Series premiere. Dr. John Thackery ascends to the role of chief surgeon at The Knick, but is forced to hire a black assistant chief.

Thackery tasks Barrow over a dearth of cadavers. Edwards opens a covert basement clinic.

Thackery is asked to perform reconstructive surgrey on an old flame. Algernon has a frustrating day at work.

Algernon forces Thackery's hand in surgery, angering Gallinger. Cleary and Sister Harriet strike a deal.

Thackery vows to reverse a series of failed operations. Edwards finds his clinic, and career, in jeopardy.