Deadwood to Close With Movies  6/5/06

The creator of cult US TV western series Deadwood has struck a deal with network HBO to conclude the show with a pair of TV movies.

Recent reports suggest David Milch snubbed a chance to film a shortened fourth season, preferring instead to end the show, set in the late 1800s, at the conclusion of its upcoming run.

The stumbling block for a shortened series is the show's format of each episode representing a day in the life of the South Dakota settlement.

But a pair of two-hour films will allow the show to break this mold.

Milch says, "I am thrilled that we were able to figure out a way to continue.

No one was ready to let go of the show.

"I am really glad we have found a way to proceed that works creatively."

The show remains a huge hit - in two seasons, it has won the prestigious Peabody Award, five Emmy Awards and British star Ian McShane picked up a Best Actor Golden Globe for his portrayal of foul-mouthed gang boss Al Swearengen.