Almost being hanged, gaining and losing a baby, surviving a bear attack -- it hasn’t been an easy journey for Hell on Wheels’ Elam Ferguson. AMC asked actor Common to share his insights on some of his character’s most memorable moments. Find out what makes these scenes special and watch clips of the moments themselves.

Cullen Saves Elam From Hanging - Season 1, Episode 7, "Revelations"

"The scene at the campfire between Elam and Cullen Bohannan really was the first time you saw the two men open up to each other, so it was a pivotal moment — and the hanging scene was really tough to be a part of."

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Elam Identifies a Murderer - Season 2, Episode 2, "Durant, Nebraska"

"The scene where Elam gets revenge on the man who killed the prostitute was a great indicator of what that season could become. You never know what will happen on Hell on Wheels."

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Elam Searches for His Baby - Season 3, Episode 5, "Searchers"

"This episode was another testament to Elam and Cullen Bohannan's relationship and the sacrifices they make for each other. It also provided real insight into how much Elam wanted a baby and a family."

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Elam Searches for Cullen - Season 3, Episode 9, "Fathers and Sins"

"I thought the episode was very well directed, was really entertaining, and I loved being able to give Elam's speech motivating everyone to go find Bohannan."

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Elam Scalps a Comanche - Season 4, Episode 6, "Bear Man"

"This is an epic episode. There's little dialogue but so much is being said. I thought the directing on this episode was excellent. As Anson likes to say, visually it's almost like a Terrence Mallick film. But at the heart of it, seeing Elam not being himself because of the bear attack is really traumatizing."

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Hell on Wheels airs Saturdays at 9/8c on AMC.