Doc contemplates a procedure that could cure Swearengen - or kill him. Bullock attempts to settle into domesticity, while Sol gets a new student bookkeeper - Trixie. Alma cuts ties with Sofia's tutor, Miss Isringhausen. Joanie and Maddie argue over the business. The County Commissioner's arrival spawns rumors about the camp's future and legal ownership of the gold claims.—WyattJones
Al Swearengen is suffering dearly as Doc Cochran tries to remove his kidney stones. The only solution left is to cut him open, a procedure that only two out of ten men can survive. Elsewhere panic sets in when the County Commissioner arrives to review all mining claims. Many are assuming their claims will be rejected and are prepared to sell out at any price. Whitney Ellsworth knows exactly the kind of operations the Hearst empire runs and orders Wolcott off Alma Garret's claim. E.B. Farnum tries to buy out Alma Garret but she shows that she's made of stern stuff. Cy Tolliver and Francis Wolcott make sure they're in on the ground floor as far as mining rights are concerned. Wolcott's favorite whore arrives to work at Chez Ami.—garykmcd