The letter is published, Wyatt Earp hits town, delays continue with the theater, and Hearst makes a move.

Another attack is made at Hearst's behest, Harry and Bullock travel to Sturgis for campaigning, and there's unrest in Langrishe's troupe.

Swearengen is spurred to action when a prominent camp member is attacked, Langrishe makes arrangements for his theater, and Jane has an epiphany.

Jarry worries that Bullock and George Hearst will side with Montana on the annexation issue and a showdown looms between Wu and Lee. Andy Cramed holds his first religious service, though he doesn't count on Tolliver's participation.

Election day arrives, Hearst has his revenge, Sol and Trixie have it out, and Tolliver releases rage at his impotence.

Swearengen's deteriorating health worries his employees. Alma ponders a real-estate move after surveying her operation. A mining-company agent makes his presence known. Maddie lets Joanie in on a secret about their first client.

Wolcott reports his gold-claim acquisitions to his employer, George Hearst, and Nuttall shows off his new bicycle. Meanwhile, Miss Isringhausen reaches an agreement with Swearengen, who also meets with Bullock to discuss alternatives to annexation.

A meeting of the elders occurs with surprising results, Doc's absence is noted by Swearengen, Alma battles her addiction, and Sol offers Trixie something she never expected.

Bullock's vigilantism makes new enemies. Utter returns to Deadwood to say goodbye to an old friend. Teenage siblings arrive on a quest to find their father. Alma holds on to her late husband's claim despite another offer from Farnum.

Cochran's ominous prognosis puts the camp on alert. Smallpox survivor Andy Cramed returns as a minister. Swearengen asks an unlikely pair to pull a scam on Commissioner Jarry. Martha Bullock has second thoughts about staying in Deadwood.

Campaign speeches are rescheduled, Sol makes an investment, Alma's condition worsens, and Hearst starts a deadly game with Swearengen.

Hearst's feathers are ruffled, Aunt Lou's son comes to town, and Bullock and Swearengen make a decision.

An Amateur Night is organized by the new theater troupe, Pinkertons hit town, the students move to their new school, and Hearst makes another move regarding the elections.

The town buries its most famous casualty while the man responsible is tried in Swearengen's saloon. Trixie helps a widowed Alma care for an orphan. Doc warns of an impending epidemic.

Swearengen makes an effort to set up an informal government. Anna and Bullock discuss Ellsworth. Jane receives a job offer from Utter. Tolliver agrees to let Stubbs strike out on her own.

Calamity Jane returns to camp; Swearengen nurses his wounds while Dan and Johnny await Bullock's next move; Joanie and Maddie prepare their new place of business; Alma is asked to make a decision about her future. Maddie: Alice Krige. Adams: Titus Welliver.

Alma fires Miss Isringhausen as her ward's tutor. Bullock struggles with domestic life. Cochran suggests a risky surgical procedure for an ailing Swearengen. Dority deals with a former associate's robbery proposal.

Alma presides over the bank's grand opening, the feud over the livery between Steve and Hostetler tests Bullock's patience, Swearengen taps Adams to negotiate with Hearst, and Joanie has reservations about Langrishe's offer to buy her place.

Believing he's been duped, Brom Garret threatens to call the Pinkertons on Swearengen. Star and Bullock finally reach a deal on their hardware-store property. A new gambling outfit arrives from Chicago.

Bullock's form of vigilante justice meets resistance from the locals. The town fathers band together to fight an epidemic. Farnum reluctantly agrees to keep an eye on Alma and Trixie. Swearengen adds journalist to his colorful résumé.

Doc Cochran advises Dan and Johnny how to help Swearengen's recovery. Thriving business at a new brothel leads to a startling discovery by Tolliver. Merrick gets a scoop from Yankton about gold claims. Bullock's badge comes in handy for Commissioner Jarry.

Alma and Bullock discuss the camp's financial future. Swearengen shares news about an important visitor. Wolcott seeks to make a deal with Utter involving Wild Bill Hickok's last letter. Tolliver relies on Lee's expertise.

Elections are just days away, and Bullock lets his temper get away from him. Alma's pregnancy is not progressing as expected, and Swearengen baits Hearst.

A dandy arrives by stage coach and immediately begins exploring how to bring culture to the camp, Alma and Hearst negotiate business, and Hearst's Aunt Lou comes to camp.

Former Montana marshal Seth Bullock starts a hardware business for miners, and the arrival of Wild Bill Hickok creates a stir. Meanwhile, a corrupt saloon owner brokers a land claim for a wealthy New Yorker.