User reviews

Hell on Wheels is a gritty and exciting western that takes place right after the Civil War ended. It follows former Confederate soldier Cullen Bohannon (Anson Mount) who can't seem to put the way behind him. He wife was killed by Union Soldiers and he sets out on revenge. It also follows the construction of the first transcontinental railroad. This all takes place in a lawless town called Hell on Wheels. I never watched it when it was originally on and thought I'd finally give it a chance after hearing so many great things about it and I'm so glad I did. I binged the entire series in just a few weeks and it was worth every second. It's one of the more underrated shows ever!

Hell on Wheels not only met my expectations but exceeded them in every way. I'm a big fan of westerns and even though this isn't your traditional western, it still falls into the western genre. The best compliment I can give it is as a big western fan it's actually one of the better western tv shows I've ever seen. Anson Mount is absolutely perfect for this role and does such a terrific job as the lead. I'm actually mad at myself for putting it off for as long as I did. If you're a western fan like myself and you haven't watched this yet then do yourself a favor and go watch it as soon as possible. You won't be disappointed. Just make sure you leave yourself enough time because you're going to want to binge it as fast as you can.

This show has it all- two hard-as-nails, but flawed protagonists, sleazy politicians, a slick railroad tycoon staying one step ahead of the legalities, grit, sex, humor, and of course, the Fair Haired Maiden of the West. The characters are deep and intense, although occasionally caricatured to the point of cartoonish. Their is something of a realism to their good-bad pendulum: the good guys are mostly good, but show some real bad, too. The bad guys are cursed with feelings and emotions that are sometimes fragile. They elicit something close to sympathy.

If you like action, this show has more than most. Shooting, killing, hard-working, rough and tumble action that keeps you riveted and keeps the show fresh. It even has a guy who gets shot point blank in the mouth and lives.

The storyline is itself relatively simple. Good guy out for revenge for the murder of his wife and son. The acting is generally decent, certainly not Shakespearean, but with heart and charm. It's the portrayal of the characters that really keeps the show pumping.

By the way, did I mention sex? Not graphic, but pervasive. Prostitutes here, prostitutes their, prostitutes everywhere. You will definitely hear your share of grunts and howls. Is it possible to show whores groveling with the johns in the mud, but in a tasteful, non-slutty sort-of way? I think they achieved just that.

In all, Hell On Wheels is a slick, witty, well crafted yarn, edgy enough for our modern times, but rooted in enough historical interest for lovers of westerns.

I Love this show. Best I've seen in a long time. I had no interest in a following a western, in fact was put of by genera, but decided to give it a try anyway as the trailers seemed pretty good.

The characters are complex, the cinematography outstanding, and the shows plot lines are solid.

I love the soundtracks... the fact that you seldom if ever hear "country music", but instead Dixieland, blues, folk and rock sometimes layered over scenes that you may not immediately equate with the music you are hearing and as a result make the scene more memorable.

Overall, each episode is a feast to the eyes and ears. Yes, the material may not be mind shattering, but that I think is not what one should expect from a western.

It has picked a period where it was able to mash up a lot of different "western" inspirations... railroad, civil war, calvary, Lynch mobs, cowboys and Indians, etc. and has tied them together very well.

Can't wait for season 2.

An authentic western series without superfluous, romantic subplots. In spite of the many western series and films, there has hardly ever been such a thorough study of the construction of the transcontinental railroad. Comparable to "Deadwood" but not quite as good. Although the series has no outstanding strengths, the western drama does so much right that the first season becomes a gripping and entertaining experience.

I loved every single second of Hell on Wheels! It has everything a good series must have and even more!

By that i mean the exceptional camera work, the atmosphere, the actors, the feeling you get after you've watched an episode, which is - I WANT MORE!

I totally love this show, even if you do not like western that much (like i did before) you to will be mesmerized by Hell on Wheels!

AMC did it yet again! Original series rated 10 by me and many other people!

I highly recommend this show :)

Best regards Jusup

Just one word...Beautiful! I'm from the Netherlands and thanks to IMDb I started watching. And was hooked from the start. It reminds me of the comics Comanche, Durango and Blueberry of Flemish authors Greg and Hermann. The classic western tale not sparing us the harsh reality of racism, bloodshed for personal gain and 'immorality'. Even the cinematography is comicbooklike. Especially Cullen reminds of the character Red Dust in the comicbook Comanche. Very interesting characters all in all. My favourite (they're all my favourite, but i love this one) is the The Sweed. What a smooth yet chilling personalty!! They (casting) couldn't have done a better job with him.

LOVE THIS SHOW and every week I wait with anticipation for the next episode. Thanks AMC. For those who are curious, just check it out, you won't be disappointed.

If you are squeamish and don't like harsh and realistic violence, give this a miss. This show is not for the faint hearted.

The violence though, is not overdone IMO and gives the viewer a likely realistic view of what happened in the Wild West with no holds barred.

Cullen Bohannan is the lead character in the series and he is played brilliantly by Anson Mount with his brooding good looks and fearless portrayal of a man trying a avenge the murder of his wife near the end of the Cival War.

So many characters make this a stand out series and I look forward to each episode.

The story of Hell On Wheels may not be original or anything new but it is brilliantly put together and does not hold back where it needs to.

The best show of 2011 for me and I hope it continues for more than one season.

I have watched TV westerns since the mid 1950s, and, after five episodes I can state categorically "Hell on Wheels" is the best I have seen. How could it not be, combining a perfect cast, production values and the classic elements,so far of the masterpiece westerns, "The Outlaw Josey Wales," "Dances With Wolves," "Unforgiven" "Once Upon a Time in the West and, to a lesser extent, "The Searchers".

The characters are complex and completely credible. The writing is so top notch, I have yet to predict what will happen next. The pacing is nearly flawless, the music, appropriate, memorable and entertaining. The camera work and production has the grit and majesty of the best Sergio Leone westerns, along with faces memorable and recognizable from scene to scene. The camera work even incorporates Leone's extreme closeups, but only when necessary. If there is any one actor who stands out "by a hair's breath" from the uniformly excellent cast, he is Colm Meaney, as the railroad Tycoon, Durant, and this is perfectly appropriate for for the epic story of the building of the first intercontinental railroad and the scoundrel/visionaries who built them. I dare not overpraise this series, because I do not want anyone to go in with expectations that cannot be met by his our her own tastes or subjectivity. However, in the case of "Hell on Wheels," that would be pretty difficult.

Clearly this series is aiming for a mythical aura, and for me it has achieved that thus far over the first 3 episodes. I doubt I have ever seen such a beautifully shot TV show anywhere, and yet I am not sure how a series on AMC can afford to look this good given how their resources have to be spread over so many episodes. (For brief moments, this looks like DAYS OF HEAVEN.) Yet this is not merely a visual feast, it is one that attempts to delve into a critical juncture in American history, right after the end of the Civil War, a point of no return if there ever was one. The tropes here are familiar: rebels who have never really surrendered (THE SEARCHERS) and railroads leading the encroachment of civilization on a pristine wilderness (ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST). All of the contradictions of the USA in a peripatetic microcosm, a moving city with prostitutes and evangelicals practically living on top of each other. (No pun intended.) And then there is the corruption driving the whole project forward. None of this is new, but it always depends on the presentation with the Western. They present it beautifully in this case. I'm hooked.

All in all I really enjoyed the series. Of course it had it's ups and downs and certain individuals were dispatched despite bringing a lot to the show. Durant plays the role of Master schemer perfectly. The show had some great twists and you really get an emotional connections to a few, that is why it was so disappointing how they ended the show. More of a whimper than a bang. Fun show, ok to watch if you are looking for a good adventure series but don't hold your breath for a great ending to a series.

1883 is popping up everywhere and I can't watch it (though I LOVE Yellowstone). What's the point when I've seen all of Hell on Wheels and been treated to one of the best westerns ever made and one of the best stories told about it? Acting, cinematography, language, everything! It's there. There is no holding back. Fell madly in love with Common. Quiet, secure, solid. Same with all the actors. Each one was made for their role. What a visual treat! The brilliant way the story is unfolded never disappoints. I recommend this to everyone. Share the joy!!

Hell on Wheels is a halfway decent western. I'm tempted to rate it higher than a 7, as I think it is probably one of the more realistic westerns ever to hit television, but it is just a hair too dark and gritty for my taste. Several things they get very right, from a historical perspective. Westerns usually play it loose when it comes to firearms, but this show stays true to the cap and ball revolver that were prevalent in the mid-late 1860's, which is when this is set. For history buffs, it really drives home the fact that the lever action Winchester and Henry rifles were king if you wanted firepower. The cap and ball revolver is time consuming to reload, even with a spare cylinder ready to go, and this show authentically points that out several times.

What I enjoyed even more, however, is that this is the first show I'm aware of that pays tribute to Olive Oatman. The character in Hell on Wheels is named "Eva", and is played by Robin McLeavy. Olive Oatman was a Mormon who's family was slaughtered by the Yavapai when she was 14 years old. She and her younger sister (who later died of starvation) were taken captive, and traded shortly after to the Mojave Indians. Olive lived with them until she was 19 years old, when she was finally returned to white society, in what is now Needles, California. At the time of the massacre, Olive and her family were living in what is now the inhabited "ghost town" of Oatman, Arizona, which was named after her. Oatman is along the iconic "Route 66", and became famous as the honeymoon spot of Clark Gable and Carole Lombard.

The creative license taken by the producers of Hell on Wheels involved "Eva" living with the native Americans in the Midwest, as opposed to Arizona and California, where she actually lived. Secondly, Olive became famous when she was returned to Fort Yuma, and never worked as a prostitute. In fact she graduated from the University of the Pacific. What Hell on Wheels got right was her tattoo. Olive had the exact same blue chin tattoo, given her by the Mojave Indians, as a sign she'd been adopted into their society. This made her the first white woman, possibly in history, to have a tattoo.

As a fan of a wide variety of western-related material, ranging from Sergio Leone's 60's "Spaghetti Western" style to recent attempts like 3:10 to Yuma and True Grit, i got seriously attracted to give this AMC's Hell on Wheels a chance. By watching the teasers and trailers, the scenery, the premise, and the overall graphic treatment was attractive enough to get a western fan interested, at least it was in my opinion.

But, then the day came and the promise was not quite fulfilled. The good setting, the overall treatment was there, the beautiful scenery too, but it keeps feeling like something just wasn't there. The main character, the guy all the attentions would be over, looked good,was decently portrayed by Mr. Mount, but has the empathy of a frying pan. The main villain seemed so evil, so disgustingly corrupt, that even well played by Mr. Meaney, kept leaving a recurrent impression of a cartoonish, too- easy-to-get personality.

As the show progress, you start to figure out where the problem is: although all the decent setting, technique, and stuff, there's something wrong with the script. You just can't feel empathy for the "good" guys or ladies, you just can't hate the villains enough, you just see persons kind of scattered after a war and don't feel any interest for their stories. For a pilot episode, it started quite slow, both in the rhythm and in the character introduction, and the script leaves too few interesting hangs to the next episode, and fails miserably in creating interest in the overall story as a whole.

I just give them the 3 of 10 for the beautiful production, but be certain that is not enough to make a good western-themed show.

After Deadwood (HBO)stopped being aired I was DEVASTATED. I love watching the "modern" western. When I saw that AMC had a new series Hell on Wheels I watched the first episode and wasn't so sure I'd like it. I was torn with a few of the characters and wasn't sure things meshed together but I watched the second episode and by the 3rd I was hooked! I just finished the season and am DYING for next season to get started. Some of the scenery is breathtaking and the musical score during the Indian battle with Cullen, Elam and the Union soldiers (when the Indians stole their horses) was absolutely mesmerizing. I think it's a great show and will only improve with time!! I'm a fan. For sure.

Ok so I used a different word there (Train) than a song used I'm sort of quoting. No matter if you get the reference or not, this is about a man seeking vengeance but finding something completely different along the way. And I too have not a lot of knowledge when it comes to building railroads. I would not even consider myself a railroad man in the slightest.

But I can enjoy a Western that surrounds itself with that. That has an Anti Hero, that tries hard to do good. But he has demons and he has done bad and he is able to do evil again. Try not to compare this with other Western shows (namely Deadwood), instead try to enjoy this for being different than that show. The journey we take is quite mind blowing and there is a lot of violence (though not much nudity).

We follow Cullen, the main character, very disturbed at the beginning and not with much of anything to hold onto in his life. He finds a different purpose, but is it worth the losses along the way? Can he cope and can he find redemption? Is there even the slightest chance? And how would that look like? Can a man take his destiny in his own hands? And while that alone is amazing - there are so many different other characters in this, that all have their own story! And a very interesting one at that! This is not flashy and may feel "boring" at times for some viewers, but if you buy into the premise, if you emerge yourself and dive into this world ... you will cherish it (and be probably be glad not to be in the middle of it)

Watching this has reminded me of a series of Brutal Western stories I used to read by George G. Gilman called Edge.

Add to that is is reminiscent of my days as a Civl War reenactor.

They've hit the period history right between the eyes.

They have also portrayed the Corruption and the beauty of the times. The Scenes in Kansas are as good as it gets on the small screen. . The west made for hard people, or dead ones. And the writers and directors have pulled no punches in portraying things as they were. The Harlots don't look like they live in downtown Las Vegas, and the Protagenist makes mistakes.

This series has shown extreme promise in its first two episodes, and some Excellent human drama. I'm hopeful the writers will not allow that to go to their heads, and keep it gritty and harsh, without going over the top.

And that is a lot for me to say because I think Breaking Bad is the second best TV show ever, right after the Wire. Me and my wife both love this show, and it leads to great conversations after each episode, about American history, bible stories, western movies, why bohannon is such an attractive man, whatever. I think the show ran the risk of taking on way too much subject matter early on in the show (a common mistake in dramas nowadays), but they still include enough character development and detail to make the environment intimate and real, while still plowing through their dozen or more plot threads. I just hope AMC realizes that they are going to have to continue spending money on this show to keep it good, and that they don't slash the budget like they did Walking Dead (which pretty much stagnated that show).

One of the best westerns I've ever seen. Excellent cast, storyline, greediness of the old west. Take no prisoners hard-core living. Amazing story and historical context. Deadwood was great as well, and now glad to see the westerns lifestyle coming back around on TV again.

It's difficult to think of anything to criticize about this show. Everything about it is superb and the writers manage to keep your attention from start to finish. The acting is good throughout as is the action which is often horrific but necessarily so. The characters are complex even many who are playing minor roles and the writers don't shy away from human debasement as well as honour. The script is terrific and manages what so many series can't in that the end comes naturally and smoothly and is, overall, extremely satisfying. The lead carries off a demanding portrayal of a damaged man with aplomb and is eminently watchable.

If you are a fan of westerns this is one not to miss. Easily one of the best western shows ever made and wished they would have continued the series. If you liked Deadwood, this is right up your alley. Great acting, great storylines, great visuals and solid soundtrack. It has it all and once you get started, you are hooked till the end. Give it 3 episodes before you make any decisions and then it's a wrap. Such a good show!!!

We just finished watching this series on Netflix. I must say that I found this to be very well written and very well acted. It was nice to be able to watch a series that makes you want to see the next episode. Hell on Wheels isn't just a western and regardless of how accurate it may or may not be to actual history it gives you a look into the past and the sense of what life was like during that time in U.S. history.

I would highly recommend Hell on wheels to all viewers however there are a few graphic scenes throughout.

I really liked the first two seasons a lot, and they for sure deserve a higher rating, but the more seasons were produced the less interesting Hell on Wheels got. All in all still a good show, but the last seasons could not hold the level of the first ones. Like so many shows, Hell on Wheels ended with some filler seasons (to make the money roll). Anyway, if you like the genre, you should give the show a chance.