These are my thoughts based on Mr. Milch waxing nostalgic on the Deadwood extra content found on the DVD set as we get a walk through by Mr. Milch of the now abandoned set, and his thoughts on the production ending as it did or didn't! Oh and a bit of wisdom concerning endings being overrated. Thanks David for that piece of wisdom now if only you could get Mr Shawn Ryan's phone number for a proper introduction in the power of endings to a series (i.e. The Shield). Oh and don't lay on me anything that defends the non ending because Deadwood really existed. Yes many of these characters existed but this wasn't a biopic, and there was a great deal of artistic licensing taken in the story's of this series. Now onward and upward with my thoughts. :D

I have to say that I am not grateful to have had 3 seasons of Deadwood only to be jerked around in the end by David Milch & HBO. I know David Milch acts as if this was more of an HBO decision than his but I don't fully buy that. Of course he's going to say it wasn't him, and I've read the defense of David Milch by I believe it was Jim Beaver, and while I don't want to judge the character of the actor whom I don't know personally, I 'm not going to take his word because he played a likable character. Also I think that an actor hoping to be considered for future roles by Mr. Milch wouldn't want speak ill of him openly, and it may even be beneficial to have been a mouth piece for Mr. Milch. Ian McShane certainly didn't come to the defense of David Milch, and knew that there was more Milch should've, and could've done to end it properly but that's history now. The beauty of HBO & Milch's decision to end a fantastic show like they did was to replace it with one of the most stunning, flaming piece of junk compared to Deadwood that they could've had. This brilliant decision and the pathetic enthusiasm for a show that bombed right out of the gate was absolutely one of the worst calls made by the network. HBO replacing Deadwood with a show that couldn't hold a candle to it, and today HBO is still feeling the effects of a moronic decision they made in cancelling Deadwood. Showtime is now the pay channel with critically acclaimed programs that are fantastic, and HBO has been stumbling ever since having only recently recovered a bit with True Blood. The fact is HBO was looking for Soprano's ratings for every new program and the reality of it is that their customers weren't cancelling their subscriptions, HBO doesn't make money off commercials, and yet they cancel a critically acclaimed series for John From Cincinnati all the while lying to Deadwood fans promising movies knowing they weren't going to deliver. HBO and Milch's credibility with fans was tanked, empty, over and out from this, and they were rewarded with a series that was rejected and drove fans away from the channel. It never made sense if they weren't going to do it then they should've been up front with that but ended up doing more damage to the network. HBO & Milch's failure with John From Cincinnati should've lead them to do some goodwill with fan base and do the Deadwood movies but they just brushed Deadwood aside by ignoring it until it became painfully obvious they weren't going to do it.

So no I'm not glad that I got 3 seasons of a series I enjoyed greatly only to stop it suddenly and not give it a proper ending. They strung fans along so that they would give John From Cincinnati a look, and not completely tick fans off which they did anyway. The Deadwood series was amazing, and of course it wasn't without its flaws one of which was the incessant use of expletives that was squeezed into every line spoken, at least that's my opinion, and yet aside from that it had some of the most interesting characters and stories on TV. It was a bad decision in hindsight, HBO and David Milch lead the fans on knowing that they weren't going to finish it, and they were wrong for it. To those fans of John From Cincinnati I'm sorry if I offended you about that show but it was just my opinion, and obviously from the quick drop off of viewers a lot others felt the same, but hey to each their own we like what we like.

I feel that what they did needs to be said for the series, and those responsible for killing it should take responsibility for it and not play the blame game after a very bad decision that cost the network and Milch for it. Entourage and the new show True Blood are the only shows that are really good on HBO now, and I'm not sure how many more seasons of Entourage there is going to be but as far as I'm concerned they could have that on the air for the next 5 years and I'd still be watching it because it's that good. We'll see what HBO has in the future but I believe the Deadwood fiasco cost them some loyal customers when it comes to original programming and of course that's my opinion whether you agree or not. I'm glad to have a voice and a place to freely express my opinion, and as always I welcome the opinion of others whether they concur or have differing view. That's all, I'm done for now, and thanks for listening to me rant. Take care.

Peace To All

Dear Mr. Milch,

As I recently thought about the up coming new season of shows for 2007 I am sad to again realize that we won't have the one of the most acclaimed shows on TV because of you. In your eagerness to get your new show going you sacrificed Deadwood to get what you wanted, and turn down an abbreviated season for a two, two hour movies to tie up the show story. But what I find pathetic about this mess is that recently you made a plea to Deadwood fans to not turn their back on your new series due out on HBO," John From Cincinnati", in retribution for your part in killing Deadwood. But Mr. Milch I say to you, why would anyone want to invest themselves into your new series only to be possibly let down in the future for your lack of loyalty to the fans in finishing what you started in the first place. I have no desire to get involved in your shows storyline, its characters, or anything only to be possibly disappointed by you again, and whatever better deal would drag you away from what you started. You should've finished Deadwood, and that should've been a priority, but no word yet. So, before you ask that we give you and your new show a chance then demonstrate to us why we should, and give us something definitive concerning Deadwood, at least act like you care. You've offended a lot of Deadwood fans for the way you allowed the show to be cancelled without a fight, or without making it a priority, and talking up your new show in the process. Well, this is one viewer that you lost until you finish what you started, no "John From Cincinnati", will be playing on my TV until you get serious about Deadwood. Take care.

 

 

Peace To All.

What comes around goes around, and around again. Def Leppard has weathered the storm of the mid 90's where they were all but snubbed, and pushed aside by radio as well as other entertainment outlets as being old news, and out dated. Yet they soldiered on continued to release albums with moderate success. 1992's Adrenalize went straight to number 1 upon release with one of The Lep's longest tours that followed. While still playing in the round they still packed in the crowds even though Adrenalize didn't garner the success of Hysteria, still sales were good but not what was expected. The death of Steve Clark would prove to be a heart felt loss as some have attributed the heart and soul of Leppard's staple mark sound in some of their biggest hits and most memorable riff's to Steve Clark. Vivian Cambell, a very able axe man filled his slot, and has done a wonderful job. Yet since his death that level of success has yet to be revisited, but I would have to say that there is more to that than just the loss of Steve Clark. Leppard's sound by far has always been a group effort, and the fact is that for Def Leppard the 90's had just seen them go out of style, and as a result it wasn't cool to be into Def Leppard. As a fan of Def Leppard since 1981 I have had the distinct pleasure to follow their career pretty much from the beginning of their professional releases here in The USA. I remember hearing On Through The Night thanks to my older brother, and High & Dry thereafter, and I was hooked. Def Leppard was the band to be at the time, as they had yet to experience the mega success that was to come with Pyromania. Then in 1983 Pyromania was released, and along with a line up change which absolutely proved to be for the better of the band with the exit of Pete Willis, and the addition of Phil Collen. Def Leppard became successful, yes, but they became more than that, so much more. They became a trend setting band that redefined rock, and helped to resuscitate a stale rock sound. They broke new ground, and shortly thereafter the copy cats came, and Def Leppard went. The Lep's went into the studio and after 4 years of a well documented time with the loss of a limb, Rick Allen's left arm, to being without a producer for a time, and other woes that came, Def Leppard emerged from the flames in 1987 as a Phoenix rises so did The Lep's. Rick Allen effectively learned to drum with one arm using a special kit that allowed him to utilize his left foot with newly developed foot pedals in place of his left arm. Mutt Lange rejoined the project and helped to produce another ground breaking mega success. The Lep's embarked on a world tour that would see them playing in the round utilizing a stage in the middle of the arena effectively with four front rows. Hysteria more then surpassed it predecessor, Pyromania, and again Leppard set the standard, raised the bar if you will, proved themselves leaders of the pack. And once again came the copy cats that looked to cash in on Lep's successful sound and saturated the airwaves with their much weaker version of Def Leppard's sound. In the mid 90's Def Leppard tried a different approach to their sound, a more stripped down rawer sound, that was critically well received but unfortunately didn't catch on with the fans. Def Leppard having returned to their signature sound along with the music trend becoming more friendly to the Lep's style of rock, began to propel them back into the limelight. Today after having re-released a more comprehensive and expanded version of their hits packaged as Rock Of Ages "The Definitive Collection", along with and extensive summer tour of minor league stadiums with Bryan Adams, Def Leppard star is on the rise again. A change in management, and now we see Def Leppard on TV; late show, VH1 award show, another award show on Spike TV. The Lep's are preparing for the release of a new album in the early part of "06", along with another tour to follow. With Def Leppard being so busy it signals bigger and better things on the horizon, and they know it. They have wisely changed management to give themselves what appears to be a fresh injection of new life. With new management that concentrates on them and works to get them the exposure needed to promote their albums, and tours, Def Leppard can concentrate on creating the music we've come to love, and hopefully performing the music at an arena near me, and near you. For what exact reasons they changed management is unknown, but it seems that it's been the right move, and I for one am glade to see it. I believe that making the hard decisions for Leppard will be the thing that proves the pay off, and leaving their management of 20 some odd years was probably a difficult decision, but if what we've seen recently is as a result of new management then the decision is proving to be wise one. Def Leppard is a great band that still has so much more to give, and the best is yet to come. Expect great things from Def Leppard because I firmly believe they have great things in the offering.