I did feel a tension in Deadwood, which had me mainlining it like a junkie. And also very frustrated when it ended without resolution and was left dangling.

BUT. I had watched it the first time and given up because of sheer boredom and then went back to it and began enjoying it the second time. So it might be down to my mood, or whatever, but it wasn't easy to get into it in that dedicated way, at first.

Also I think you've stated why I liked but didn't watch all of Rome and Mad Men.