With Deadwood's first true elections approaching, Hearst's ambitions rub Bullock and Swearengen the wrong way. At the Gem, one of Hearst's workers is killed, raising Swearengen's suspicions that the incident was a staged Hearst power play. Adams' orchestrated foreclosure gives Star a new home, with discreet access next door for Trixie. Jane prepares to share her experience scouting for General Custer with the camp's children. Joanie contemplates the easy way out. Written by WyattJones

A cryptic note delivered by Captain Turner tips off Swearengen to another bloody incident at the Gem; later, Hearst makes his intentions known in a more straightforward message. While Jane finds a captive audience for her oratory skills, the candidates for Mayor and Sheriff aren't as fortunate. Alma's health raises the issue of Sofia's stewardship. Newly reformed Andy pays an unexpected visit to Tolliver, with a different agenda and outcome. Written by WyattJones

The stagecoach ushers in new arrivals to Deadwood: Jack Langrishe, a flamboyant stage promoter and old friend of Swearengen, and Aunt Lou Marchbanks, Hearst's longtime cook. A newly westernized Wu returns with news for Swegin about a soon-to-arrive group of imported Hearst workers. Apparently recovered from her ailments, with the aid of a reliable pal, Alma decides to approach Hearst with a claim deal. Bullock uncovers the truth about the Gem killings, and vows to put Hearst on notice. Written by WyattJones

Alma opens the doors to the new Bank of Deadwood and business is brisk. Hostetler return to Deadwood with the horse that killed Bullock's son. The Sheriff accepts that his son's death was due to an accident and blames no one. He finds himself acting as a go-between Hostetler and Steve, who has been taking care of the livery in Hostetler's absence and now feels he's being pushed out. Langrische makes an offer to buy Joanie's house with a view to opening a theater but Joanie imposes certain conditions before she sells. Hearst asks Cy Tolliver and Al Swearengen to a meeting to discuss business. Written by garykmcd

Enabled by Leon, Alma reverts to her bad habits, though she's able to get Merrick to endorse her bank's liquidity during a time of crisis. Swearengen, still trying to decipher Hearst's intentions, finally finds use for E.B. after a long chill. Steve and Hostetler work out the arrangements by which the livery will change hands, but all's not ending well. Dority rises to Captain Turner's challenge, driving Hearst to the Bella Union, where Bullock hands him an earful. Written by WyattJones

Aunt Lou's long-lost son, Odell, arrives in Deadwood from Liberia, but she soon attempts to orchestrate his immediate departure. Bullock and Swearengen contemplate a preemptive strike against Hearst, whose ire has been inflamed overnight. Alma's bad habits lose her the bank services of Trixie and, possibly, the attentions of her husband. Her indisposition also makes her vulnerable to Heart. Joanie offers Jane a place to stay, again. Written by WyattJones

Odell makes Hearst a proposition involving the color, causing his mother to fret further for his safety. The camp elders hold another Gem meeting to map out a strategy to deal with Hearst. Their solution, proposed by Bullock via a letter to the family of a slain Cornishman, promises to make news in The Pioneer. Steve offers Fields a reason to stay in Deadwood, though the latter won't bite. Jane is convinced to bunk up with Joanie at Shaunessy's. Written by WyattJones

The Pioneer edition featuring Bullock's letter is published, raising concerns about Hearst's response. Erstwhile lawman Wyatt Earp and his brother Morgan ride into town, ostensibly having defended an incoming stagecoach against sabotage. Some town folks question their supposed heroics. Langrishe grants Chesterton a curtain call, and offers to perform long-term therapy on Hearst's chronic aching back. Fields' departure is delayed by an injury at the livery to Steve the Drunk. Written by WyattJones

As Deadwood is overrun by Hearst's men, Bullock issues contingency plans to Martha. Wu, caught in a Pinkerton stampede, delivers a cryptic message to Swearengen. Barrett makes Merrick pay for embarrassing Hearst in The Pioneer. Morgan Earp calls out one of the Pistoleros. Commissioner Jarry arrives from Yankton to solicit Hearst. Aunt Lou gets some bad news. Joanie survives an encounter with her former boss. Langrishe mines Deadwood's talent pool with an amateur-night performance. Written by WyattJones

With Bullock campaigning away from camp, Alma finds herself targeted by Hearst's henchmen, and finds shelter with Swearengen. Sent to the Gem with a missive from Hearst, Barrett is treated rudely by its proprietor, who turns to familiar methods to get the henchmen to reveal his boss's future plans. Langrishe recruits one new actress at the expense of another. Jane shares the particulars of her latest dream with Joanie. Written by WyattJones

Bullock holds an impromptu morning meeting to determine which emergencies warrant wiring him in Sturgis, where he and Harry are delivering campaign pitches. The first summons doesn't take long, as Hearst follows up Alma's close call with one that's decidedly more on-target. In the aftermath, Alma takes refuge at the Gem, again, while Trixie decides to take matters into her own hands. Swearengen turns to Wu to deliver reinforcements from Custer City. Written by WyattJones

The camp turns out to vote - but as Bullock notes, the election may already have been decided. In light of the populace's mood, Langrishe delays the opening of his theater, and ponders his future in Deadwood. Hawkeye arrives at the Gem with almost 18 men to complement Wu's contingent. Alma works out a deal for her claim. Joanie reaches out to a frustrated Tolliver. Through E.B., Hearst issues his conditions for departure, forcing Swearengen to finish what Burns can't. Written by WyattJones