In the Season Three finale, the camp turns out to vote, but as Bullock notes, the election may already have been decided. Stubbs reaches out to a frustrated Tolliver, who finds himself with a folded hand as the action heats up. Through Farnum, Hearst issues his conditions for departure, forcing Swearengen to finish what Burns can't.

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. Their solution, proposed by Bullock via a letter to the family of a slain Cornishman, promises to make news in 'The Pioneer.'

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. Barrett makes Merrick pay for embarrassing Hearst in 'The Pioneer;' Morgan Earp calls out one of the 'Pistoleros.'

(Season Three premiere) 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. Meanwhile, Hearst offers Bullock his political backing in exchange for Bullock's promise to exert influence over certain areas of the camp.

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. Dority rises to Captain Turner's challenge, driving Hearst to the Bella Union, where Bullock hands him an earful.