The HBO Western series Deadwood is known for having a superb ensemble of colorful characters. However, at the center of the show are its two leads, Seth Bullock and Al Swearengen. These two are very different men who first find themselves at odds then form an alliance over time.
In a lawless place like Deadwood, making friends is not easy. Seth and Al find a lot they don't like about each other quite quickly, but there is an undeniable bond that gradually grows. Sometimes these two men feel like bitter enemies, but at other times, they seem like the perfect match.
Aren't Friends: Opposing Ideals
The hatred that Seth and Al have for each other comes very easily and almost immediately. They are two men with very strong outlooks on life and they happen to be in complete opposition of each other. Seth believes in justice and keeping constant order to things; Al believes everything in this world is free for the taking.
To Seth, Al represents the kind of immoral and corrupt person who is dragging Deadwood down. To Al, Seth seems like a do-gooder who will push his own agenda on everyone around him and expect them to follow his rules.
Are Friends: Common Enemies
While these two men strongly dislike each other from the beginning, before long they realize that there are bigger problems in their town. As more and more shady characters begin popping up in Deadwood looking to exploit the town for their own benefit, Seth and Al find common enemies to fight.
Especially with the arrival of businessman George Hearst, Seth and Al understand that any differences they might have with each other are small in comparison to the trouble Hearst can bring.
Aren't Friends: Forced Partnership
Many times throughout the series, Seth and Al find themselves fighting on the same side. However, this arrangement never feels like it is a preference for either of them. They are smart enough to realize when they need each other, but that doesn't mean they like each other.
It seems like both Seth and Al actually dislike the fact that they need to work together. They only align reluctantly and often find themselves clashing again before too long.
Are Friends: Protecting Deadwood
Despite all the differences they have, Seth and Al have the same goal in mind: the protection of Deadwood. Seth hates bullies and will resist anyone who comes into their town and acts like they own it. Al looks out for his own interests but cares deeply for the town and maintaining its independence.
Seth and Al can find a lot to fight about, but when it comes down to it, they have a lot in common. They share a kinship as the two men who are most willing to use their position of power to help the town thrive.
Aren't Friends: Constant Disagreements
Even with common goals in mind and common enemies to fight, Seth and Al often find themselves arguing. They have very different approaches to things and both are very stubborn men. This means their partnership can often hit roadblocks.
Both men have their own ideas and are not too keen to hear what the other has to say. Seth is a man of action and hates deception. Al is a cunning strategist often annoyed with Seth's tactless approach. While they sometimes reach a conclusion together, it takes a while to get there.
Are Friends: Combined Strength
Seth and Al often find themselves up against enemies that are far more powerful than they are. However, when they team up, these powerful opponents often underestimate what Seth and Al can accomplish.
Individually, they cannot stand up to their enemies, but when they combine their forces, they can do a lot of damage to anyone looking to take over their town. It is an effective partnership that is the best Deadwood could hope for.
Aren't Friends: Al's Illness
In Deadwood: The Movie, Seth and Al seem to have come even closer to liking each other over the years. However, it might be pushing it to call them actual friends as the relationship still seems prickly.
The movie also finds Al near the end of his life, with all his drinking finally catching up with him. Though he is at death's door and all his closest friends know it, Seth doesn't seem to be too bothered by the prospect of Al dying.
Are Friends: Make Each Other Better
Both Seth and Al are powerful men in their own right but they both come with their own set of flaws as well. Seth is often guided recklessly by anger and can jump into action without thinking. Al on the other hand is capable of doing some truly evil things for his own means.
The more these two are forced to work together, the more they help each other with those flaws. Al is constantly cautioning Seth to act rationally. And with Seth as a partner, Al is required to operate more inside the law than he is used to.
Aren't Friends: The Fight
Although they come to somewhat of an understanding at the end of Season 1, the beginning of Season 2 shows big complications in their relationship together. After Al publicly insults Seth regarding his relationship with Alma Garret, the two men face off in a brutal fight.
Any understanding they previously had seems to vanish as the two men beat each other senseless and seem willing to kill each other. It's hard to imagine a true friendship emerging from such a fight.
Are Friends: Respect For Each Other
While the fight between the two men was certainly brutal, it did mark a change in their relationship for the positive. Seth and Al are mature enough to put their differences aside once they see that their fighting doesn't accomplish anything.
The brawl seemed to act as a way for them to address their hatred but ultimately walk away with more respect for the other than they had before. From that point on, they speak to each other differently and seem to see each other in a new light.