg Cipes) that it's time for them to make their move. Joanie (Kim Dickens) tries to protect her, but as Cy puts it to one dismayed onlooker, "You could help your delicate sensibilities by turning the f*ck away." ~ Josh Ralske, All Movie Guide
- 2004
Seth (Timothy Olyphant) and Charlie (Dayton Callie) manage to track down Jack McCall (Garret Dillahunt). After dealing with him, they head back to Deadwood. A young brother and sister, Miles (Greg Cipes) and pretty Flora (Kristen Bell of Veronica Mars), arrive in town, looking for their long-absent father. Unable to find him, Miles takes a job sweeping up at the Gem from an unusually generous Al (Ian McShane). Dan (W. Earl Brown) takes a particular interest in Flora, as does Joanie (Kim Dickens), when Flora makes her way across the street to look for her father at the Bella Union. Surprisingly, while she declined to take work as a prostitute at the Gem, she seems willing to have Joanie take her under her wing. Al calls Trixie (Paula Malcolmson) back to the Gem after noticing Alma's (Molly Parker) apparent sobriety on her way to her husband's funeral. Trixie admits to helping Alma get off dope, claiming it was for the sake of the little girl (Breeseanna Wall). E.B. (William Sanderson) finally realizes that Al wants Alma's claim back because there's gold there, and convinces Al to offer him a percentage to get Alma to sell. Andy (Zach Grenier) has nearly fully recovered thanks to the ministrations of Doc (Brad Dourif) and Smith (Ray McKinnon), but mostly thanks to Jane (Robin Weigert). He returns to the Bella Union to get his things, but rejects Cy's (Powers Boothe) offer to start working together again. Seth returns to town. Having been unable to find someone to assay Alma's claim, he decides to ask Al for a recommendation. "Get his opinion, too," Sol (John Hawkes) tells Seth, "who should guard that henhouse we're gonna build." Trixie angrily confronts Alma about putting her own desires above the welfare of the child. ~ Josh Ralske, All Movie Guide
- 2004
Seth (Timothy Olyphant) is out looking for Jack McCall when he's ambushed and nearly killed by a Sioux warrior. Later, Charlie (Dayton Callie), returning from Cheyenne, finds Seth, and Seth gives him the bad news about Bill. Charlie had already heard rumors, but tells Seth, "As often as he wasn't before, I'd hoped he wasn't this time, too." Back in Deadwood, Al (Ian McShane) has a customer with smallpox, and after conferring with Doc (Brad Dourif) and Cy (Powers Boothe), he calls a town meeting at the Gem to discuss the impending crisis. After seeing how she cared for Andy (Zach Grenier) without becoming infected, Doc asks Jane (Robin Weigert) to join Reverend Smith (Ray McKinnon) (who is suffering his own ailment) in helping care for the sick. E.B. (William Sanderson) manages to get Trixie (Paula Malcolmson) away from Alma (Molly Parker) long enough to get a good look at the widow, and recognize that she is not high. He relays this information to Al, who is uninterested in what might motivate Trixie to deceive him ("I'd rather try touching the moon than take on a whore's thinking"), but warns her that she'll pay if the widow doesn't keep using. Joanie (Kim Dickens) meets Ellsworth (Jim Beaver) when he stops into the Bella Union and tells her about his gold claim. When she isn't put off by his profanity, Ellsworth tells her, "Thank you for allowing me my full range of expression." When Cy later catches her discouraging Ellsworth from gambling all his money away, he expresses his frustration with her recent moodiness. "That's the way I always wanna touch you, just like that," he tells her, gently stroking her cheek. "Don't make me do it different." ~ Josh Ralske, All Movie Guide
- 2004
Wild Bill Hickok is dead, and the people of Deadwood prepare to try the man who murdered him, Jack McCall (Garret Dillahunt). Discussing the "hoople-heads," Al (Ian McShane) tells Cy (Powers Boothe), "Sometimes I wish we could just hit 'em over the head, rob 'em, and throw their bodies in the creek." Cy sardonically replies, "But that would be wrong." Al is worried about trying and possibly executing McCall in town, because it might irk some people in Washington to see Deadwood enforcing its own laws. Still, he agrees to hold the trial at the Gem, while making his view of things clear to the judge. Seth (Timothy Olyphant) struggles to keep his anger in check until a verdict comes down. Alma (Molly Parker), upset with Jane (Robin Weigert) for abandoning her while she cares for the girl (Breeseanna Wall), asks E.B. (William Sanderson) to help her find someone to replace Jane. E.B. goes to Al, and, informing him of the widow's laudanum habit, suggests that Trixie (Paula Malcolmson) could help Alma with the child, while encouraging her along in her habits. Cy, worried about Andy (Zach Grenier) scaring or infecting his customers, has him brought out into the woods and left to die, angering Joanie (Kim Dickens). Doc (Brad Dourif) threatens to spread word of smallpox unless Cy sends someone to Fort Kearney to obtain vaccine. Jane finds Andy in the woods. At trial, McCall testifies that Bill murdered his brother sometime back; he's not quite sure when. After Bill's funeral, Reverend Smith (Ray McKinnon) has a seizure. ~ Josh Ralske, All Movie Guide
- 2004
As Smith's (Ray McKinnon) health continues to deteriorate, Doc Cochran (Brad Dourif) goes to Al (Ian McShane) for help. Doc also delivers a new boot to Jewel (Geri Jewell). Claggett (Marshall Bell) arrives back in camp, accompanied by General Crook (Peter Coyote) and a cavalry division. Claggett claims that he never made it back to Yankton, depriving Silas (Titus Welliver) of a chance to murder him on Al's behalf. Al tells Claggett that he's not getting any more money for the murder warrant. Claggett accuses him of "failure to value your freedom in the promising days ahead," to which Al ripostes, inimitably, "Maybe you don't value keeping your guts inside your belly enough." Still, Al is hesitant to act against Claggett with the military in camp. Leon (Larry Cedar) and sheriff Con Stapleton (Peter Jason) are involved in the suspicious killing of a Chinese laundryman. When Otis (William Russ) attempts to blackmail Alma (Molly Parker) for a continuing interest in her gold claim, she reluctantly turns to Seth (Timothy Olyphant) for help. After a somewhat heated encounter with Otis, Seth decides to involve Dan (W. Earl Brown) and Al in the increasingly ugly matter. ~ Josh Ralske, All Movie Guide
- 2004
Seth (Timothy Olyphant) is not happy in his new post as health commissioner. He proposes a town dump and infirmary to the mayor, E.B. (William Sanderson), whose lack of interest sends Seth to make his case to the media, in the form of A.W. Merrick (Jeffrey Jones). Seth is also looking into purchasing another piece of property in camp. Smith's (Ray McKinnon) health continues to deteriorate. He seems soothed by the music of the new piano at the Gem, but Al is forced to throw him out to keep him from humiliating himself. Doc (Brad Dourif) explains that the reverend has a tumor, and there's nothing to be done. Joanie (Kim Dickens) tells Eddie (Ricky Jay) that she doesn't want to take Cy's (Powers Boothe) money for her new place. Eddie offers to steal from Cy to back her himself. One of Mr. Wu's (Keone Young) couriers is killed and robbed of some dope that was meant for Al's (Ian McShane) business. Al agrees to help Wu track down and punish the thieves. Soon enough, he determines that a dope fiend in his employ, Jimmy Irons (Dean Rader-Duval), collaborated on the murder/robbery with one of Cy's underlings, Leon (Larry Cedar). This presents a dilemma for Al. As he explains to Wu, if he turns over two white men for one dead Chinese, "When they finish stringing you up, they'll come get me." Al goes to Cy for advice, but Cy is unsympathetic. Because Cy doesn't have to maintain a business relationship with Wu, he "can stand on principle." In other words, as Cy puts it, "A white dope fiend is still white." Al has more trouble when Magistrate Claggett's bagman, Silas Adams (Titus Welliver), arrives from Yankton with a demand for more money to make Al's murder warrant disappear. ~ Josh Ralske, All Movie Guide
- 2004
Magistrate Claggett (Marshall Bell) arrives in Deadwood from Yankton to speak with Al (Ian McShane) about the government's plans for the camp. Claggett tells Al that it could work out so that a citizen can have title to any land by simple usage, and suggests that some sort of ad hoc government in the town might help their cause. Al just wants to know who to bribe, and how much, and Claggett gives him a list, adding that a warrant's reached Yankton charging Al with a murder in Chicago. Claggett is willing to quash the warrant for a price. And so, Al gathers the camps leaders at the Gem to appoint government positions, and determine how funds will be raised to pay the bribes. E.B. (William Sanderson) nominates himself for mayor, while Seth raises his hand for health commissioner (to avoid being chosen for sheriff), and Charlie (Dayton Callie), who's just opened up his freight and delivery service, ends up the fire commissioner. Sol (John Hawkes) also makes note that Trixie (Paula Malcolmson) has returned to the Gem, and goes back there to see her later. Eddie (Ricky Jay) and Joanie (Kim Dickens) are both upset with Cy (Powers Boothe) over how he dealt with Flora and Miles. Joanie makes plans to open her own brothel in town, with Cy's backing. While looking for a place, she runs into Charlie, who is also nervous about his new business. Smith's (Ray McKinnon) health continues to deteriorate, and he finally goes to see the doc (Brad Dourif). Seth tells Alma (Molly Parker) about his family. Jane (Robin Weigert), inebriated, rejects Charlie's job offer, and expresses a desire to leave the camp. "I will not be a drunk where he's buried," she tells Charlie, "and I cannot stay f*cking sober." ~ Josh Ralske, All Movie Guide
- 2004
Forget Gunsmoke and Bonanza. The HBO series Deadwood was as close to the "real thing" as any Western fan was ever going to see on television -- and in its pursuit of reality, the series was not afraid of smashing icons or skewering sacred cows. Could anything less be expected of executive producer David Milch (NYPD Blue)? The series began its story in 1876, two weeks after Custer's demise at the Little Big Horn, and in the midst of "gold fever" brought about by a major ore strike in the Black Hills of Dakota Territory. Into the wide-open and illegal settlement of Deadwood rode a terrifying variety of hard-bitten men and hard-living women. Keith Carradine headed the cast (at least in the early episodes) as gunfighter and Indian scout Wild Bill Hickok -- not the clean-cut hero of movie and TV fame, but an embittered, disillusioned, cold-hearted killer who trusted no one, least of all himself. Traveling to Deadwood with old friend Charlie Utter (Dayton Callie) and devoted, foul-mouthed sidekick Calamity Jane (Robin Weigert), Hickok quickly met and befriended former lawman Seth Bullock (Timothy Olyphant), the archetypal man with a past who held out hope (but not much) that Deadwood would permit him a new start in life. The destinies of both Hickok and Bullock were gradually intertwined with that of self-styled town boss Al Swearengen (Ian McShane), the manipulative, cheerfully decadent owner of Deadwood's biggest "saloon," the Gem. Several major and minor characters passed through Deadwood, some for a long time, some only as long as it took to be shot down in the street. One of the more fascinating peripheral characters was gimlet-eyed cardsharp Eddie Sawyer, well played by real-life magician and master card manipulator Ricky Jay. Festooned with sex, sadism, sudden death, rampant profanity, and mud, mud, mud, Deadwood was not your father's "cowboy" show. The series drew huge ratings and enthusiastic critical plaudits from the moment it made its first appearance on March 21, 2004 -- and within a few weeks of this debut, all audience expectations were dashed to bits when one of the series' "stars" paid homage to historical accuracy by being abruptly killed off. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Timothy Olyphant, Ian McShane, (more)
- 2004
Bill's (Keith Carradine) luck has taken a turn. In a poker game at the new Bella Union, he cleans out Jack McCall (Garret Dillahunt), who does not take it well, even after Bill kindly gives him a dollar to get some food. Seth (Timothy Olyphant), busy building the hardware store, tells Bill that once things are settled, he'll send for his wife and son. Dan (W. Earl Brown) brings Brom's body back to town. Alma (Molly Parker) demands to have Doc Cochran (Brad Dourif) examine the body for signs of foul play. The doc refuses to speculate as to how Brom's head injuries were incurred, urging her to return to New York. Farnum (William Sanderson), on orders from Al (Ian McShane), who's learned of the claim's real worth, offers to buy it from Alma, further flaming her suspicions. She goes to Bill for advice, and he pays a visit to Al. After giving Al the impression that he can be bought, Bill returns to Alma, and recommends Seth (Timothy Olyphant) as a trustworthy person to investigate her claim. Ellsworth (Jim Beaver), who witnessed the "accident," asks Dan to alert him if he's in any danger. Andy Cramed (Zach Grenier) arrives at the Bella Union, trying to conceal a serious illness from his partners, Cy (Powers Boothe) and Eddie (Ricky Jay), but revealing to Joanie (Kim Dickens) that he's very ill, and that it's probably not a good idea to touch him. Alma, guilt-ridden, explains to Jane (Robin Weigert) that she only married Brom to help her father with his debts. Charlie (Dayton Callie), before he leaves for Cheyenne, tries once more to steer Bill off his path of self-destruction. "Can you let me go to hell the way I want to?" Bill pleads. ~ Josh Ralske, All Movie Guide
"Welcome to Deadwood...a hell of a place to make your fortune." These are the words that serve as greeting for saddle-weary former lawman Seth Bullock (Timothy Olyphant) as he rides into the illegal Dakota Territory settlement of Deadwood, a scant few weeks after Custer's defeat at the Little Big Horn. Before long, Bullock makes the acquaintance of another displaced Westerner, the cynical, burnt-out gunslinger Wild Bill Hickok (Keith Carradine) -- and not long after that, both men have had their first run-in with town boss Al Swearengen (Ian McShane), the confident, corrupt owner of the Gem Saloon (an establishment largely populated by flint-hearted whores). Thus begins season one of the iconoclastic HBO Western series Deadwood, arguably the most realistic program of its kind ever seen on American television. In the 11 episodes that follow the season opener, a group of vicious outlaws tries to foment another Indian war; Swearengen's status as the lord of the flies on the Deadwood dungheap is challenged by a Chicago "syndicate" (yes, they had them as far back as 1876); a valuable land claim held by feisty, wealthy frontierswoman Alma Garret (Molly Parker) becomes the focus of a deadly serious power struggle; the notorious Black Jack McCall (Garret Dillahunt) kills Hickok during a poker game (quite a jolt, to knock off one of the series' main characters so early in the game!); Deadwood is ravaged by an epidemic, during which the rambunctious but compassionate Calamity Jane (Robin Weigert) becomes a legend; Bullock is marked for death after bringing a murderer to heel; Swearengen is double-crossed by duplicitous "working girl" Trixie (Paula Malcomson); the town's criminal element tries to block annexation of the Dakotas, which would bring much-despised law and order to the territory; a minister finds himself less welcome in town than an opium dealer; and at season's end, Seth Bullock becomes Deadwood's official sheriff -- a position that offers neither job security nor much chance for survival. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Timothy Olyphant, Ian McShane, (more)
- 2004
Al (Ian McShane) is upset when a new brothel, the Bella Union, opens up across the street. He goes over to meet the proprietor, Cy Tolliver (Powers Boothe), along with the woman who runs his whores, Joanie Stubbs (Kim Dickens), and the man who runs his gaming operation, Eddie Sawyer (Ricky Jay). Al expresses his concerns about the overlap, but Cy casually dismisses them, explaining that the more upscale Bella Union offers a "different atmosphere" from the Gem. Al, unsatisfied, tries to find out who betrayed him by arranging the sale. E.B. Farnum (William Sanderson), who owns the hotel, and brokered the sale for profit, is understandably worried about his continued health. Brom (Timothy Omundson) tells Bill (Keith Carradine) and Charlie (Dayton Callie) about how Al duped him. Bill explains that there's little he can do about it, and Charlie notes that there was a large stain on the floor of his hotel room when he checked in, noting of the fella who sold Brom the claim, "He may have checked out short a useful amount of blood." Charlie, planning to leave for Cheyenne, and worried about Bill, tries to arrange a dinner with Seth (Timothy Olyphant) and Sol (John Hawkes), while they continue negotiations to buy their plot from Al so that they can begin building their store. Brom refuses to accept his losses and leave town, despite Alma's (Molly Parker) concerns. He confronts Al directly, demanding his money back. Al, pleading ignorance, but worried that Brom will call in the Pinkertons, offers to refund Brom's money if Dan (W. Earl Brown) and Brom thoroughly "reconnoiter the rim" of his claim, and find no trace of gold. "Make it look like an accident," Al advises Dan before the two set out. ~ Josh Ralske, All Movie Guide
- 2004
With Ned Mason killed by Bill (Keith Carradine) and Seth (Timothy Olyphant), it seems clear that the Metz family was killed by road agents, and not Sioux. Al (Ian McShane) knows that the trail could lead back to him, and calls in Ned's brother, Tom (Nick Offerman), and his partner, Persimmon Phil (Joe Chrest), to discuss the matter. Worried about Bill's influence on Deadwood, Al tries to convince Tom to avenge his brother's death. Al is also concerned about what the little girl (Breeseanna Wall) will say if she regains consciousness, so while Doc Cochran (Brad Dourif) is tending to his whores, Al pays a visit to the doc's, where Jane (Robin Weigert) has been left to stand guard over the child. Sensing Jane's fear of him, Al warns her not to interfere with him. "If I take a knife to you," he says, "you'll be scared worse and a long time dying." Al sees that the girl is now awake, and dispatches his underling Dan Dority (W. Earl Brown) to deal with the situation. Doc, meanwhile, is also dispensing laudanum to Alma Garret (Molly Parker), who seems to have developed a dangerous habit. Her husband, Brom (Timothy Omundson), after an encounter near his claim with Ellsworth (Jim Beaver), realizes that he's been duped, and suspects Al. He decides to go to Bill for help. Sol (John Hawkes) tries to negotiate to buy their plot for the store, but Seth's temper, and Al's paranoia about their connection to Bill hamper his efforts. Charlie (Dayton Callie) encourages Seth's budding friendship with Bill, telling Seth that while he shares many traits with Bill, Seth also somehow manages to "get along with people, turn a dollar, look out for yourself." ~ Josh Ralske, All Movie Guide
The mystery of one man's guilt or innocence literally becomes a matter of life and death in this drama. David Gale (Kevin Spacey) was the head of the philosophy department at Austin University and the author of several well-regarded books; he was also an active and visible member of Deathwatch, an anti-capital punishment activist group. One of Gale's best friends was Constance Harraway (Laura Linney), a fellow Deathwatch activist with whom he became especially close, particularly since Gale's wife, Sharon (Elizabeth Gast), who had taken a lover in Spain, was usually absent. One night, Gale was seduced by an attractive student from his class, Berlin (Rhona Mitra), who had too much to drink; later, the remorseful student accused Gale of rape. While Gale was eventually cleared of the charges, the negative publicity cost him his career as an educator, and with no job and no wife, Gale turned to drink. When Harraway was found raped and murdered a few years later, Gale was charged with the crime, and convicted despite the best efforts of his well-meaning but ineffectual lawyer Braxton Belyeu (Leon Rippy). Now Gale awaits execution, and less than a week before his date with the fatal injection, Gale agrees to tell his story to Bitsey Bloom (Kate Winslet), a nervy journalist from a major newsmagazine, who arrives with her assistant, Zack Stemmons (Gabriel Mann). As Bloom discusses the facts of the Harraway murder with Gale, it occurs to her that the details simply don't add up, and soon a mysterious stranger slips evidence to her that suggests Gale has been framed -- leaving Bloom and Stemmons only a few days to solve the mystery and save Gale from the executioner. The Life of David Gale was co-produced by actor Nicolas Cage, who originally commissioned the script and intended to star in the film before prior commitments led him to hand the project over to director Alan Parker. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Kevin Spacey, Kate Winslet, (more)
- 2003
Threesomes, romantic triangles, and even polygamy intersect in the lives of the Fisher family when they're asked to bury Daddy (Leon Rippy), the patriarch of a commune known as "The People." Nate (Peter Krause) and Ruth (Frances Conroy) both find themselves charmed by Daddy's unorthodox clan -- Nate by one of his daughters and Ruth by one of his wives. Meanwhile, Keith (Mathew St. Patrick) and David (Michael C. Hall) bring an unconventional element into their own union: Sarge (Josh Stamberg), a burly hunk who ends up in their bed after an afternoon of paintball and an evening of hard drinking. Claire (Lauren Ambrose) isn't quite so willing to share her man; she freaks out when she suspects there may be something going on between her boyfriend, Russell (Ben Foster), and her Machiavellian art professor, Olivier (Peter MacDissi). By these standards, Ruth's furtive crush on intern Arthur (Rainn Wilson) seems downright wholesome, although her feelings don't remain hidden for long once she starts kissing him. Lisa, however, is perfectly capable of keeping a secret, and she does so after meeting Brenda (Rachel Griffiths) under an assumed name by posing as a massage client and picking her brain. Originally broadcast April 20, 2003, on HBO, "Tears, Bones and Desire" marked season three, episode eight of the made-for-cable drama. ~ Brian J. Dillard, All Movie Guide
