Ep 2. Immoral Mathematics

After the thrilling pilot episode, Hell on Wheels continues its reign with the second episode, "Immoral Mathematics." Set against the backdrop of the monumental building of the transcontinental railroad, this series brings the harsh realities of life in the wild west to vivid life.

As the title suggests, this episode deals with some deep moral questions. The main focus is on the character of Lily Bell, a young widow who has lost everything but still has faith in the promise of the new country she finds herself in.

At the beginning of the episode, we find Lily being examined by a doctor, who informs her that he has found a lump in her breast. This news sends Lily into a tailspin, as she realizes that she is faced with a life-threatening illness with no hope of a cure.

Meanwhile, Cullen Bohannon, the show's protagonist, continues to search for the men who killed his family during the Civil War. In his quest, he comes across a group of Confederate soldiers who have been hired by the railroad company to serve as security on the job site. Cullen is initially hesitant to work alongside his former enemies, but he soon realizes that he has no choice if he wants to get closer to the murderers.

As the episode progresses, we see Lily grappling with her own mortality and struggling to find a way to come to terms with her diagnosis. She finds some solace in the company of Mr. Durant, the railroad tycoon who is funding the construction of the railway. Durant is a complex character, both ruthless and charming, and his relationship with Lily is a fascinating one to watch.

At the same time, we see tensions rising on the job site as the workers start to realize how dangerous the work they are undertaking really is. One scene in particular, involving a tunnel collapse, is both harrowing and heart-wrenching, as the workers scramble to save their colleagues from certain death.

Throughout it all, we see glimpses of the deep-seated corruption that runs through the railroad industry, as Durant and his cronies scheme and plot to make as much money as possible from the project. It's a bleak and uncompromising vision of the American dream, one that is both awe-inspiring and deeply unsettling.

As the episode comes to a close, Lily's situation takes a turn for the worse, leaving her at a crossroads. Will she choose to give up or fight on? It's a question that will no doubt be explored in future episodes of the show.

All in all, "Immoral Mathematics" is a gripping and thought-provoking episode of Hell on Wheels. It's a great example of the kind of complex, character-driven storytelling that has made this series such a success, and it promises even more excitement and drama to come.