Ep 1. Big Bad Wolf

The episode "Big Bad Wolf" of Hell on Wheels season 3 opens with the aftermath of a violent confrontation between Cullen Bohannon and the Swede. Bohannon is left seriously injured and barely clinging to life. Meanwhile, the rest of the town is in chaos as a gang of outlaws known as the "Big Bad Wolf" terrorizes the citizens of Hell on Wheels.

As Bohannon fights for his life, the rest of the town tries to deal with the arrival of the notorious gang. Elam Ferguson takes charge and rallies the other workers to fortify the town and prepare for an attack. Lily Bell, still grieving the loss of her husband, struggles to maintain control of the railroad construction project in the face of the chaos.

The tension in the town reaches a boiling point as the Big Bad Wolf gang closes in. Ferguson and the others prepare for a fierce battle, but soon realize that their opponent is not what they thought. The gang's leader, an enigmatic and unpredictable man known only as "The Swede," is not what he appears to be. As Bohannon slowly recovers and begins to piece together the truth, the stage is set for a final showdown between the two men.

As the episode unfolds, viewers are treated to a fascinating portrait of life on the frontier in the late 1800s. The harsh realities of daily life are laid bare, from the backbreaking labor of the railroad workers to the lawlessness and violence that pervaded the Wild West. The characters are complex and multi-dimensional, each grappling with their own demons as they try to survive and thrive in a world that is both beautiful and brutal.

"Big Bad Wolf" is an intense and gripping episode that sets the stage for the rest of the season. It is a testament to the skill and creativity of the show's writers and creators, who have crafted a complex and remarkable vision of America's past. Hell on Wheels continues to be a standout in the crowded landscape of prestige television, and this episode is a must-watch for fans of the show and for anyone who loves great drama.