Deadwood

In the Season Three premiere, Hearst's ambitions rub Bullock and Swearengen the wrong way as Deadwood's first true elections approach.

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.

Deadwood ushers in some new arrivals on the stagecoach: Jack Langrishe, a flamboyant stage promoter and old friend of Swearengen, and Aunt Lou Marchbanks, Hearst's longtime cook who settles in nicely as the Grand Central chef.

Alma opens Deadwood's first bank; 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.

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.

In the Season Three finale, 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.