Deadwood

Deadwood's first true elections are approaching, with the offices of sheriff (Bullock vs. Harry Manning) and mayor (E.B. Farnum vs. Sol Star) to be contested. Hearst offers Bullock his backing in exchange for Bullock's help.

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.

[HBO] HD. 'True Colors.' (Season Three) Alma offers Hearst a deal; Jack Langrishe arrives with his theater entourage; Hearst gets a cook.

Amidst as much fanfare as Deadwood can muster, Alma opens Deadwood's first bank. Cochran ministers to Tolliver, but it's unclear now who's sicker. Hearst meets with Swearengen and Tolliver; Bullock brokers a deal.

Enabled by Leon, Alma reverts to her bad habits, though she's able to exhibit enough charm to get Merrick to endorse her bank's liquidity during a crisis. Swearengen, still trying to decipher Hearst's intentions, finally finds use for Farnum.

Aunt Lou's long-lost son, Odell Marchbanks, arrives in Deadwood after a circuitous trip from Liberia, although his mother soon attempts to orchestrate his immediate departure. Bullock and Swearengen contemplate a preemptive strike against Hearst.

Odell makes Hearst a proposition involving "the color," causing his mother to fret for his safety. The camp elders hold another Gem meeting, complete with peaches and cinnamon, to map out a strategy to deal with Hearst.

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, having defended a stagecoach against sabotage.

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; it takes Burns, of all people, to decipher it.

With Bullock campaigning away from camp, Alma finds herself targeted by Hearst's henchmen, and finds shelter with (of all people) Swearengen. Sent to the Gem with a missive from Hearst, Barrett is treated rudely by its proprietor.

Bullock holds a meeting to determine which emergencies warrant wiring him in Sturgis, where he and Harry are delivering pitches. The first summons doesn't take long, as Hearst follows up Alma's close call with one that's decidedly more on-target.

Deadwood turns out to vote; Alma makes a deal; Utter receives one body for Hearst, who demands to see another; and Stubbs reaches out to a frustrated Tolliver, who finds himself with a folded hand as the action heats up.