"In this exclusive interview, AMCtv.com talks to Eddie Spears, who plays Joseph Black Moon on AMC's Hell on Wheels. Spears talks about a big first on set and how the show taught him about Cheyenne warrior traditions.

Q: What was the biggest surprise for you performing on the show?

A: My haircut! The most surprising thing to me was to hold my braid in my hand! I only had one haircut before and that was a braid. I never had that feeling before where you walk out with a new haircut: it's like a new set of clothes. My friends had never seen me with short hair before, either. I got a lot of calls and emails. I still have [the hair] -- I took it to ceremony and then burnt it.

Q: What reactions have you gotten to the show from people back home?

A: Hell on Wheels is unbiased and that's what they like about it. It's definitely not like your father's Western, a cowboy versus Indians type of thing. It's kind of got an in your face raw feel and it shows the clash of the cultures while it doesn't really pick a side. I hope that a lot of people learn from the history and all the stuff people have gone through -- hopefully people wake up this time."

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Q&A - Eddie Spears (Joseph Black Moon) (AMCtv.com 12/12)