When Rev. Smith dies on "Deadwood"
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The (fictionalized) Henry Weston Smith was always an eccentric character in HBO’s “Deadwood,” but as his behavior grew stranger, it became clear he was suffering from a brain tumor or some other degenerative disease that led to increasing headaches, violent seizures, and hallucinations. With a malady that would be difficult to manage or cure even 140 years later, there’s no hope for Rev. Smith, only pain. That’s why the villainous Al Swearengen steps up to end his incurable suffering. “You wanna be a road agent? Deal out death when called upon?” Al asks dimwitted employee Johnny, placing a cloth over the seizing preacher’s face. “Make a proper seal, stop up the breath,” he coldly demonstrates as Rev. Smith’s body struggles. “Apply pressure even and firm, like packin’ a snowball.” But as the reverend’s thrashing weakens, Al leans in close and whispers to him gently, “You can go now, brother.” All of Al’s many complex shades of moral gray are on display in the scene, and it’s gutting.