Infierno sobre ruedas

Clearly this series is aiming for a mythical aura, and for me it has achieved that thus far over the first 3 episodes. I doubt I have ever seen such a beautifully shot TV show anywhere, and yet I am not sure how a series on AMC can afford to look this good given how their resources have to be spread over so many episodes. (For brief moments, this looks like DAYS OF HEAVEN.) Yet this is not merely a visual feast, it is one that attempts to delve into a critical juncture in American history, right after the end of the Civil War, a point of no return if there ever was one. The tropes here are familiar: rebels who have never really surrendered (THE SEARCHERS) and railroads leading the encroachment of civilization on a pristine wilderness (ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST). All of the contradictions of the USA in a peripatetic microcosm, a moving city with prostitutes and evangelicals practically living on top of each other. (No pun intended.) And then there is the corruption driving the whole project forward. None of this is new, but it always depends on the presentation with the Western. They present it beautifully in this case. I'm hooked.

Hell on Wheels is a gritty and exciting western that takes place right after the Civil War ended. It follows former Confederate soldier Cullen Bohannon (Anson Mount) who can't seem to put the way behind him. He wife was killed by Union Soldiers and he sets out on revenge. It also follows the construction of the first transcontinental railroad. This all takes place in a lawless town called Hell on Wheels. I never watched it when it was originally on and thought I'd finally give it a chance after hearing so many great things about it and I'm so glad I did. I binged the entire series in just a few weeks and it was worth every second. It's one of the more underrated shows ever!

This show has it all- two hard-as-nails, but flawed protagonists, sleazy politicians, a slick railroad tycoon staying one step ahead of the legalities, grit, sex, humor, and of course, the Fair Haired Maiden of the West. The characters are deep and intense, although occasionally caricatured to the point of cartoonish. Their is something of a realism to their good-bad pendulum: the good guys are mostly good, but show some real bad, too. The bad guys are cursed with feelings and emotions that are sometimes fragile. They elicit something close to sympathy.

If you like action, this show has more than most. Shooting, killing, hard-working, rough and tumble action that keeps you riveted and keeps the show fresh. It even has a guy who gets shot point blank in the mouth and lives.

The storyline is itself relatively simple. Good guy out for revenge for the murder of his wife and son. The acting is generally decent, certainly not Shakespearean, but with heart and charm. It's the portrayal of the characters that really keeps the show pumping.

By the way, did I mention sex? Not graphic, but pervasive. Prostitutes here, prostitutes their, prostitutes everywhere. You will definitely hear your share of grunts and howls. Is it possible to show whores groveling with the johns in the mud, but in a tasteful, non-slutty sort-of way? I think they achieved just that.

In all, Hell On Wheels is a slick, witty, well crafted yarn, edgy enough for our modern times, but rooted in enough historical interest for lovers of westerns.

If you are squeamish and don't like harsh and realistic violence, give this a miss. This show is not for the faint hearted.

The violence though, is not overdone IMO and gives the viewer a likely realistic view of what happened in the Wild West with no holds barred.

Cullen Bohannan is the lead character in the series and he is played brilliantly by Anson Mount with his brooding good looks and fearless portrayal of a man trying a avenge the murder of his wife near the end of the Cival War.

So many characters make this a stand out series and I look forward to each episode.

The story of Hell On Wheels may not be original or anything new but it is brilliantly put together and does not hold back where it needs to.

The best show of 2011 for me and I hope it continues for more than one season.

After Deadwood (HBO)stopped being aired I was DEVASTATED. I love watching the "modern" western. When I saw that AMC had a new series Hell on Wheels I watched the first episode and wasn't so sure I'd like it. I was torn with a few of the characters and wasn't sure things meshed together but I watched the second episode and by the 3rd I was hooked! I just finished the season and am DYING for next season to get started. Some of the scenery is breathtaking and the musical score during the Indian battle with Cullen, Elam and the Union soldiers (when the Indians stole their horses) was absolutely mesmerizing. I think it's a great show and will only improve with time!! I'm a fan. For sure.