Hell on Wheels: L'Enfer de l'Ouest

Hell on Wheels not only met my expectations but exceeded them in every way. I'm a big fan of westerns and even though this isn't your traditional western, it still falls into the western genre. The best compliment I can give it is as a big western fan it's actually one of the better western tv shows I've ever seen. Anson Mount is absolutely perfect for this role and does such a terrific job as the lead. I'm actually mad at myself for putting it off for as long as I did. If you're a western fan like myself and you haven't watched this yet then do yourself a favor and go watch it as soon as possible. You won't be disappointed. Just make sure you leave yourself enough time because you're going to want to binge it as fast as you can.

Watching this has reminded me of a series of Brutal Western stories I used to read by George G. Gilman called Edge.

Add to that is is reminiscent of my days as a Civl War reenactor.

They've hit the period history right between the eyes.

They have also portrayed the Corruption and the beauty of the times. The Scenes in Kansas are as good as it gets on the small screen. . The west made for hard people, or dead ones. And the writers and directors have pulled no punches in portraying things as they were. The Harlots don't look like they live in downtown Las Vegas, and the Protagenist makes mistakes.

This series has shown extreme promise in its first two episodes, and some Excellent human drama. I'm hopeful the writers will not allow that to go to their heads, and keep it gritty and harsh, without going over the top.

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.

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.

An authentic western series without superfluous, romantic subplots. In spite of the many western series and films, there has hardly ever been such a thorough study of the construction of the transcontinental railroad. Comparable to "Deadwood" but not quite as good. Although the series has no outstanding strengths, the western drama does so much right that the first season becomes a gripping and entertaining experience.