Nurse Mildred Ratched seeks employment at Lucia State Hospital as it prepares to admit notorious killer Edmund Tolleson as a new psychiatric patient.

Dr. Hanover demonstrates a cutting-edge procedure; Nurse Ratched visits a survivor of Edmund's massacre and goes on an outing with Gwendolyn to Monterey.

After a woman from his past puts a price on his head, Dr. Hanover reveals a dark secret to Nurse Ratched; Nurse Bucket administers a barbarous treatment.

Nurse Ratched helps Edmund find an outlet for his urges and offers her services to Wainwright; Gwendolyn leaves her husband.

Promoted to head nurse, Ratched plans a dance at the hospital and invites Gwendolyn join her as her companion; Lenore makes Ratched an offer.

On the run, lovers find refuge at an abandoned farmhouse; Ratched recalls traumatic childhood memories during a marionette show.