Abby’s worsening condition persuades Thackery to test out his novel syphilis treatment. Edwards comes clean to Opal, but does not get the response he expects. Cleary makes a last-ditch effort to raise funds for Harriet as her date in court arrives. Bertie undergoes physical training. Barrow loses a sponsor. Gallinger’s prejudices are reinforced. Cornelia probes a suspicious death. Lucy laments her lot in life.

A subway explosion leads to an influx of patients at The Knick, but little margin for profit. Pursued by Henry, Lucy takes to heart advice from one of Ping Wu’s girls. An addict’s misfortune gives Thackery an ideal test case for his latest theory on addiction. Bertie submits his adrenalin research to Zinberg. Cornelia gets a new clue in Speight’s death. Barrow repays a debt but gets no credit. Genevieve charms the Chickerings. Harriet finds herself a boarding-house pariah.

Fighting his nerves, Thackery readies himself to attempt to separate Zoya and Nika in front of a packed audience. After getting a surprise gift from her father-in-law, Cornelia attends a gala charity ball for the new Knick with other familiar guests. Barrow gets rid of a threat. Opal spoils the Robertsons’ good mood. Algernon gets a long-overdue spotlight in the surgical theater, but complications ensue.