from 2004 to 2006, the hbo television series "deadwood" depicted swearengen as a powerful and influential figure in the early history of the town, ruthlessly murderous and abusive, but ultimately guiding it towards its development and annexation to the dakota territory once he comes to see this course as fitting his best interests. the series altered swearengen to be english-born. the english actor ian mcshane, won a golden globe award for best actor in a television drama in 2005 for his portrayal of swearengen. he was also nominated that year for emmy and screen actors guild awards, and "tv guide" named him #6 in their 2013 list of the 60 nastiest villains of all time. the series also altered timelines; it shows the gem (historically opened in april 1877) as a going concern during the famous events of august 1876.