Did “Hell on Wheels” Botch Elam Ferguson’s Death?

The shocking death of Elam Ferguson in “Hell on Wheels” at the hands of Cullen Bohannon remains a point of contention for viewers. Was it a necessary tragedy or a poorly written plot twist? Some argue that the brutal depiction of Elam’s mental health struggles and his eventual demise was gratuitous and unnecessary, potentially placing the show among television’s worst.

Elam’s descent into madness after a severe head injury was portrayed realistically, highlighting the 19th century’s lack of understanding and treatment for mental illness. However, Bohannon’s decision to mercy kill his closest friend was controversial. Many felt this act betrayed their deep bond and undermined Bohannon’s attempts at redemption.

The aftermath was equally disturbing. Unable to comprehend his mental state, the townspeople dismissed Elam as a madman. This erasure of his character and contributions to the railroad added another layer of tragedy. The lack of justice or recognition for Elam further fueled criticism of the show’s writers.

The impact of Elam’s death on the remaining characters, particularly Bohannon and Eva, was profound. Bohannon’s grief and guilt were palpable, leading him to question his morality and future. Eva’s devastation at losing her love and her child’s father was equally heartbreaking. Some argue that the writers failed to explore the psychological consequences, opting for sensationalism over nuanced character development.

The scene’s brutality and perceived lack of narrative justification led some to label “Hell on Wheels” as one of the worst television shows ever made. Criticism centered on the gratuitous violence and the seemingly arbitrary decision to kill a beloved character. While acknowledging the historical context, critics argued that the creators could have found a more meaningful and less shocking way to address Elam’s mental health.

The controversy surrounding Elam’s death raises questions about television writers’ responsibility to portray sensitive topics with care and avoid exploiting tragedy for shock value. While some appreciated the show’s willingness to tackle difficult themes, others felt it crossed the line into gratuitous violence and poor storytelling. Whether “Hell on Wheels” deserves to be ranked among the worst shows ever made remains a matter of opinion. However, the strong reactions to Elam’s death underscore the importance of thoughtful and responsible storytelling in television.