Damnation (2017–2018): Season 1, Episode 2 - Which Side Are You On? - full transcript
Seth and the farmers ward off the Black Legion; Creeley tries to learn more about his brother's new life.
Previously on "Damnation"...
We're on strike.
You ain't taking your milk to town.
There was a strikebreaker.
He killed Sam right in
front of his own boy.
- It has begun.
- Jesus knew he was at war.
The question is, do you?
[SHOUTS IN PAIN]
You're burying the bodies
of three men we just killed.
Whatever doctor hired them
will be sending more.
Have you ever seen this man?
He was last seen murdering my husband.
You're gonna save my poor immortal soul?
No, I'll kill you
and drag you to hell with me.
- Who was that?
- My little brother.
[MELANCHOLY PIANO MUSIC]
♪ ♪
Did anyone see you?
It was dark.
You'll be suspected.
The local preacher?
They won't even imagine it.
They'll think it's the strikebreaker.
And what's he going to do?
Well, he's gonna leave town.
That strikebreaker knows
that if he shows his face again,
I'll string his viscera
across these treetops like tinsel.
[OMINOUS MUSIC]
♪ ♪
Maybe we can win this
war; maybe we can't.
But I'm not going to let
people keep pretending
it's not going on.
♪ ♪
What did it feel like?
Nailing up Sam's body?
♪ ♪
It felt like touching God.
♪ ♪
What?
Just wondering...
about just what sort of mother
brings both you and your
brother into this world.
Mother's had nothing to do with it.
Now, I want you to read
me the rest of my letter.
"Our client"
"expects this farmers'
strike to end immediately,"
"and quietly."
"It's imperative that we not allow"
"our foreign enemies to continue"
"infiltrating our dearest industries"
"under the guise of organized labor."
Signed Martin Eggers Hyde,
PhD.
[FORCEFUL KNOCKING]
[OMINOUS MUSIC]
♪ ♪
- Who is it?
- Tina.
I got something for ya.
♪ ♪
Huh.
They're right.
Uppity slut redecorated my room.
Okay, spit it out.
Big happenings in town.
Like what?
Some lunatic nailed up a farmer's body
to the front door of the bank.
Even hung a sign around his neck.
And what'd it say?
Ask her.
She's your precious reader.
[DOOR CLICKS SHUT]
We're going into town.
[SIGHS] Looks like I'm gonna need those
smart-ass brains of yours again.
What side am I on?
How about the side
not murderin' and crucifying farmers
for wanting to sell their
goods for a decent price
to support their wives and children?
I'm on the side of keeping
this damn shop open
and a roof over my head.
And I'm sure those farmers
are having a grand old time,
bitchin' and moaning about
the price of biscuits.
But the rest of us got
businesses to run.
We're on the side
of peace and quiet.
I don't care a bit for
what's going on lately.
Farmers refusing to sell what they grow.
Cowboys carrying dead
bodies around town?
Modern times for ya.
[DESOLATE MUSIC]
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
♪ ♪
How's that nail progressing, Raymond?
I see cause for optimism.
Mm-hm.
Once he's down,
I want you to keep watch
over Sam's mortal remains
until he's planted all
the way in the ground.
Sure thing, Uncle Sheriff Don.
And here I was told
that this is a quiet
corner of the Earth.
You know, I asked around...
Apparently, Sam did happen
to have his gun drawn.
Like I said, self-defense.
Even though he had no earthly idea
you were cowering in the
back of Pete's truck.
But now, I wonder...
What is your excuse gonna be
for nailing up his body?
Did Martha look at you cross-eyed?
Crucifixion's not really
my style, sheriff.
See, I'da... I'da shot Jesus
before he even got to town.
Oh yeah. Picked him right
off his damn donkey.
[SCOFFS]
- Morning.
- Morning, ma'am.
Gentlemen.
Didn't anybody ever
teach you any manners?
Do you want to be the one to teach me?
Well, my mistake, Sheriff.
[FOREBODING MUSIC]
See, I was under the impression
that you were familiar with that...
young lady's acquaintance.
Did you nail up his body?
Nope.
But something tells me
there's a religious
sensibility at play here.
Do you think that maybe
somebody's trying to send a message?
♪ ♪
Oh, I think they've managed that.
[SNIFFS]
♪ ♪
[CONGREGATION CLAMORING]
It appears that
someone nailed up Sam
Riley's body last night.
Someone. You mean that damn cowboy.
Did anybody see him do it?
I saw him drag Sam's
body into the speakeasy.
Who else is it gonna be?
I saw the sign he hung on Sam.
"Which side are you on?"
What the hell does that mean?
It means they just killed
and crucified our friend.
Now what are we gonna do about it?
After what they did to Sam,
do you all want to punish them?
- Do you want to kill them?
- ALL: Yes.
Do you want to break
their fucking backs?
- ALL: Yes.
- Good.
Then start channeling that anger
into something more than
just simple revenge.
Because you have more power than that,
but you have to stop
seeing yourselves as individuals
and start seeing us all as one body.
God's body.
You... are God's chosen people,
not the rich or powerful or elite.
And if we have to starve this town
for 40 days and 40 nights
to make Gods' will be felt,
so be it!
'Cause letting them steal
your farms and homes
is not an option.
Giving it to the banks
and the businessmen
who look down their noses
at you is not an option.
After what they did to Sam,
I wanna see a plague
of strikes and blockades.
- ALL: yes!
- I wanna see bankers and grocers
too terrified to fix food prices.
ALL: Yes!
I wanna see God's body grow.
ALL: Yes!
That was, uh...
- quite the sermon.
- But?
But I don't know how
much support you have
other than these farmers.
Most of the town doesn't even know
the bank's fixing prices.
Well, they would if your newspaper
would actually report the news.
- You gonna write about any of this?
- Course I am.
If not for the paper, then
at least in my novel.
What novel?
My debut novel, as yet unfinished.
That's why I'm out here, you know?
Earning my literary stripes
like Hemingway and Dreiser.
[GUNSHOT, MAN SCREAMS]
[GUNSHOTS, SCREAMING]
[MEN GRUNT, GUNSHOTS
CONTINUE, GLASS SHATTERS]
[GUNSHOT]
[DRAMATIC MUSIC]
♪ ♪
Excuse me,
but what kind of preacher goes around
carrying a pistol on him
and then shoots like that?
A well-prepared one.
There's nothing in the Bible says
I can't defend this church
against cowards and thugs.
Why are those Black Legion bastards
shootin' at us anyway?
I can think of one reason.
Shouldn't we call in the sheriff?
You're a few years late
on that one, college boy.
Sheriff used to be an old bloodhound,
but not anymore.
He's just a politician these days.
Useless.
If we're gonna find out
who's coming after us,
we'll have to do it ourselves.
I'm afraid I don't understand.
Well, the request is simple.
I would like the daily newspaper
from each major metropolitan center
of the United States
delivered to room three
of the brothel each day.
Why, to check on your stock holdings?
I'm not exactly the sort of lady
who's used to explaining away
- her pastime indulgences.
- No, you are not,
but according to the
boys of the speakeasy,
you are the sort of lady
that suck-start a Model T Ford.
Well, I suppose some cocksuckers
do just about anything
if you throw enough money at them.
Hm.
I'm sure I can begin delivery today.
How reasonable.
Now, Sam Riley's death...
And the disturbing desecration
of his remains. I wonder...
Will you be reporting
such filth in your paper?
You of all people are
worried about filth?
- I print the news.
- When it suits your interests.
Now, as far as I've gathered,
Sam Riley's death...
simple case of self-defense.
Nothing newsworthy.
And that crucifixion business?
[LAUGHS] Well, it looks like someone's
trying to rally some kind of
Communist form of revolt.
Are you going to let them
use your newspaper to do it?
Or are you gonna stand proudly
on the side of law, order, and country?
Holden Tribune! Two cents!
Here. Keep it, partner.
Gal could get used to this.
So? What'd the sign say?
"Which side are you on?"
Do you know who nailed him up?
You met my brother.
- He's a preacher.
- And you're a bright girl.
Does he seem like a man of God to you?
Guess I don't need to ask you
which side you're on.
I don't have a side.
Got a job.
[MOTOR PURRING]
[GUITAR MUSIC]
♪ ♪
Someone nailed up Sam last night.
Across the door of the bank.
Christlike.
I wonder...
What is in that basket?
[OMINOUS MUSIC]
May I?
Please.
♪ ♪
Well...
What do we have here?
I have not had a home-cooked biscuit
since Edna passed.
May I?
By all means.
♪ ♪
It's dry.
Last time I saw Sam's body
was at your chapel,
while your husband was holding
some kind of political rally.
I wonder,
where was Seth last night?
[LAUGHS]
Well, with me, asleep in our bed.
You tell your husband I
need to speak with him.
Yes, I'm sure you do.
♪ ♪
Whatever old boy you shot,
he sure is a bleeder.
Or was a bleeder.
Either way,
he squirted his fair share.
Appreciate the help, Preston.
You know, reporter
boy's not the only one
wondering what your story is.
Where'd you learn to shoot like that?
From my father.
Was he a preacher?
No.
Well, preachers come
and go through here.
Why are you so set on helping us out?
'Cause I've seen what happens
when you don't have
someone on your side.
Blood trail ends here.
Gunman could be anywhere now.
So we'll have to draw him out.
[MELANCHOLY GUITAR MUSIC]
♪ ♪
What's the trouble?
That's what we tryin' to figure.
We're just passing through,
on our way from Nebraska to Detroit.
You got any black hoods in that car?
Hell are you talking about?
Careful how you talk to my friend.
What are you doing up in Detroit?
Our friend's leading an
auto workers' strike.
Taking on strikebreakers.
We figured he could use a hand.
You armed?
Is it a problem if we are?
That depends.
You really are taking on strikebreakers,
you ought to take a few
of these with you.
And if we aren't?
Then you better get
the hell out of town,
'cause we're done being
victims around here.
Sorry to interrupt,
but is your name Martin Eggers Hyde?
Martin Eggers Hyde, PhD.
Well, ahoy, Mr. Rumple.
I am so glad we are
able to meet in person.
Well, please, join, course. So forth.
Coffee?
Do you find yourself pleased
with the agent the Pinkertons sent
to help you deal with your bank's, uh,
farm nuisance?
Somehow this Creeley
managed to kill the farmers' leader
and pass it off as self-defense.
Yes, uh, Mr. Turner
is a beautifully designed instrument.
Just why are we trying to
bankrupt these farmers?
Rumors to the contrary,
we are not actually in a depression.
In truth,
our species is currently
enjoying a great
evolutionary leap forward.
- It is?
- Well, up till now,
it's been a open secret
that the unwashed rural masses
are a unfortunate necessity
for a properly civilized society.
We needed the unwashed rural masses
to harvest our food, mine
our coal, fight our wars.
Well, who else is gonna do it?
[LAUGHS] Us?
But...
very soon,
all the filthy rudimentary tasks
we needed the rural
masses to perform for us
will be accomplished more
reliably, effectively,
and hygienically, by machines.
It's not the 19th century anymore.
Have you ever tasted a Twinkie?
A what?
Perfectly engineered glimpse
into our culinary future.
But to make a long story short,
uh, the farmers have
bankrupted themselves,
by not evolving.
Time's come to forego nostalgia,
foreclose on the farms,
and begin auctioning them off
to the highest bidder.
There's not exactly a...
lot of excess cash in
circulation right now.
Well, I have a feeling
you'll find interested parties.
Your... capacity
for finding profit in the dry market
has not gone unnoticed by
my client, Mr. Rumple.
[OMINOUS MUSIC]
♪ ♪
You gonna arrest whoever did it?
Is this what you're gonna do?
Or are you just gonna keep on
with business as usual, Sheriff?
Huh?
Business as usual.
If you won't get justice for my father,
we'll do it ourselves!
[SOMBER WESTERN MUSIC]
♪ ♪
Been this quiet all day?
Folks have been spooked
since that cowboy
came in with Sam.
♪ ♪
Everyone feeling lucky?
[QUIETLY] All three of you.
Donald, your operation has gotten slower
than a constipated mule.
You feeling the same crunch?
A bit.
It appears that the twin
pecker-shriveling specters
of politics and religion
can spoil even my profits.
It's the cowboy.
He's targeting me.
You know, first thing he
did after killing Sam
is come into my speakeasy,
then he just shows up at your brothel,
and he shacks up with Bessie?
Come on.
Your girl has become a
popular local attraction.
'Sides, I like the cowboy.
Why?
Because he's got money.
You keep an eye on him.
20 bucks says he's running
some kind of blackmail scheme,
just like that revenuer
agent came here in '23.
That revenuer agent
was a federal employee
and therefore, by definition,
- a worthless shit-sucker.
- Mm-hm.
This cowboy works in
the private sector.
He actually has to work for a living.
- There's a difference.
- Better be.
Or I'll toss that
swaggering bastard's body
down the same well I
dumped the revenuer in.
[SIMPLE GUITAR MUSIC]
♪ ♪
♪ My father was a miner ♪
♪ And I'm a miner's son ♪
♪ And I'll stick with the union ♪
♪ Till every battle's won ♪
♪ Which side are you on, boys? ♪
♪ Which side are you on? ♪
♪ Which side are you on, boys? ♪
♪ Which side are you on? ♪
[SINGING DISTANTLY]
[KNOCK AT DOOR]
[OMINOUS MUSIC]
♪ ♪
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
Looks like Sheriff Blair
is bringing in more than
just strikebreakers.
We need to keep our
spot at the mine secure
without getting picked off, one by one.
[KNOCKS]
Are any of you men named Gil Butler?
The leader of this miners' strike?
I'm Gil.
Who are you?
My name is Connie Nunn.
I've taken a professional interest
in the topic of labor unrest.
How can I help you brave men?
Look around.
Start by cooking us a decent meal
and cleaning up.
Yes.
This place could so use a woman's touch.
[SHOTGUNS ROAR]
[DRAMATIC MUSIC]
Recognize this man?
Get away from me!
Have you ever seen this pamphlet,
or one of similar authorship?
Go back to hell, you bitch!
[GUNSHOT]
♪ ♪
[SIGHS]
♪ ♪
I'm sure you fancied yourself
to be some kind of hero.
Daddy?
Daddy?
♪ ♪
Daddy!
♪ ♪
Oh, my poor dear child,
Here.
♪ ♪
Come to me.
♪ ♪
So have you and your brother
always hated each other?
No.
There was a time when
we were all we had in this world.
What went wrong?
Everything.
[MYSTERIOUS MUSIC]
♪ ♪
Attaboy.
♪ ♪
[LAURA MARLING'S
"DEVIL'S SPOKE" PLAYING]
♪ I might be a part of this ♪
♪ Ripple on water from a lonesome drip ♪
♪ A fallen tree that witnessed me ♪
♪ Him alone, him and me ♪
♪ ♪
♪ And life itself could not aspire ♪
♪ To have someone be so admired ♪
♪ I threw Creation to my kin ♪
♪ With a silence broken by a whispered ♪
♪ Wind ♪
♪ All of this can be broken ♪
♪ All of this can be broken ♪
♪ Hold your devil by his spoke and ♪
♪ Spin him to the ground ♪
♪ ♪
♪ And root to root and tip to tip ♪
♪ I look at him my country gip ♪
♪ Let it up, I own his fears ♪
♪ But someone brought
you close to tears ♪
♪ ♪
♪ Many trains and many miles ♪
♪ Brought you to me on this sunny isle ♪
♪ And what of which you wish to speak ♪
♪ Have you come here to rescue me? ♪
Hey, what's going on?
You were right. We need to
spread word about price fixing,
- so keep an eye out.
- For what?
If Black Legion gunmen are here,
they'll still be showing signs.
If you see an angry
bloody man in the crowd,
get my attention.
♪ Spin him to the ground ♪
♪ ♪
[KNOCK AT DOOR]
Did Seth do it?
The Bible says it's not always
our place to understand.
Did your husband nail
up my husband's body
across the front of the bank
to start off some kind of revolution?
Because if he did,
I want you to thank him for me.
I never cared for Sam's strike,
or Seth's sermons, for that matter.
I was raised in a good home, you see.
I was taught to know my place
and not call attention to myself.
And look where it's gotten me.
My husband's dead.
My son's in jail.
And now this.
[MOURNFUL MUSIC]
♪ ♪
The bank foreclosed on your farm?
Whatever it takes to bring
those sons of bitches down,
do it.
♪ ♪
[CROWD SHOUTING INDISTINCTLY]
Standing there in your fancy suit!
Yeah, wipe that smirk off of your face.
We don't want this strike.
A farmer doesn't grow
food so he can hoard it.
He grows it so he can sell it.
Then what are you waiting for?
A fair price.
Now, 30 miles away across the state line
in Sioux Falls, butter
is 40 cents a pound.
But here in Holden, it's 15 cents.
Sioux Falls farmers are getting
double the price that we are
for corn, wheat, pork,
milk, you name it.
Well, there's something
rotten here in Holden County!
In fact, right now,
the prices are so low
the farmers can't sell their goods,
which means you'll all soon go hungry,
and all for the benefit of
the Holden Savings & Trust
and the moneyed few.
The newspaper won't report the truth.
Courts won't hear us out.
And the sheriff's department
stands back and does nothing,
even when the bank's hired thug
shoots and kills two farmers!
Well, worst of all,
are the so-called Black Legion.
Now, these Black Legion men
claim to be defending the
American way of life.
In truth, I think they just
like playing dress-up.
Like little schoolgirls.
It's a bold charge, Preacher.
♪ ♪
Yes, it is.
But we will remain
peacefully organized in resistance,
and we invite you all to join us.
Brother Preston Riley will tell you how.
What? Me?
Give 'em hell, Preston.
Uh...
Butcher shop.
I, uh,
I suppose I... I do
have a few things to...
to get off my chest.
I personally have my doubt
about Sam Jr.'s guilt
in the murder of Pete Collingsworth.
[OMINOUS MUSIC]
♪ ♪
[GUNSHOT, GLASS SHATTERING]
Shit.
[SCREAMS]
Who sent you after us?
Was it the strikebreaker?
I don't know what you're talking about.
- [GROANS]
- You can squeal now or later.
Doesn't matter to me.
I'm a patient man.
We sent ourselves.
We don't want your strike here.
Now, we got jobs,
families, children... [CRIES OUT]
I know fathers like you.
Your kids would be
better off without you.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC]
♪ ♪
If you want to see your family again,
from this moment forward, you'll tell me
every single move the Black
Legion is gonna make
and if you let one word slip sideways,
God's body in the form
of your wet brains
will be splattered across these walls.
Understood?
- [GUN CLACKS ON TEETH]
- Ouch.
Good.
Now rejoice.
[HOOK SQUELCHING]
[SCREAMS]
Jesus... Oh...
For the long, hard walk to salvation
has just begun.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC]
[BLUES MUSIC PLAYS SOFTLY]
♪ ♪
[KNOCK AT DOOR]
♪ ♪
How's your cowboy treating you?
[LAUGHS] You know.
- He's a rough and rowdy screw.
- Oh, Christ...
Sometimes he screws me from behind...
Sometimes he screws me in the shower.
Sometimes he screws me
so hard in the mouth,
I think my throat is gonna bleed.
- Why do you speak...
- Like a whore?
I blame it on my raising.
I know, I haven't been
much of a father to you.
Sheriff, you have such a
gift for understatement.
But I'm ready,
now, to be a... a governing presence
- in your life.
- [LAUGHS]
Oh, your bitch wife is
finally in the ground.
Are you lonely?
Lonely enough to acknowledge
your half-dark bastard girl?
I haven't exactly shown you,
but I do have...
love in my heart for you.
♪ ♪
If I tell you I gave a shit,
will you hurry up and get to the point?
Why is this Creeley here?
Why is he nosing into my business?
Oh, relax, he's not after
your precious enterprise.
Tell me,
what's the cowboy really after?
Tell you.
Sheriff, you know me.
I don't do nothing for free.
You're gonna wanna use
more shortening next time,
unless it's your aim for these biscuits
to have the texture of
dried-up cow turds.
[MENACING MUSIC]
♪ ♪
Thanks for the suggestion.
Being found pleasing to men
is quite important to me.
Huh.
Admirable sand, lady.
But let's talk.
How long have you and
Seth been together?
One year?
Two?
- Long enough.
- So, two.
And has Seth ever told you
anything about his... his past?
No.
I can't imagine that he would.
Do you know anything about Seth?
I know that if you lay a hand on me,
he'll kill you.
Well, he might do that anyway.
See, he can't help himself,
'cause killing is Seth's God-given gift.
♪ ♪
But you already learned that, huh?
What do you want?
I want you to live.
♪ ♪
Leave Seth.
Take your cause somewhere else.
Or else,
you're gonna find out who
that demon really is.
Do you really think
I'm going to believe
you over my husband?
No, no, I don't.
See, I tried warning her about Seth too.
She didn't believe me either.
[NATALIE MERCHANT'S "WHICH
SIDE ARE YOU ON?" PLAYING]
[GENTLE WESTERN MUSIC]
♪ ♪
♪ Come all you good workers ♪
♪ Good news to you I'll tell ♪
♪ Of how the good old union ♪
♪ Has come in here to dwell ♪
♪ Which side are you on, boys? ♪
[CAR ENGINE ROARS DISTANTLY]
♪ Which side are you on? ♪
♪ Which side are you on, boys? ♪
♪ Which side are you... which side ♪
♪ Which side are you on, boys? ♪
♪ Which side are you on? ♪
♪ Which side are you on, boys? ♪
♪ Which side? Which side? ♪
♪ Which side are you on, boys? ♪
Are you okay?
♪ Which side are you on? ♪
♪ Which side are you on, boys? ♪
♪ Which side? Which side? ♪
♪ Which side are you on, boys? ♪
♪ Which side are you on? ♪
♪ Which side are you on, boys? ♪
♪ Which side? Which side? ♪
♪ Which side are you on, boys? ♪
♪ Which side are you on? ♪
♪ Which side are you on, boys? ♪
♪ Which side... ♪
♪ Are you on? ♪
♪ Ooh ♪
We're on strike.
You ain't taking your milk to town.
There was a strikebreaker.
He killed Sam right in
front of his own boy.
- It has begun.
- Jesus knew he was at war.
The question is, do you?
[SHOUTS IN PAIN]
You're burying the bodies
of three men we just killed.
Whatever doctor hired them
will be sending more.
Have you ever seen this man?
He was last seen murdering my husband.
You're gonna save my poor immortal soul?
No, I'll kill you
and drag you to hell with me.
- Who was that?
- My little brother.
[MELANCHOLY PIANO MUSIC]
♪ ♪
Did anyone see you?
It was dark.
You'll be suspected.
The local preacher?
They won't even imagine it.
They'll think it's the strikebreaker.
And what's he going to do?
Well, he's gonna leave town.
That strikebreaker knows
that if he shows his face again,
I'll string his viscera
across these treetops like tinsel.
[OMINOUS MUSIC]
♪ ♪
Maybe we can win this
war; maybe we can't.
But I'm not going to let
people keep pretending
it's not going on.
♪ ♪
What did it feel like?
Nailing up Sam's body?
♪ ♪
It felt like touching God.
♪ ♪
What?
Just wondering...
about just what sort of mother
brings both you and your
brother into this world.
Mother's had nothing to do with it.
Now, I want you to read
me the rest of my letter.
"Our client"
"expects this farmers'
strike to end immediately,"
"and quietly."
"It's imperative that we not allow"
"our foreign enemies to continue"
"infiltrating our dearest industries"
"under the guise of organized labor."
Signed Martin Eggers Hyde,
PhD.
[FORCEFUL KNOCKING]
[OMINOUS MUSIC]
♪ ♪
- Who is it?
- Tina.
I got something for ya.
♪ ♪
Huh.
They're right.
Uppity slut redecorated my room.
Okay, spit it out.
Big happenings in town.
Like what?
Some lunatic nailed up a farmer's body
to the front door of the bank.
Even hung a sign around his neck.
And what'd it say?
Ask her.
She's your precious reader.
[DOOR CLICKS SHUT]
We're going into town.
[SIGHS] Looks like I'm gonna need those
smart-ass brains of yours again.
What side am I on?
How about the side
not murderin' and crucifying farmers
for wanting to sell their
goods for a decent price
to support their wives and children?
I'm on the side of keeping
this damn shop open
and a roof over my head.
And I'm sure those farmers
are having a grand old time,
bitchin' and moaning about
the price of biscuits.
But the rest of us got
businesses to run.
We're on the side
of peace and quiet.
I don't care a bit for
what's going on lately.
Farmers refusing to sell what they grow.
Cowboys carrying dead
bodies around town?
Modern times for ya.
[DESOLATE MUSIC]
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
♪ ♪
How's that nail progressing, Raymond?
I see cause for optimism.
Mm-hm.
Once he's down,
I want you to keep watch
over Sam's mortal remains
until he's planted all
the way in the ground.
Sure thing, Uncle Sheriff Don.
And here I was told
that this is a quiet
corner of the Earth.
You know, I asked around...
Apparently, Sam did happen
to have his gun drawn.
Like I said, self-defense.
Even though he had no earthly idea
you were cowering in the
back of Pete's truck.
But now, I wonder...
What is your excuse gonna be
for nailing up his body?
Did Martha look at you cross-eyed?
Crucifixion's not really
my style, sheriff.
See, I'da... I'da shot Jesus
before he even got to town.
Oh yeah. Picked him right
off his damn donkey.
[SCOFFS]
- Morning.
- Morning, ma'am.
Gentlemen.
Didn't anybody ever
teach you any manners?
Do you want to be the one to teach me?
Well, my mistake, Sheriff.
[FOREBODING MUSIC]
See, I was under the impression
that you were familiar with that...
young lady's acquaintance.
Did you nail up his body?
Nope.
But something tells me
there's a religious
sensibility at play here.
Do you think that maybe
somebody's trying to send a message?
♪ ♪
Oh, I think they've managed that.
[SNIFFS]
♪ ♪
[CONGREGATION CLAMORING]
It appears that
someone nailed up Sam
Riley's body last night.
Someone. You mean that damn cowboy.
Did anybody see him do it?
I saw him drag Sam's
body into the speakeasy.
Who else is it gonna be?
I saw the sign he hung on Sam.
"Which side are you on?"
What the hell does that mean?
It means they just killed
and crucified our friend.
Now what are we gonna do about it?
After what they did to Sam,
do you all want to punish them?
- Do you want to kill them?
- ALL: Yes.
Do you want to break
their fucking backs?
- ALL: Yes.
- Good.
Then start channeling that anger
into something more than
just simple revenge.
Because you have more power than that,
but you have to stop
seeing yourselves as individuals
and start seeing us all as one body.
God's body.
You... are God's chosen people,
not the rich or powerful or elite.
And if we have to starve this town
for 40 days and 40 nights
to make Gods' will be felt,
so be it!
'Cause letting them steal
your farms and homes
is not an option.
Giving it to the banks
and the businessmen
who look down their noses
at you is not an option.
After what they did to Sam,
I wanna see a plague
of strikes and blockades.
- ALL: yes!
- I wanna see bankers and grocers
too terrified to fix food prices.
ALL: Yes!
I wanna see God's body grow.
ALL: Yes!
That was, uh...
- quite the sermon.
- But?
But I don't know how
much support you have
other than these farmers.
Most of the town doesn't even know
the bank's fixing prices.
Well, they would if your newspaper
would actually report the news.
- You gonna write about any of this?
- Course I am.
If not for the paper, then
at least in my novel.
What novel?
My debut novel, as yet unfinished.
That's why I'm out here, you know?
Earning my literary stripes
like Hemingway and Dreiser.
[GUNSHOT, MAN SCREAMS]
[GUNSHOTS, SCREAMING]
[MEN GRUNT, GUNSHOTS
CONTINUE, GLASS SHATTERS]
[GUNSHOT]
[DRAMATIC MUSIC]
♪ ♪
Excuse me,
but what kind of preacher goes around
carrying a pistol on him
and then shoots like that?
A well-prepared one.
There's nothing in the Bible says
I can't defend this church
against cowards and thugs.
Why are those Black Legion bastards
shootin' at us anyway?
I can think of one reason.
Shouldn't we call in the sheriff?
You're a few years late
on that one, college boy.
Sheriff used to be an old bloodhound,
but not anymore.
He's just a politician these days.
Useless.
If we're gonna find out
who's coming after us,
we'll have to do it ourselves.
I'm afraid I don't understand.
Well, the request is simple.
I would like the daily newspaper
from each major metropolitan center
of the United States
delivered to room three
of the brothel each day.
Why, to check on your stock holdings?
I'm not exactly the sort of lady
who's used to explaining away
- her pastime indulgences.
- No, you are not,
but according to the
boys of the speakeasy,
you are the sort of lady
that suck-start a Model T Ford.
Well, I suppose some cocksuckers
do just about anything
if you throw enough money at them.
Hm.
I'm sure I can begin delivery today.
How reasonable.
Now, Sam Riley's death...
And the disturbing desecration
of his remains. I wonder...
Will you be reporting
such filth in your paper?
You of all people are
worried about filth?
- I print the news.
- When it suits your interests.
Now, as far as I've gathered,
Sam Riley's death...
simple case of self-defense.
Nothing newsworthy.
And that crucifixion business?
[LAUGHS] Well, it looks like someone's
trying to rally some kind of
Communist form of revolt.
Are you going to let them
use your newspaper to do it?
Or are you gonna stand proudly
on the side of law, order, and country?
Holden Tribune! Two cents!
Here. Keep it, partner.
Gal could get used to this.
So? What'd the sign say?
"Which side are you on?"
Do you know who nailed him up?
You met my brother.
- He's a preacher.
- And you're a bright girl.
Does he seem like a man of God to you?
Guess I don't need to ask you
which side you're on.
I don't have a side.
Got a job.
[MOTOR PURRING]
[GUITAR MUSIC]
♪ ♪
Someone nailed up Sam last night.
Across the door of the bank.
Christlike.
I wonder...
What is in that basket?
[OMINOUS MUSIC]
May I?
Please.
♪ ♪
Well...
What do we have here?
I have not had a home-cooked biscuit
since Edna passed.
May I?
By all means.
♪ ♪
It's dry.
Last time I saw Sam's body
was at your chapel,
while your husband was holding
some kind of political rally.
I wonder,
where was Seth last night?
[LAUGHS]
Well, with me, asleep in our bed.
You tell your husband I
need to speak with him.
Yes, I'm sure you do.
♪ ♪
Whatever old boy you shot,
he sure is a bleeder.
Or was a bleeder.
Either way,
he squirted his fair share.
Appreciate the help, Preston.
You know, reporter
boy's not the only one
wondering what your story is.
Where'd you learn to shoot like that?
From my father.
Was he a preacher?
No.
Well, preachers come
and go through here.
Why are you so set on helping us out?
'Cause I've seen what happens
when you don't have
someone on your side.
Blood trail ends here.
Gunman could be anywhere now.
So we'll have to draw him out.
[MELANCHOLY GUITAR MUSIC]
♪ ♪
What's the trouble?
That's what we tryin' to figure.
We're just passing through,
on our way from Nebraska to Detroit.
You got any black hoods in that car?
Hell are you talking about?
Careful how you talk to my friend.
What are you doing up in Detroit?
Our friend's leading an
auto workers' strike.
Taking on strikebreakers.
We figured he could use a hand.
You armed?
Is it a problem if we are?
That depends.
You really are taking on strikebreakers,
you ought to take a few
of these with you.
And if we aren't?
Then you better get
the hell out of town,
'cause we're done being
victims around here.
Sorry to interrupt,
but is your name Martin Eggers Hyde?
Martin Eggers Hyde, PhD.
Well, ahoy, Mr. Rumple.
I am so glad we are
able to meet in person.
Well, please, join, course. So forth.
Coffee?
Do you find yourself pleased
with the agent the Pinkertons sent
to help you deal with your bank's, uh,
farm nuisance?
Somehow this Creeley
managed to kill the farmers' leader
and pass it off as self-defense.
Yes, uh, Mr. Turner
is a beautifully designed instrument.
Just why are we trying to
bankrupt these farmers?
Rumors to the contrary,
we are not actually in a depression.
In truth,
our species is currently
enjoying a great
evolutionary leap forward.
- It is?
- Well, up till now,
it's been a open secret
that the unwashed rural masses
are a unfortunate necessity
for a properly civilized society.
We needed the unwashed rural masses
to harvest our food, mine
our coal, fight our wars.
Well, who else is gonna do it?
[LAUGHS] Us?
But...
very soon,
all the filthy rudimentary tasks
we needed the rural
masses to perform for us
will be accomplished more
reliably, effectively,
and hygienically, by machines.
It's not the 19th century anymore.
Have you ever tasted a Twinkie?
A what?
Perfectly engineered glimpse
into our culinary future.
But to make a long story short,
uh, the farmers have
bankrupted themselves,
by not evolving.
Time's come to forego nostalgia,
foreclose on the farms,
and begin auctioning them off
to the highest bidder.
There's not exactly a...
lot of excess cash in
circulation right now.
Well, I have a feeling
you'll find interested parties.
Your... capacity
for finding profit in the dry market
has not gone unnoticed by
my client, Mr. Rumple.
[OMINOUS MUSIC]
♪ ♪
You gonna arrest whoever did it?
Is this what you're gonna do?
Or are you just gonna keep on
with business as usual, Sheriff?
Huh?
Business as usual.
If you won't get justice for my father,
we'll do it ourselves!
[SOMBER WESTERN MUSIC]
♪ ♪
Been this quiet all day?
Folks have been spooked
since that cowboy
came in with Sam.
♪ ♪
Everyone feeling lucky?
[QUIETLY] All three of you.
Donald, your operation has gotten slower
than a constipated mule.
You feeling the same crunch?
A bit.
It appears that the twin
pecker-shriveling specters
of politics and religion
can spoil even my profits.
It's the cowboy.
He's targeting me.
You know, first thing he
did after killing Sam
is come into my speakeasy,
then he just shows up at your brothel,
and he shacks up with Bessie?
Come on.
Your girl has become a
popular local attraction.
'Sides, I like the cowboy.
Why?
Because he's got money.
You keep an eye on him.
20 bucks says he's running
some kind of blackmail scheme,
just like that revenuer
agent came here in '23.
That revenuer agent
was a federal employee
and therefore, by definition,
- a worthless shit-sucker.
- Mm-hm.
This cowboy works in
the private sector.
He actually has to work for a living.
- There's a difference.
- Better be.
Or I'll toss that
swaggering bastard's body
down the same well I
dumped the revenuer in.
[SIMPLE GUITAR MUSIC]
♪ ♪
♪ My father was a miner ♪
♪ And I'm a miner's son ♪
♪ And I'll stick with the union ♪
♪ Till every battle's won ♪
♪ Which side are you on, boys? ♪
♪ Which side are you on? ♪
♪ Which side are you on, boys? ♪
♪ Which side are you on? ♪
[SINGING DISTANTLY]
[KNOCK AT DOOR]
[OMINOUS MUSIC]
♪ ♪
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
Looks like Sheriff Blair
is bringing in more than
just strikebreakers.
We need to keep our
spot at the mine secure
without getting picked off, one by one.
[KNOCKS]
Are any of you men named Gil Butler?
The leader of this miners' strike?
I'm Gil.
Who are you?
My name is Connie Nunn.
I've taken a professional interest
in the topic of labor unrest.
How can I help you brave men?
Look around.
Start by cooking us a decent meal
and cleaning up.
Yes.
This place could so use a woman's touch.
[SHOTGUNS ROAR]
[DRAMATIC MUSIC]
Recognize this man?
Get away from me!
Have you ever seen this pamphlet,
or one of similar authorship?
Go back to hell, you bitch!
[GUNSHOT]
♪ ♪
[SIGHS]
♪ ♪
I'm sure you fancied yourself
to be some kind of hero.
Daddy?
Daddy?
♪ ♪
Daddy!
♪ ♪
Oh, my poor dear child,
Here.
♪ ♪
Come to me.
♪ ♪
So have you and your brother
always hated each other?
No.
There was a time when
we were all we had in this world.
What went wrong?
Everything.
[MYSTERIOUS MUSIC]
♪ ♪
Attaboy.
♪ ♪
[LAURA MARLING'S
"DEVIL'S SPOKE" PLAYING]
♪ I might be a part of this ♪
♪ Ripple on water from a lonesome drip ♪
♪ A fallen tree that witnessed me ♪
♪ Him alone, him and me ♪
♪ ♪
♪ And life itself could not aspire ♪
♪ To have someone be so admired ♪
♪ I threw Creation to my kin ♪
♪ With a silence broken by a whispered ♪
♪ Wind ♪
♪ All of this can be broken ♪
♪ All of this can be broken ♪
♪ Hold your devil by his spoke and ♪
♪ Spin him to the ground ♪
♪ ♪
♪ And root to root and tip to tip ♪
♪ I look at him my country gip ♪
♪ Let it up, I own his fears ♪
♪ But someone brought
you close to tears ♪
♪ ♪
♪ Many trains and many miles ♪
♪ Brought you to me on this sunny isle ♪
♪ And what of which you wish to speak ♪
♪ Have you come here to rescue me? ♪
Hey, what's going on?
You were right. We need to
spread word about price fixing,
- so keep an eye out.
- For what?
If Black Legion gunmen are here,
they'll still be showing signs.
If you see an angry
bloody man in the crowd,
get my attention.
♪ Spin him to the ground ♪
♪ ♪
[KNOCK AT DOOR]
Did Seth do it?
The Bible says it's not always
our place to understand.
Did your husband nail
up my husband's body
across the front of the bank
to start off some kind of revolution?
Because if he did,
I want you to thank him for me.
I never cared for Sam's strike,
or Seth's sermons, for that matter.
I was raised in a good home, you see.
I was taught to know my place
and not call attention to myself.
And look where it's gotten me.
My husband's dead.
My son's in jail.
And now this.
[MOURNFUL MUSIC]
♪ ♪
The bank foreclosed on your farm?
Whatever it takes to bring
those sons of bitches down,
do it.
♪ ♪
[CROWD SHOUTING INDISTINCTLY]
Standing there in your fancy suit!
Yeah, wipe that smirk off of your face.
We don't want this strike.
A farmer doesn't grow
food so he can hoard it.
He grows it so he can sell it.
Then what are you waiting for?
A fair price.
Now, 30 miles away across the state line
in Sioux Falls, butter
is 40 cents a pound.
But here in Holden, it's 15 cents.
Sioux Falls farmers are getting
double the price that we are
for corn, wheat, pork,
milk, you name it.
Well, there's something
rotten here in Holden County!
In fact, right now,
the prices are so low
the farmers can't sell their goods,
which means you'll all soon go hungry,
and all for the benefit of
the Holden Savings & Trust
and the moneyed few.
The newspaper won't report the truth.
Courts won't hear us out.
And the sheriff's department
stands back and does nothing,
even when the bank's hired thug
shoots and kills two farmers!
Well, worst of all,
are the so-called Black Legion.
Now, these Black Legion men
claim to be defending the
American way of life.
In truth, I think they just
like playing dress-up.
Like little schoolgirls.
It's a bold charge, Preacher.
♪ ♪
Yes, it is.
But we will remain
peacefully organized in resistance,
and we invite you all to join us.
Brother Preston Riley will tell you how.
What? Me?
Give 'em hell, Preston.
Uh...
Butcher shop.
I, uh,
I suppose I... I do
have a few things to...
to get off my chest.
I personally have my doubt
about Sam Jr.'s guilt
in the murder of Pete Collingsworth.
[OMINOUS MUSIC]
♪ ♪
[GUNSHOT, GLASS SHATTERING]
Shit.
[SCREAMS]
Who sent you after us?
Was it the strikebreaker?
I don't know what you're talking about.
- [GROANS]
- You can squeal now or later.
Doesn't matter to me.
I'm a patient man.
We sent ourselves.
We don't want your strike here.
Now, we got jobs,
families, children... [CRIES OUT]
I know fathers like you.
Your kids would be
better off without you.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC]
♪ ♪
If you want to see your family again,
from this moment forward, you'll tell me
every single move the Black
Legion is gonna make
and if you let one word slip sideways,
God's body in the form
of your wet brains
will be splattered across these walls.
Understood?
- [GUN CLACKS ON TEETH]
- Ouch.
Good.
Now rejoice.
[HOOK SQUELCHING]
[SCREAMS]
Jesus... Oh...
For the long, hard walk to salvation
has just begun.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC]
[BLUES MUSIC PLAYS SOFTLY]
♪ ♪
[KNOCK AT DOOR]
♪ ♪
How's your cowboy treating you?
[LAUGHS] You know.
- He's a rough and rowdy screw.
- Oh, Christ...
Sometimes he screws me from behind...
Sometimes he screws me in the shower.
Sometimes he screws me
so hard in the mouth,
I think my throat is gonna bleed.
- Why do you speak...
- Like a whore?
I blame it on my raising.
I know, I haven't been
much of a father to you.
Sheriff, you have such a
gift for understatement.
But I'm ready,
now, to be a... a governing presence
- in your life.
- [LAUGHS]
Oh, your bitch wife is
finally in the ground.
Are you lonely?
Lonely enough to acknowledge
your half-dark bastard girl?
I haven't exactly shown you,
but I do have...
love in my heart for you.
♪ ♪
If I tell you I gave a shit,
will you hurry up and get to the point?
Why is this Creeley here?
Why is he nosing into my business?
Oh, relax, he's not after
your precious enterprise.
Tell me,
what's the cowboy really after?
Tell you.
Sheriff, you know me.
I don't do nothing for free.
You're gonna wanna use
more shortening next time,
unless it's your aim for these biscuits
to have the texture of
dried-up cow turds.
[MENACING MUSIC]
♪ ♪
Thanks for the suggestion.
Being found pleasing to men
is quite important to me.
Huh.
Admirable sand, lady.
But let's talk.
How long have you and
Seth been together?
One year?
Two?
- Long enough.
- So, two.
And has Seth ever told you
anything about his... his past?
No.
I can't imagine that he would.
Do you know anything about Seth?
I know that if you lay a hand on me,
he'll kill you.
Well, he might do that anyway.
See, he can't help himself,
'cause killing is Seth's God-given gift.
♪ ♪
But you already learned that, huh?
What do you want?
I want you to live.
♪ ♪
Leave Seth.
Take your cause somewhere else.
Or else,
you're gonna find out who
that demon really is.
Do you really think
I'm going to believe
you over my husband?
No, no, I don't.
See, I tried warning her about Seth too.
She didn't believe me either.
[NATALIE MERCHANT'S "WHICH
SIDE ARE YOU ON?" PLAYING]
[GENTLE WESTERN MUSIC]
♪ ♪
♪ Come all you good workers ♪
♪ Good news to you I'll tell ♪
♪ Of how the good old union ♪
♪ Has come in here to dwell ♪
♪ Which side are you on, boys? ♪
[CAR ENGINE ROARS DISTANTLY]
♪ Which side are you on? ♪
♪ Which side are you on, boys? ♪
♪ Which side are you... which side ♪
♪ Which side are you on, boys? ♪
♪ Which side are you on? ♪
♪ Which side are you on, boys? ♪
♪ Which side? Which side? ♪
♪ Which side are you on, boys? ♪
Are you okay?
♪ Which side are you on? ♪
♪ Which side are you on, boys? ♪
♪ Which side? Which side? ♪
♪ Which side are you on, boys? ♪
♪ Which side are you on? ♪
♪ Which side are you on, boys? ♪
♪ Which side? Which side? ♪
♪ Which side are you on, boys? ♪
♪ Which side are you on? ♪
♪ Which side are you on, boys? ♪
♪ Which side... ♪
♪ Are you on? ♪
♪ Ooh ♪