‘Hell on Wheels’ season 5 video: Anson Mount, cast talk story reaching its end

On Saturday, June 11, the fifth season of “Hell on Wheels” will resume airing on AMC, and with that, we are going to start to see the story of the American railroad through the lens of one Cullen Bohannon come to a close.

Before we get around to watching these episodes, you should check out the new video below which gives you a small glimpse of what to expect. The clip features everyone from Anson Mount (Cullen), Colm Meaney (Durant), executive producer John Wirth and co-executive producer Jami O’Brien talking about some of the preparation and effort that went into the creation of these stories as we start to wind the series down. For example, Mount in particular comments on exposing more of Cullen’s “weaknesses,” and there is one question that seems to ring in the heads of many characters: “Was it worth it?” Does the success or any perceived benefit justify the difficult, painful journey? We’re asking a rhetorical question, since there is no answer now and may not be much of one after watching the episodes play out. It’s just that thematically, this is something that we should be thinking about over the final seven episodes.

One other theme to watch and explore is how this series continues to ebb and flow around traditional Western tropes. We feel like at times we see an embracing of those traditions, but also enough of a push away so that this feels rather unique and distinct.

Also, be sure to come back early this coming week for an exclusive interview with Wirth on the stories that are being told, and some of the preparation that went into the final episodes being cultivated.