Many complained
about the pacing of “Hell on Wheels” when it was first released, which is
something I don’t exactly agree with. Compared to some of the best western
television series of the past, this one seems on-par with what I would have
expected. It may not have the same punch as HBO’s “Deadwood,” but it plays
somewhere between that and “Lonesome Dove.” Violence and death is certainly not
shied away from, even if there is also a slow enough pace for the realism of
the setting to take precedence over the spectacle. If anything, it isn't as slow as "Mad Men."
Season three
shows some of the biggest shifts in the narrative since the pilot episode, with
the season finale of season two resulting in the death of a major character and
the removal of several others. Opening with an uncharacteristic winter
sequence, we gradually return into the world of the railway with its new
leader, Cullen Bohannan (Anson Mount). Despite his departure, Thomas Durant
(Colm Meaney) remains a constant threat to Bohannan and the railroad,
determined to win back his prestigious place in the making of history.
With the early
departure of Lily Bell at the end of season two, Bohannan becomes singularly
obsessed with the construction of the railroad. Despite the help of Elam
Ferguson (Common) and being in a place of power, this is more difficult a task
than ever before. On top of competing with Durant and his scheming, the crew
has to worry about the Indian Territory they
are passing through. There are also Mormon settlers in the railway’s path who
are more willing to kill than they are to leave their homes.
There are ten
more episodes in season three, leaving the storyline in a cliffhanger that is
sure to switch up the narrative and power struggle between Bohannan and Durant
once again. All ten episodes and extras are included in this three-disc DVD
set. There are a few throwaway extras, such as a season two recap and a summary
of season three, as well as occasionally impressive featurettes for each of the
episodes and four behind-the-scenes featurettes.
Entertainment Value:
8.5/10
Quality of
Filmmaking: 8/10
Historical
Significance: 7/10
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