Attention: This article includes spoilers for 1923, Season 2, Episode 6.
In the sixth episode of Season 2 of 1923, characters mention Deadwood, captivating fans with curiosity about whether this nod pertains to the HBO series featuring Timothy Olyphant or the historical town itself. As anticipation builds for Spencer Dutton’s (Brandon Sklenar) arrival by train in Montana, both Banner Creighton (Jerome Flynn) and Sheriff McDowell (Robert Patrick) dispatch men to await him at the station, leading to speculation that fluttered around the mentioned town of Deadwood.
Deadwood: A Genuine Town in South Dakota
Deadwood’s Historical Significance in the Wild West
HBO’s Deadwood is inspired by its namesake town in South Dakota, where many storylines parallel actual events from its rich history. Established in the 1870s on land claimed by the Lakota tribe, Deadwood began as an unregulated settlement. This absence of law, combined with the fervor of the surrounding gold rush, transformed it into a notorious boomtown, characterized by lawlessness, vice, and violence (source: Historic Deadwood).
The Distance from Deadwood to Yellowstone in Montana
Deadwood, South Dakota, is located approximately 400 miles east of Bozeman, Montana, the nearest town to the expansive Yellowstone ranch. The mention of Deadwood in 1923 serves a purpose beyond homage; it is geographically relevant. Recent episodes have depicted Spencer’s journey, hindered by a snowdrift in Fargo, North Dakota, which forced a detour through Deadwood, allowing him to navigate the obstacles while maintaining a connection to the historical landscape.
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1923 Season 2 Release Schedule |
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| Episode # | Title | Release Date |
| 1 | The Killing Season | February 22 |
| 2 | The Rapist Is Winter | March 2 |
| 3 | Wrap Thee In Terror | March 9 |
| 4 | Journey the Rivers of Iron | March 16 |
| 5 | Only Gunshots to Guide Us | March 23 |
| 6 | The Mountain Teeth of Monsters | March 30 |
| 7 | A Dream and a Memory | April 6 |
Although 1923 does not explicitly reference Deadwood, the interconnectedness of the Western genre is evident. Both shows exhibit remarkable dedication to historical accuracy in their storytelling and character development. While 1923 diverges from actual events, it shares a narrative depth reminiscent of Deadwood, replacing the scheming of Al Swearengen (Ian McShane) with the ambitions of Donald Whitfield (Timothy Dalton). Given the parallels, if any series could inspire 1923, Deadwood would undoubtedly be an exemplary choice.