Ep 7. Revelations

In the seventh episode of Hell on Wheels season 1, titled "Revelations," the story takes a dramatic turn as tensions continue to mount between the Union Pacific Railroad and the Cheyenne nation. The episode opens with Joseph Black Moon, a young half-Cheyenne man, seeking solace at the church on the edge of town. He begs Reverend Nathaniel Cole to help him understand Christianity and the concept of sin.

Meanwhile, Cullen Bohannon continues to pursue his revenge against the Union soldiers who killed his wife. He travels with Elam Ferguson to a nearby army outpost, hoping to find the men responsible. Along the way, they run into a group of Cheyenne warriors who are also seeking revenge for the recent massacre of their people. The encounter is tense, but ultimately the two groups go their separate ways.

At the army outpost, Bohannon and Ferguson sneak in and find the men they were looking for. In a brutal and bloody confrontation, they finally exact their revenge. However, their actions do not go unnoticed, and they are soon pursued by a posse of soldiers led by Marshal Bowen.

Back in town, Durant and Lily Bell attend a meeting with Chief Many Horses and other Cheyenne leaders. The group discusses the issues between their two communities and attempts to find a way to coexist peacefully. However, tensions remain high, and the situation is made worse when Durant reveals his plans to build a bridge across the nearby river, which the Cheyenne consider sacred.

As the episode progresses, the themes of revenge, forgiveness, and redemption continue to play out. Joseph Black Moon wrestles with the concept of sin and what it means for his place in the world. Reverend Cole offers guidance and spiritual support, but he struggles with his own doubts and demons.

At the same time, Bohannon and Ferguson come face to face with the consequences of their actions and must decide whether to run or face the marshal and his posse. Lily Bell attempts to bridge the gap between the Union Pacific and the Cheyenne, but her efforts are complicated by Durant's single-minded focus on progress and expansion.

The tension and drama of "Revelations" set the stage for the final episodes of the season, as the characters grapple with the aftermath of their choices and the complicated realities of life on the frontier. Through it all, Hell on Wheels continues to explore the themes of violence, justice, and morality that make it one of the most compelling dramas on television.