There are tensions in Deadwood. They just don't go anywhere. It's stasis as statement. The first few episodes I had no idea what was going on--there were too many darn characters. But I'm more inclined to continue watching Deadwood than Mad Men, because I actually like a lot of the people in Deadwood and I find everyone in Mad Men despiccable.

Funny that I can find a murderer like Swearingen more likable than Don Draper, but I do. I think because everyone in Deadwood is clearly wrestling to survive in a very particular context, which quite often means killing. Whereas Draper (and everyone else on Mad Men) is stuck in an apathetic malaise that leads them to do despiccable things merely for temporary self-gratification. That's a lot less entertaining for me to watch.