Hell on Wheels (2011)

Willmore finds the series improved in its second season and recommends getting on board, while acknowledging it still falls short of Deadwood. She praises its growing distinctive voice and a haunting montage that captures the characters’ impending trouble.

The critic treats the episode as an accidental self-parody, with its heavy-handed writing and clumsy action outweighing its merits. He gives some credit to Durant’s satisfying revenge on a blackmailer, but singles out the episode’s unsubtle dialogue and backstory as major flaws.

Goodman finds the series unfocused and its pilot flat, though he sees potential in its setting and stories. He singles out Christopher Heyerdahl’s Swede as the most fully realized character.

Lowry finds the series only fitfully compelling and says its early episodes lose narrative momentum. He praises the vivid supporting characters but faults the grim leads and familiar Western archetypes.

The critic finds the series too earnest and says it suffers beside Deadwood. They single out its lack of humor as the clearest weakness.

Williams finds the finale satisfying and bittersweet. The reviewer praises its resolution of the characters’ stories alongside completion of the railroad.

Jackson is uncertain whether the premiere can live up to AMC’s other acclaimed series, though its revenge-driven Western premise may hold promise. He singles out the show’s blunt, archetypal character introductions as a weakness.

The premiere is decent but feels like a weaker, less forceful version of Deadwood, though it shows enough promise to keep viewers interested. The critic praises the striking locations and production design, while faulting the softer drama and violence.