Last Sunday’s installment hooked me, but good. All these strangers – Doc Cochran, Seth Bullock, Jane Canary and Bill Hickock – pulling together like an Old West Justice League to outmanuever Swearengen and save yet another stranger? And this week Swearengen’s got a wary new rival setting up right across the street? Between HBO’s “Deadwood,” Showtime’s “The L Word” and ABC’s resurgent “The Practice” (whose plotline is now, suddenly and inexplicably, more compelling to me than that of “Alias”!), Sunday at 10 p.m. is suddenly jammed up with the fun!

Here’s “Dr. Bombay” with the “Deadwood” details:

Deadwood 1.3 FAQ

What's it called?

"Reconnoitering the Rim."

What’s the title mean?

It's got something to do with Brom, the rich guy from back east, taking another crack at drawing something of value from the apparantly worthless gold claim he purchased in episode 1. In light of this week's events, however, it might just as well mean "let's see how long it takes Al Swearengen to murder Brom now that the rich guy's threatening to bring in muscle in order to recover his money."

Ouch. So what else happens this week?

It's sort of a set-up episode, highlighted by the arrival of the great Powers Boothe. He joins the cast as Cy Tolliver, owner of a fancy new saloon/casino/cathouse located directly across the street from Swearengen's entertainment complex. Tolliver's a cool customer, and he's quick to recognize a potential enemy in Swearengen. It will be interesting to see how this develops.

Does Tolliver have the muscle to take on Swearengen?

It isn't clear in this episode, however Tolliver does have a partner played by legendary actor/writer/illusionist/etc. Ricky Jay. You may know him as the guy who can throw playing cards like Ninja stars. I don't think he'll be doing much of that that in this show, though it would be fun to see him just fire one at some liquored-up goon.

Last week's encounter between Swearengen and Calamity Jane was memorable. What's the big takeaway moment this week?

An uncomfortable encounter between Wild Bill Hickok and a drunken loudmouth, who offers the aging legend a chilling preview of his future.

Dr. Bombay’s rating for “Deadwood” 1.3?

***

The Hercules T. Strong Rating System:
***** better than we deserve
**** better than most motion pictures
*** actually worth your valuable time
** as horrible as most stuff on TV
* makes you quietly pray for bulletins

I remain, Dr. Bombay

10 p.m. Sunday. HBO

I am – Hercules!!

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