Hell on Wheels

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.

Just one word...Beautiful! I'm from the Netherlands and thanks to IMDb I started watching. And was hooked from the start. It reminds me of the comics Comanche, Durango and Blueberry of Flemish authors Greg and Hermann. The classic western tale not sparing us the harsh reality of racism, bloodshed for personal gain and 'immorality'. Even the cinematography is comicbooklike. Especially Cullen reminds of the character Red Dust in the comicbook Comanche. Very interesting characters all in all. My favourite (they're all my favourite, but i love this one) is the The Sweed. What a smooth yet chilling personalty!! They (casting) couldn't have done a better job with him.

LOVE THIS SHOW and every week I wait with anticipation for the next episode. Thanks AMC. For those who are curious, just check it out, you won't be disappointed.

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.

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.

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.