Elections for mayor and sheriff are fast approaching, but Bullock and Swearengen keep an eye on influential new resident George Hearst (Gerald McRaney), who tests the waters of the camp's power structure. Meanwhile, Adams proposes a real-estate deal to Star, and Alma encounters complications with her pregnancy.
The candidates for sheriff and mayor deliver their campaign speeches; Hearst gives Swearengen a personal demonstration of his influence; Doc Cochran tends to an ailing Alma; Jane shares her exploits with Custer with the schoolchildren; Andy has an uncomfortable reunion with Tolliver.
The stagecoach brings Hearst's loyal cook (Cleo King); theater promoter Jack Langrishe (Brian Cox), who's an old friend of Swearengen; and a returning Mr. Wu. Hearst shows he means business during separate dealings with Alma, Bullock and Tolliver.
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; Joanie has reservations about Langrishe's offer to buy her place.
Dority's simmering feud with an imposing rival finally comes to a boil; Langrishe lays the groundwork for the new theater; Tolliver learns surprising news about Leon's latest customer; Steve's stubborn streak doesn't subside with his purchase of the livery.
Aunt Lou's well-traveled son arrives in camp; Alma's recent behavior takes a personal and professional toll; Bullock and Swearengen prepare for the worst with an irate Hearst; Joanie extends another invitation to Jane. Odell: Omar Gooding.
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; Fields is skeptical of Steve's offer to remain in camp; Cochran finds other uses for a tailor's swatches; Chesterton's illness postpones Langrishe's theater plans.
Wyatt Earp and his brother Morgan arrive, though their business is a mystery; the camp anxiously awaits Hearst's reaction to Bullock's letter in The Pioneer; an incident at the livery hinders Fields' travel plans.
Langrishe welcomes all comers for the camp's first amateur night; a returning Commissioner Jarry seeks an audience with Hearst.
With Bullock on the campaign trail, Alma seeks Swearengen's help when she feels threatened by Hearst's goons; Barrett runs into trouble while delivering a message from his boss; Stapleton continues his pursuit of Claudia; Jane and Joanie bond over the contents of a dream. Written by W. Earl Brown, who plays Swearengen's right-hand man, Dan Dority.
Bullock rates the crises required to summon him from campaigning in Sturgis; Swearengen resorts to Plan B when he counts on an old ally for reinforcements; Alma seeks a familiar safe haven in the face of a new danger; Langrishe's relationship with Hearst deteriorates.
The elections are held, though the results may not be much of a surprise. Hawkeye finally arrives with Swearengen's reinforcements, Alma negotiates a deal for her claim, and Langrishe wonders if now is the right time to open his theater.