Big Bad Wolf (Hell on Wheels)
| "Big Bad Wolf" | |
|---|---|
| Hell on Wheels episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 3 Episode 1 |
| Directed by | David Von Ancken |
| Written by | Mark Richard |
| Featured music |
|
| Production code | 301 |
| Original air date | August 10, 2013 |
"Big Bad Wolf" is the first episode of the
Plot
Alone in his snow-covered burned-out caboose, Cullen hallucinates seeing Doc Whitehead (Grainger Hines), who tells him that his candle will soon go out. Cullen runs outside to a riverbank, splashes water on his face, and hears a wolf howl. Cullen fends off its attack and scares it off. Cullen finds the train engineer frozen to death and takes his tobacco pipe. He then walks to the train engine, breaks ice away, and starts a fire in its firebox. With the engine cranked up, he drives it away from the destroyed town.
He arrives in
Cullen buys new suits for himself and Elam. The Irish shop owner tells Cullen where to find railroad workers. At the Credit Mobilier office, Congressman Ames tells Cullen the job belongs to Senator Metcalf's (Wayne Duvall) son-in-law. A determined Cullen presents the board with detailed plans and designs. He is awarded the job with Union Pacific stock as payment. He and Elam talk with Three Piece Duffy (Scott Michael Campbell) about hiring railroad workers. Cullen refuses Duffy's wanting gold upfront. A gang circles and Elam reaches for Cullen's gun. Cullen must get the two out of the situation.
In their hotel room, Cullen reprimands Elam for grabbing his gun and mocks Elam for thinking he's truly free. They fight but are interrupted by a telegram about Eva having the baby. Cullen later enters a church. Alone, he repents for the things he's done and those he's left undone. In his cell, Durant criticizes Senator Metcalf for failure to oust Bohannon. He warns the senator that his fall will be greater if Durant is not returned to the railroad.
Beale shows Cullen to Durant's former railroad car. Collis Huntington (Tim Guinee), head of Central Pacific Railroad, awaits Cullen and tells him the Union Pacific is broke. He offers Cullen an opportunity to cross the California border, promising gold as payment, but Cullen declines. At home, Elam greets his newborn daughter. At the Omaha train station, Sean McGinnes (Ben Esler) tells Cullen that the many workers arrived after hearing Cullen was back. Ruth Cole (Kasha Kropinski) prays in front of the train as Elam and Eva pack their belongings. Mickey McGinnes (Phil Burke) talks to a group of prostitutes. Durant leaves the prison in a carriage with Metcalf. Cullen tosses his hat in the air as the train takes off.
Reception
Ratings
"Big Bad Wolf" was watched by 2.49 million viewers and received a 0.5
Critical reception
The A.V. Club's Alasdair Wilkins gave the episode a 'B−' grade, stating "There's certainly some promise in this apparent new direction; if nothing else, the show seems to be more directly about railroads than it ever was in the first two seasons."[3]
References
- ^ Yanan, Travis (August 13, 2013). "Saturday's Cable Ratings: "Hell on Wheels" Tops Total Viewers for AMC". The Futon Critic. Retrieved August 14, 2013.
- ^ Bibel, Sara (August 12, 2013). "'Breaking Bad' Premiere Delivers 5.9 Million Viewers, 3.6 Million Adults 18-49, 'Low Winter Sun' Premiere Garners 2.5 Million Viewers". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on August 14, 2013. Retrieved August 14, 2013.
- ^ Wilkins, Alasdair (August 10, 2013). ""Big Bad Wolf"/"Eminent Domain"". The A.V. Club. Retrieved August 11, 2013.
