George Hearst's Dilemma in Deadwood: Power, Control, and Morality

In the TV show Deadwood, George Hearst's reaction to Cully Wolcott's brutal actions, particularly the murder of Alfred, highlights the complexity of his character and his views on power and control. While Hearst is undoubtedly ruthless, he takes a more calculated approach to violence compared to Wolcott's impulsive brutality. This article explores Hearst's reluctance to condone Wolcott's actions and the various factors that influence his decision.

Control and Image

Hearst is deeply concerned with maintaining a certain image and control over his operations in Deadwood. Unlike Wolcott, who uses overt violence to maintain his power, Hearst prefers to exert control through strategic and manipulative means. He understands that engaging in indiscriminate violence can attract unwanted attention and disrupt his plans. In order to maintain a facade of legitimacy, Hearst opts for a calculated approach, ordering murders that align with his broader strategic objectives rather than acting impulsively.

Pragmatism and Stability

Hearst's pragmatism plays a significant role in his reluctance to condone Wolcott's actions. He sees Wolcott's recklessness as a potential liability that could lead to chaos and instability within the community. Indiscriminate violence can provoke retaliation or create a sense of fear among residents, which is counterproductive to his goals. By publicly distancing himself from Wolcott, Hearst can maintain his authority and avoid being implicated in Wolcott's extreme behavior.

Different Methods of Violence

Hearst and Wolcott both utilize violence, but their methods are fundamentally different. While Hearst operates from a perspective that values calculated decisions and the use of violence as a last resort, Wolcott's actions appear more erratic and personal. Hearst's approach is more strategic, while Wolcott's is driven by immediate gratification and personal vendettas. This difference in methodology underscores the complexity of Hearst's character, who is willing to engage in immoral actions but does so in a manner that aligns with his broader strategic objectives.

Personal Dynamics

Hearst's demand for Wolcott's resignation also serves a personal purpose. By publicly distancing himself from Wolcott, Hearst can maintain his authority and avoid being implicated in Wolcott's more extreme actions. This distance allows Hearst to maintain a modicum of control over the situation while minimizing the risk of being drawn into a conflict that could destabilize his own interests.

Recent Re-Evaluation

After re-watching the show recently, it becomes apparent that the real reason for Hearst's reaction is due to the looming threat of blackmail from Tolliver. Tolliver is aware of Wolcott's murders and has proof that Hearst was involved in covering them up. Tolliver uses this information to blackmail Hearst for a significant sum of money, threatening to expose Hearst's involvement unless he pays. This revelation adds a new layer of complexity to Hearst's character, as he must navigate the delicate balance between maintaining his control and avoiding the consequences of his immoral actions.

While Hearst and Wolcott both engage in violence, their motivations and methods differ significantly. Hearst prefers to control people and maintain stability through calculated actions, while Wolcott's methods are more personal and reckless. The show dramatizes the moral implications of such power dynamics, raising questions about the morality of power and the consequences of violence.