Enoch 'Nucky' Thompson addresses the Temperance League, spinning a tale of a young boy who struggled to feed his family. The desperate boy, who turns out to be Nucky himself, killed rats so his family had something to eat. With Prohibition just hours away, people are stocking up on alcohol while a funeral procession for 'John Barleycorn', a giant liquor bottle in a casket, marks the end of an era.

Having attempted to cover up Jimmy Darmody's crimes, Nucky is visited by zealous Federal Agent Nelson Van Alden. Nucky discusses the upcoming election with his aging mentor. And Margaret Schroeder seeks help in providing for her children.

Simon, the survivor of the shooting, is rushed to a hospital in Pennsylvania, barely alive. Annoyed that Jimmy left a witness, Nucky instructs his brother to help `nature take its course'.

Jimmy forms new relationships in Chicago. Nucky celebrates a US Senator. Chalky identifies a lynching suspect. Margaret and Lucy clash.

Eli, Margaret and Van Alden undermine Nucky's attempts to usher in a joyous St. Patrick's Day, and James Neary is arrested. Jimmy takes care of Pearl after her attack.

Nucky investigates a boardwalk robbery in broad daylight, and Nucky suspects Lucky is behind it. Jimmy scores points with Johnny Torrio, while Margaret stands up to Lucy.