What was the employment situation of the girls at the Gem/Bella Union?
Numerous references are made to the girls being sold to/bought by/brought to Deadwood by Al or Cy— can they leave if they want? Are they getting paid? I think we see Johnny let one of the girls keep a few dollars at one point, so it seems they get to keep SOME of the money they’re making, at least at the Gem. Bella Union girls seem more morose most of the time despite being visually better put-together so maybe their terms were different/harsher (or Cy was just that much of a POS to them.) Trixie & Joanie were definitely exceptions given way more freedom than the other girls because of Al/Cy’s personal affinity for them, but even then the men’s reputations as cutthroat tough guys makes these dynamics interesting. How much freedom did they ACTUALLY have, meaning how “weak” by proxy did Al & Cy allow themselves to be perceived as. Thoughts?