As Tolliver tries to find a respectable employee suitable to be his liaison with Hearst, Swearengen tries to understand the reasoning behind Hearst's actions. The conflict becomes more tense as Dority and Captain Turner violently settle their differences. Bullock tries to finally settle the dispute between Steve and Hostetler and another murder brings Bullock once more face to face with Hearst, forcing him to take action. Trixie becomes suspicious of Alma's odd behaviour at the bank. Ellsworth and Alma have a close encounter that alters their relationship. Langrishe welcomes more arrivals from his theater troupe.
Spoilers ahead. Coverage follows the scope labeled below.
Complete story — includes the ending
Turner asks Adams to pass along a challenge to Dan. They engage in a long, brutal struggle that ends when Turner is bludgeoned to death, an experience that leaves Dan deeply disturbed. Bullock organizes a way for Steve and Hostetler to sign the agreement simultaneously in different locations, though Steve demands the confession that he was forced to write. Steve accuses Hostetler of treachery when he cannot find it, prompting him to commit suicide. Alma returns to laudanum, causing Ellsworth to move out, believing she is unhappy and he is causing it. Hearst's men kill another miner, prompting Bullock to arrest him.