When the episode opens, we watch Inspector Speight’s (David Fierro) lifeless body being pulled from the water. Dr. Algernon Edwards (Andre Holland) and Bertie (Michael Angarano) speak about a recent news report regarding rehabs and asylums. They watch from a distance, as Dr. Everett Gallinger (Eric Johnson) and Dr. Thackery (Clive Owen) exit a wagon and walk into The Knick. Next, Thackery speaks with the board of the hospital and explains that the hospital was unsafe and admits he was able to escape with Gallinger’s help. During this time, Nurse Elkins (Eve Hewson) learns about Thackery’s return.

Thackery explains his intentions of returning and attempting to find a cure for addiction. Unfortunately, he is mainly ridiculed for his goals. He is also told he will be inspected regularly for needle marks. Next, we see that Tom Cleary’s (Chris Sullivan) new vehicle has lost its wheel. Unfortunately, he also loses his patient, as he is forced to allow a competitor to finish the transportation. Next, Elkins pays a visit to Thackery and learns he wants nothing to do with her. Awkwardly, she sticks around and inspects his needle marks.

Cornelia (Juliet Rylance) enters the city and runs into her brother Henry (Charles Aitken). Thackery and the others tour the hospital, before Algie allows Everett to perform an operation. The action makes Thackery suspicious. Next, Cleary speaks with Herman (Jeremy Bobb) and explains about his broken down ambulance. He also asks for money in advance, but is turned down. Afterwards, Herman is put into a difficult situation, when Ping Wu (Perry Yung) brings his prostitutes to the hospital. He enlists help from Elkins and Dr. Mays (Ben Livingston) lends his assistance.

Meanwhile, Bertie complains to Algie about their current situation. Afterwards, he runs into Cornelia and tells her about the inspector’s death. Bertie then pays a visit to Thackery and hands over his resignation notice. Thackery attempts to smooth things over, but only makes matters worse, when he reveals he slept with Elkins. Next, Herman meets with the hospital’s builder, Mr Karwoski (Lucas Caleb Rooney). He setups a scheme, so he can swindle money out of the deal. Afterwards, Cleary visits Sister Harriet (Cara Seymour) with her new attorney, Whitting (Jefferson Mays) in tow.

The situation seems bleak for the Nun, but Cleary refuses to give up hope. After the meeting, Cleary attempts to take the attorney home, but his ambulance fails him once more. Cornelia calls Algie and asks whether or not alcohol could be detected in a deceased individual. She contemplates digging up the Inspector’s body. She insists the inspector didn’t drink, besides what she is being told. Next, Cleary visits his wrestler and learns he has been schemed by his former owner. The wrestler admits to him his dollar to make amends.

Next, Thackery has a flashback to a failed surgery and immediately hits the bar. After a few drinks, he is introduced to Cate (Alexandra Roxo). Moments later, the pair are engaging in intercourse in the alleyway. Meanwhile, Cornelia shares dinner with her family. Her brother, Henry, gets into an argument with their favor, due to his wishes to invest in the subway, which his father insists will be a failure. Algie shares a drink with his friend and the pair complain about their treatment. Next, A.D. Elkins (Stephen Spinella) comes to town and brings his horrendous Southern accent with him.

He visits his doctor and tours the hospital. Their pair run into Thackery, who praises Nurse Elkins. Next, Thackery discovers Algie’s fever cabinet. He doesn’t seem to like the investment and immediately pays a visit to Edwards to complain. During the confrontation, Thackery learns about Algie’s eye problem and agrees to help, by performing the surgery. Next, Cornelia attempts to get the inspector’s body dug up. She is told she’ll need to pay big to get her wish fulfilled. Instead, she pays a visit to Cleary and asks him about his grave digging days.

They pay a visit to the inspector’s grave and dig him up. During the digging, they speak about the Nun’s problem and Cornelia offers her assistance. She agrees to do whatever she can. When they open the coffin, nothing is found inside. Next, AD Elkins preaches to a group, which includes his daughter. Before Thackery can operate on Algie, he sees a premonition of the little girl once more and his sink’s water transforms into blood. During the operation, his hand begins shaking erratically and Algie refuses to allow him to finish.

Afterwards, Thackery returns to bar and shares a drink with Cate. He learns about her drug habit and her risky behavior of shooting coke and heroin at the same time. She admits it could potentially kill her, but she doesn’t seem to care.

 

The Knick Review

The second episode was definitely much better than the premiere. Thackery returned to The Knick and his crazy behavior was just as fascinating as ever. Each character seems to be delving into their own troubles in one way or another. The only downfall of the episode was probably the addition of A.D. Elkins. The Southern accent was terrible and nowhere near authentic.

Still, a good episode and an excellent way to get back on track. An 8 out of 10 is deserved. Be sure to catch up with previous recaps of The Knick right now!