Rest in Peace Mr. Ellsworth.

The kindhearted miner took a bullet to the head on the HBO series “Deadwood” Sunday night marking the first major loss for Team Swearengen in the battle between good and evil.

And while George Hearst paid the price for ordering the hit, albeit a small one bestowed upon him by the foulmouthed Trixie in the form of a bullet to the shoulder, it still hurts (just a little) to see one of the program’s longest running characters go down.

Ellsworth’s role on the show was sparse in that first season but “Deadwood” fans experienced more of the character, his flaws and generosity, when he signed on to be pain-in-the-butt Alma Garrett’s faux-husband late in season 2.

It would have been nice to see him unleash his temper on the Pinkertons in the season (and series?) finale show down next Sunday night.

But unless Doc Cochran has a way to raise the dead, we will have to settle for Swearengen, Sheriff Bullock, Charlie Utter, Sol Star and the rest of the true townies kicking some Hearst-driven behinds when the time comes.

Official prediction: Wu to the rescue! The showdown between the Pinkertons and townsfolk will end abruptly when Wu brings his men to town, providing Pinkerton meat for the hogs for months to come.