In the HBO Western series Deadwood, the titular town is with dishonest and crooked ne'er-do-wells. Yet it is still a place where friendship among like-minded people is able to thrive. One of the most solid duos in the town is that of Al Swearengen and Dan Dority.
Al is the owner of the local Gem Saloon who also operates as a crime boss in Deadwood. Dan is his right-hand man and much-needed muscle in their various unsavory business deals. But as much as Al and Dan seem to work well together, it's sometimes hard to tell if this is a genuine friendship or not.
Aren't Friends: Uneven Partnership
Al and Dan were among the first people to settle in Deadwood, and Al already had big plans for what they were going to achieve. Through it all, Dan was by his side and helped Al rise to power in the town. But if they were in it together from the beginning, the spoils of their efforts are not shared evenly.
Al is the one in charge and seems to be the one with all the money. Though Dan might not be an idea man like Al, surely his hard work should allow him to at least be co-owner of the saloon. Yet Al always keeps himself above Dan.
Are Friends: Long History
As Deadwood grows, more and more people move to the lawless town in search of fortune. Some of them are good people but many cannot be trusted. Perhaps it is because of their long history side by side that Al and Dan feel comfortable with each other, especially when surrounded by strangers.
Even though they may not be on an equal level, both of these men take pride in what they built and work hard to protect it. They share a deep relationship that allows them to work together effortlessly for the same goals.
Aren't Friends: Al And Subordinates
Dan is not the only person Al has as part of his operation. He employs a variety of people who work in often criminal capacities for him. However, Al also has a habit of killing those in his employ.
Whether it is to avoid paying money he doesn't want to pay or to punish betrayal, Al has murdered a number of his subordinates. Though Dan survives through it all, it must make him at least a little uneasy to think the same fate might happen to him.
Are Friends: Loyalty
Even when he kills his other henchmen or orders Dan to do it, the loyalty Dan shows to Al is unwavering. In a place where few can be trusted, Dan is someone that Al can always depend on.
Though Al is not one to ever let his guard down, he does seem to appreciate having someone who is always in his corner. And that loyalty goes both ways as Al keeps Dan by his side through everything, never allowing anyone else to get as close to him.
Aren't Friends: Al's Assassin
Al can be a very ruthless man when it comes to business. He never hesitates to have someone killed if it will benefit himself. And while Al has taken more than a few lives himself, he is more likely to make Dan do his dirty work for him.
Though Dan is a violent man when pushed, it also seems like a lot of these killings weigh heavily on him. There is a difference in him killing someone in a fight and him killing someone Al sees as a problem. Al even orders Dan to kill a child at one point, which Dan thankfully doesn't go through with.
Are Friends: Brains And Brawn
Though there is always a lot going on in Deadwood, Al oversees all the big movements as one of the town's most powerful figures. He is a cunning and ruthless man of business who always knows how to play against his enemies.
However, there is no way Al would have become so powerful if he didn't have Dan by his side. As Al makes the plans, he often relies on Dan to carry them out. Dan is the muscle of the operation and he performs his task as effectively as Al performs his.
Aren't Friends: Al As The Boss
Dan knows his place in the operation and doesn't seem to crave more responsibility or power. He seems content to be the underling who has to take care of the dirty work. However, Al also knows Dan's place and often treats him like someone beneath him.
Al pretty much talks to everyone in a similar harsh and unforgiving manner, but the way he orders Dan around makes it hard to see them as actual friends. Even with all their history and trust, it still seems like an employer-employee relationship.
Are Friends: Putting Al In His Place
Al did not become such a powerful man by being nice. He is someone who is used to getting what he wants even when he needs to use force to do so. Having an attitude like that can be dangerous, especially in a place like Deadwood, which is why Al is lucky to have Dan around.
Dan will always do what Al asks of him but he's also the only person who can talk back to Al and tell him what he needs to hear. Dan knows Al well enough to understand when he needs to be straightened out and when he needs to be left alone.
Aren't Friends: Putting Dan In Danger
When George Hearst comes to Deadwood, he becomes an almost instant enemy for Al. Hearst wants to essentially take over the entire town. Al is willing to stand in Hearst's way, but he is also willing to put Dan into a lot more danger.
When the bad blood between Hearst and Al boils over, the two businessmen decide to send their respective goons after each other. Dan goes up against Hearst's man Captain Turner in a brutal fight to the death. While it's not surprising Hearst would have someone else fight his battles, it's surprising that Al would send Dan to his possible death.
Are Friends: They Care About Each Other
Despite Al sometimes being self-centered enough to put Dan in danger for his own sake, it's quite clear he cares deeply for him. Al does not want to see Dan hurt, but he also has faith in him and knows what he is capable of.
Likewise, Dan seems to see Al as a fatherly figure. He is always looking out for Al's safety and is devastated when Al appears to be dying. These are two tough and violent men, but in their quieter moments together, it's easy to see the love they share.