Deadwood

Deadwood's first true elections are nearly here, with the offices of sheriff and mayor to be decided. One of Hearst's Cornish workers is killed at the Gem, leading Swearengen to suspect that the incident was a staged Hearst power play.

Captain Turner tips off Swearengen with a cryptic note to another bloody incident at the Gem; later, Hearst makes his intentions known in a more straightforward way. Alma's health raises the issue of Sofia's stewardship.

New arrivals on the stagecoach usher change into Deadwood: Jack Langrishe, a stage promoter and friend of Al Swearengen, and Aunt Lou Marchbanks, Hearst's longtime cook. Also returning to town is a newly westernized Wu, with news for "Swegin."

While Alma officially opens the bank of Deadwood, Langrishe asks Joanie whether she is willing to sell the Chez Ami, so he can make it into a theatre. Stapleton sets his eye on one of the new actresses in town and Jane receives a telegram from Fields.

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.

While Hearst still lies in jail, Al pays the Sheriff a visit, asking about last night. Sofia is worried about Mr. Ellsworth's absence, which saddens Alma even more. Bullock releases Hearst from prison. Aunt Lou's son, Odell, arrives in camp.

Bullock's proposal carries the day during a meeting held at the Gem to discuss the Hearst conundrum, Aunt Lou fears for Odell's well-being after his latest gambit, and Fields is skeptical of Steve's offer to remain in camp.

Merrick and Blazanov deliver the day's edition of "The Pioneer" around camp. A stagecoach arrives with the sound of gunfire as two strangers (Wyatt and Morgan Earp) come into town, unsettling the Sheriff and Al, who wonder if they're Hearst's men.

As Deadwood is overrun by Hearst's men, Bullock issues contingency plans to Martha. Wu is caught in a Pinkerton stampede and delivers a cryptic message, that is solved by the unlikeliest person, to Swearengen.

With the Sheriff out of camp, Alma is assailed by Hearst's men and as she never would have expected, shelter comes from Swearengen. Barrett is sent to the Gem, but Al resorts to old fashion methods of inquiring to his employers plans.

Bullock holds a 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 more on-target.

In the third season finale 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.