Dr. Thackery sets his sights on a return to The Knick - a request that doesn't sit well with the board. After a shocking discovery, Cornelia enlists Cleary to do a dirty job, for a price. Bertie makes a change; Robertson pushes a new subway initiative; Barrow drives up construction costs; Lucy is surprised by an unexpected visitor from home.
Thackery enlists Edwards to help him test a new hypothesis. After rejecting Robertson's advances at The Knick, Lucy learns that confession isn't always good for the soul. Young journalist Genevieve Everidge works on a story about one of Thackery's rivals. Cornelia is dismayed by the limits of her husband's sympathies; Barrow faces a new adversary at Tammany Hall; Gallinger is intrigued by a discussion of eugenics at a class reunion; Edwards deals with a surprise visitor.
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.
Thack experiments with the use of electricity on the brain of a morphine addict. Bertie seeks Dr Edwards' help in finding a treatment for his mother's laryngeal cancer.
Faced with a quandary, Bertie decides to take matters into his own hands at Mt. Sinai, enlisting Algernon to help. Thackery investigates the efficacy of hypnosis, and takes an interest in a pair of conjoined twins. Lucy lobbies Henry for a gala invitation. Cornelia visits the brother of a deceased immigrant with ties to Speight. Gallinger dines with an unwelcome guest. Barrow previews a new home for Junia. Harriet agrees to make a change.
Thackery operates on the conjoined twins, Cornelia reaches a discovery on her investigation, a hospital charity ball takes place and the operation on Garrison Carr arises trouble.
Cornelia tells her brother about her suspicions, Thackery is preparing to operate on Abigail, Lucy discovers some shocking news about her father, Eleanor reveals a troubling secret and Barrow goes forward with his plans with Junia.
Do You Remember Moon Flower?
Thackery and Capt. Robertson's connection and how the doctor arrived at the Knick, are revealed; the problems between Edwards and Gallinger come to a head after a medical-board hearing about Gallinger's vasectomies. Later, Cleary and Harriet engage in a joint business venture; Lucy shares memories with her father; Barrow realizes the rising costs of living well; and Cornelia and Henry face a family crisis.
Thackery ignores Zinberg's advice at Mt. Sinai and undertakes a risky, alternative course of action; Cornelia confronts Henry about the family business; Barrow's actions at the hospital construction site are called into question; Gallinger ponders a job opportunity; and Cleary steadfastly refuses to give up on Harriet.