Deadwood's first true elections are nearly here, with the offices of sheriff and mayor to be decided. Tonight, the candidates will state their cases to the townspeople. One of Hearst's Cornish workers is killed at the Gem, leading Swearengen to suspect that the incident was a staged Hearst power play. Ellsworth and Doc Cochran are alarmed by complications involving Alma's pregnancy. Star gains a new home from Adams' orchestrated foreclosure. Jane prepares to tell the camp's children about her experiences scouting for General Custer. Shocked by her inability to make a clean break from the gut-stabbed Tolliver, Joanie considers taking the easy way out. Hearst will give Bullock his political backing if Bullock promises to exert influence over certain areas of the camp.
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Complete story — includes the ending
Six weeks later, Deadwood's posts go up for reelection and Hearst's thugs kill a miner at the Gem. Al theorizes that the man did it on Hearst's orders to test if Bullock will work for him. A pregnant Alma is struck with a sudden illness. At a meeting with Bullock regarding the election, Hearst snidely brings up Alma. Assuming E.B. told Hearst about their relationship, Bullock beats him. Ashamed at his loss of his control, he considers not running until Utter reminds him that the position will then go to Manning. When Hearst refuses to make it up to Al for staging the shooting at the Gem, Al postpones the upcoming election speeches.