Hell on Wheels: The Complete First Season

Set around the post–Civil War building of the transcontinental railroad, this AMC original series turns the massive effort to connect far-flung territories into a dark drama of mud, blood, graft, vengeance, and racial conflict. The title is also the name of the tent village that follows the construction—a migrating town that serves as base camp, bunker, and traveling distraction, featuring bars, brothels, and a congregation determined to save souls. Anson Mount stars as Confederate veteran Cullen Bohannan, who joins the crew as part of a personal revenge mission and finds himself allied with Elam (rapper Common), a former slave who hasn't found much opportunity in the wake of emancipation. Other major characters include railroad boss Doc Durant (Colm Meaney) and widowed surveyor Lily Bell (Dominique McElligott), two players in a micro-society of immigrants, entrepreneurs, gunmen, and more, who all share their stories. The debut season takes on some of the contradictions in U.S. history, including the lingering institutional racism, the extermination of native peoples, and the corruption and graft that built the nation's infrastructure. Compiling all 10 episodes from the 2011–12 first season on DVD and Blu-ray, extras include “making-of” featurettes, behind-the-scenes footage, and character profiles. Recommended. (S. Axmaker)