Hell on Wheels Season 2 Episode 4
Hell on Wheels
Season 2

Ep 4. Scabs

  • TV-14
  • September 2, 2012
  • 43 min
  • 8.2  (604)

The episode "Scabs" is the fourth episode of the second season of the American television drama series Hell on Wheels. Set in the post-Civil War period, the show follows the construction of the First Transcontinental Railroad and the lives of the people involved in the endeavor.

In this episode, tensions continue to rise between the Union Pacific Railroad and the Irish workers who have been on strike for higher wages. The episode picks up with Cullen Bohannon, the former Confederate soldier turned railroad worker, witnessing the influx of "scab" workers being brought in to replace the striking Irishmen. As the scabs arrive, a brawl breaks out between them and the Irish workers, setting the stage for further conflict throughout the episode.

Meanwhile, Elam Ferguson, a recently freed slave who is also working on the railroad, faces his own set of challenges. After witnessing the unjust treatment of his fellow black workers, Elam takes action to address their grievances and demands fair treatment.

The character of Lily Bell, the widow of a railroad surveyor, also plays a significant role in this episode. Haunted by the death of her husband, Lily is determined to find his killer and seek justice. As she continues to investigate, she encounters unexpected obstacles and discovers that the truth may be more complicated than she anticipated.

Joseph Black Moon, a young Cheyenne man who has been living among the white settlers, continues to grapple with his identity and the tensions between his Native American heritage and the world of the railroad. In "Scabs," Joseph finds himself torn between the loyalty he feels towards his Cheyenne family and his growing affection for Ruth, a white woman living in Hell on Wheels.

As the episode unfolds, the conflicts between various groups intensify. The tension between the scabs and the Irish workers escalates into a violent clash, leading to grave consequences for some. Cullen Bohannon finds himself caught in the middle of this violence and must navigate the chaos while grappling with his own demons from the war.

"Scabs" also explores themes of labor rights, racial tension, and the struggles of marginalized communities during this period in American history. It delves into the complexities of the characters' relationships and their ongoing quests for justice and survival.

Overall, "Scabs" is a powerful episode of Hell on Wheels that propels the narrative forward while delving deeper into the lives of its diverse set of characters. It tackles themes of race, class, and justice, keeping the audience engaged with its compelling storylines and the rich historical backdrop of the construction of the First Transcontinental Railroad.

Description
Watch Hell on Wheels - Scabs (s2 e4) Online - Watch online anytime: Stream, Download, Buy, Rent
Hell on Wheels, Season 2 Episode 4, is available to watch free on Tubi TV and stream on AMC. You can also stream, download, buy, rent Hell on Wheels on demand at Apple TV Channels, Amazon Prime, Amazon, Vudu, Microsoft Movies & TV, Google Play, Apple TV online.
  • First Aired
    September 2, 2012
  • Content Rating
    TV-14
  • Runtime
    43 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    8.2  (604)