Looking a little Paley

For TV fans in the L.A. area, the William Paley Festival -- sponsored by the Museum of TV and Radio -- has for the past 22 years a great way to meet and greet the people behind your favorite shows.

For 2 weeks every March, the casts and crews of current TV shows and past great ones have come to the festival, held at the Directors Guild on Sunset, and talk about the process behind the show.

I went to two this year, which were actually the opening and closing night. The opener was NYPD Blue and last night's was Deadwood, which, I don't have to tell you, is the best show on TV.

Unfortunately, I'm preaching to the choir on Deadwood for those of you who already watch. You know how great it is. And for those who don't, you're either not watching because the language offends you or you can't get into it mid-stream. Both understandable but don't let the language throw you. It's almost poetic that way those curses come off their tongues. Many have called the David Milch's writing Shakespearean and I think that's accurate.

Anyway, I digress from the fest. The place was sold out with hardcore Deadwood supporters and the biggest cheers for Robin Weigert, and her portrayal of foul-mouthed Calamity Jane, and Ian McShane as Gem Saloon owner Al Swearengen. Variety's own Brian Lowry did a marvelous job as moderator.

Watch for McShane to pick up the Emmy this September for best drama actor. You heard it here first.