I’m hoping it’s just normal contract negotiations, but there’s a story out that the upcoming 3rd season of Deadwood may be its last. Creator David Milch says that he envisioned it going 4 seasons, and intends to quit after 4, and HBO has decided to let the lead stars’ contracts lapse before season 3 even airs (it starts in June).
I hope they figure it out—Deadwood is a great show.