Del:
Pard. Not really talking about violence. Talking about good writing. Big difference.
Pace is not a function of violence or "action." Plot is moved forward by many devices including external and internal conflict, reformation, antagonist and protagonist confrontations, sub-plots, unexpected turns or twists, character development and many others.
I may be alone here, but IMHO, "Deadwood" featured some of the highest levels of art, intelligent writing and acting ever connected to the "western" genre. However, if you actually analyze the series, I recall that there were several episodes without a single gunshot. True, there were other violent acts from time to time, but they typically did not dominate the story line.
Not trying to pick a squabble, pard, just saying that folks shouldn't construe slow writing to mean a lack of violence.
If Hell on Wheels was intended to be a documentary, I would view it in a different light. As it is, it's billed as entertainment, which generally requires that folks be entertained. For me, I personally would be better entertained if they picked up the pace of the story.
It's a good series. I'd just like to see it be a great series.
Now, let's have a drink.