Ep 3. The Best With The Best To Get The Best

In The Knick season 2 episode 3, entitled "The Best With The Best To Get The Best," the tension between Algernon Edwards (played by André Holland) and Dr. Gallinger (played by Eric Johnson) continues to grow. The episode starts with Dr. Thackery (played by Clive Owen) organizing a "surgical rodeo," where various doctors compete to perform a surgery on a patient with a potentially fatal condition.

Algernon, who has been steadily proving himself as a skilled surgeon, is eager to participate and show up Dr. Gallinger, who has made no secret of his disdain for Algernon. Gallinger, meanwhile, is dealing with personal turmoil as his wife's mental health continues to deteriorate, leading him to take drastic measures.

The surgical rodeo goes ahead, with each doctor given just 15 minutes to perform the surgery. Thackery is confident in Algernon's abilities, but when it's his turn to perform the surgery, things quickly go awry.

Meanwhile, Cornelia (played by Juliet Rylance) is still investigating the mysterious illness outbreak that has hit the city. She enlists the help of a health inspector to identify the cause of the illness and prevent it from spreading. In doing so, she uncovers some disturbing information that raises more questions than answers.

As the episode progresses, it becomes clear that Algernon and Gallinger's rivalry is about more than just their differing surgical styles. The two men have fundamentally different outlooks on life and medicine, which are brought to the forefront when they clash over the treatment of a particularly difficult patient.

Throughout "The Best With The Best To Get The Best," the show continues to explore its themes of racism, classism, and the pursuit of scientific progress at any cost. The characters are complex and flawed, and their struggles both in and out of the operating room make for compelling viewing.

The episode ends on a cliffhanger, leaving viewers eager to see what will happen next. Will Algernon and Gallinger be able to settle their differences and work together for the sake of their patients? Or will their ongoing feud continue to escalate, with potentially disastrous consequences for everyone involved?

Overall, "The Best With The Best To Get The Best" is a tense, well-crafted episode that continues to build on the strong foundation established by the first season of The Knick. With its engaging characters, thought-provoking themes, and skillful storytelling, this show is a must-watch for fans of medical dramas and period pieces alike.