Alma Garret certainly changes a lot throughout the course of Deadwood - from a spoiled and drug-addicted heiress to a powerful player and vital member of the community in Deadwood. No one could have predicted her rise (and her many falls along the way), or that she would be wildly more important than her ill-fated idiot husband... but by the end, it's hard to find a fan who didn't love Mrs. Garret... or should we say, Mrs. Ellsworth?
Through her various misadventures (and more than a few triumphs), there have been times that fans were rooting for Alma heart and soul, and times that eyebrows were raised and fans felt like maybe she deserved her fate - and these are the moments that stand out most.
Felt Bad: Her Father Trying To Swindle Her
When Mrs Garret's father shows up in town, fans didn't know what to expect - would this be a touching reunion? Sadly for Alma, it absolutely was not. It was quickly clear that although Alma loved her father, he was solely out for her money, and wanted to dismiss all her growth and talent, and take her interests for himself. It was heartbreaking to see how Alma's own father thought of her.
Hated: Thought She Was Better Than Everyone
This was especially pronounced toward the start of the show, when Alma made it painfully obvious that she felt - as a big-city rich girl - that she was above the goings-on of the camp. Repeatedly, Alma would look down her nose at the other people around her, roll her eyes, and refer to how primitive and awful things were in Deadwood. Thankfully, this changed as the show continued, but at first, she was simply insufferable.
Felt Bad: Became An Addict
When it was revealed that Alma was an addict, it was hard not to feel bad for her. ittedly, this one is a little bit of a gray area, as some fans had little pity for the bored little rich girl who turned to drugs. However, most felt that the simple fact that her life was so miserable that Alma had to turn to laudanum to just get through the day is pitiable. Not to mention that after a while, she was no longer in control, and struggling to even function becuase of the drugs. It's just plain sad.
Hated: Went Back On Drugs
After Trixie managed to get Alma clean (so that she could stop being taken advantage of by the men in the camp), fans were rooting for her. She seemed to actually be standing up for herself, and developing a little bit of a backbone.
So when she went back to the drugs later on, it was hard to be sympathetic. Fans were shaking their heads seeing her slip back into addiction, after such a painful drying-out, and such an incredible recovery.
Felt Bad: Losing Seth (To His Wife)
One of the most heartbreaking stories in the series has to be that of Seth Bullock and Alma Garret. These two seemed made for each other, and fans watched them grow closer and finally give into their feelings... just for Seth to reveal that he was married, and his wife and child were coming to town. Given that Seth married his brother's widow to take care of her, rather than because he loved her, this was just a heartbreaking dynamic for all involved.
Hated: Talking Down To Trixie
Trixie was a surprising ally to Alma, getting her clean even though it went against Al's direct orders, and being a friend to her when she really had none. So seeing Alma continue to talk down to Trixie - especially when Trixie noticed that she was using again - was just annoying, and completely uncalled for.
Felt Bad: Losing Ellsworth
It seems that Alma just has no luck when it comes to love. After losing Seth, Ellsworth proposed - largely to keep her safe, but fans loved watching their burgeoning relationship, and for a moment there, it seemed as though they may fall for each other... until Alma's decision to go back to using drove Ellsworth out of the house, and away from their little family. Seeing her realize her loss, especially after Ellsworth was later killed, was heartbreaking.
Hated: When She Was Rude To Martha
More rudeness - clearly Alma's worst trait. While fans could understand why Alma might not like Martha (after all, she was the woman that took Seth away from her), her treatment of the other woman was appalling. Especially when Martha just wanted to set up a school and teach the children of the camp, Alma was downright mean to her.
Felt Bad: Feared For Her Life
As Alma became a rich player in the camp life, she made a lot of enemies - there was no shortage of people who wanted to kill her and take her claim for themselves. At times, she legitimately feared for her own life and safety, and fans definitely felt for her as she struggled to find her way, and navigate every attempt on her life.
Hated: Continued To Underestimate People
Throughout the series, Alma's tendency to think that she was better than everyone else got in her way - and led to her underestimating the people around her. She consistently talked down to people and assumed that becuase they weren't rich or well-bred, they wouldn't be able to talk to her on her level, or help her out - even when they tried.