In the second episode of "A Thousand Blows," Hezekiah's mind drifts back to a pivotal moment in his youth—his father marching resolutely alongside others in Jamaica, defying the British occupying soldiers with unwavering courage. As a young boy, Hezekiah witnessed his father being brutally beaten down by those same soldiers, a scene that left an indelible mark on his heart.
Returning to the present, Hezekiah squares off against Sugar in the boxing ring, his fists flying with a ferocity that nearly brings his opponent to his knees. But just when victory seems within grasp, Treacle orchestrates a devious maneuver, having someone trip Hezekiah from beyond the ring's confines, causing him to stumble and ultimately lose the match. The crowd, savvy to the deceit, erupts in boos and hisses, denouncing the house for its underhanded tactics.
Amidst the chaos of the fight, Sharkey's cries for Mary echo through the air, desperate and unrelenting. Lao, sensing his friend's plight, wrests the gun from Sharkey's grasp, attempting to remind him of his worth beyond this moment of despair. Yet, Sharkey's longing for Mary blinds him to all else, and in a haze of desperation, he bolts from the scene, his fate sealed when he is struck down by a passing carriage.
Mary, Hezekiah, and Lao, their hearts heavy, consign Sharkey's body to the river, acting on Mary's conviction that this is what he would have wished for.
Witnessing Hezekiah's prowess in the ring, Mary sees him as the perfect asset for her criminal scheme, dangling the prospect of 100 pounds in front of him as an inducement to join her. Hezekiah, however, remains noncommittal, weighing the offer carefully.
Meanwhile, Treacle fills Sugar in on the details concerning Alec and Hezekiah, revealing their unspoken connection to Mary, a revelation that stirs up a tempest of dislike within Sugar.When Treacle mentions Peggy Bettinson, a man orchestrating genuine boxing matches in the West End, Sugar remains indifferent. His sole desire is to rematch with Hezekiah, unhampered by any external influences, and he yearns for Mary's blessing. Meanwhile, Alec and Hezekiah are presented with an opportunity to work for Jack, a crayfish fisherman whose dishonest intentions to deceive customers by passing off inferior liquor as Jamaican rum repel Hezekiah, prompting his departure.
Elsewhere, Mary and her band of thieves pull off a heist at a department store, garnering the admiration of Alice, a youthful employee who harbors dreams of becoming an elephant trainer yet finds herself confined to her retail job. Lao imparts to Hezekiah the poignant backstory of Sugar, who has endured unimaginable hardships—witnessing his father's brutal demise and engaging in a grim battle within a workhouse to shield his younger brother from whipping punishment. Lao also discreetly reveals his awareness of Alec's lodging arrangements with Hezekiah, generously offering to only charge for one occupant.
Hezekiah ventures to the tavern, seeking clarity from Treacle regarding Sugar's intentions towards him. His resolve is unwavering; he craves another confrontation, determined to settle the score.
Treacle graciously offers three pounds, regardless of the outcome of the bout, with an additional five pounds as a condolence should he emerge victorious over his adversary. Treacle sees this gesture as a token of his concern for his brotherly bond with Hezekiah. Upon hearing Treacle's terms, Hezekiah proceeds to inform Sugar of the arrangement, inviting him to engage in a duel on Saturday, vowing that this time, fairness would prevail. Victory would reward Sugar with a substantial sum of fifty pounds, yet he issues a chilling promise—he vows to continue the fight until one of them perishes. "It's akin to gazing into one's own reflection," he muses, justifying his desire for Sugar's demise. "There cannot exist two of us in this world."
Elsewhere, the elephants seek out the talents of a tailor named Saul, entrusting him with the task of crafting garments from the silken fabric they had pilfered from a department store. Among their requests, Mary specifically yearns for a tailored suit, accompanied by matching slippers and a hat, intended as a gesture of gratitude for Lao's pivotal role in her grand heist.
After Saul's engagement with the elephants, Eliza lingers behind, prompting Mary to caution her against being swayed by the anarchist's radical notions. Once Mary has departed, Eliza inquisitively presses Saul to unveil his schemes, but he remains tight-lipped, guarding his intentions for her safety. He holds steadfast to his convictions, while she finds solace and loyalty in Mary. Eliza recounts how Mary rescued her from a toxic past relationship, culminating in the elimination of her former companion. She places unwavering faith in Mary Carr.
Later, Treacle cautions Sugar that aspirations of becoming a world champion are futile if one is no longer alive to claim them. Mary counsels Sugar to align with Peggy and participate in sanctioned boxing matches, where the lucrative prizes truly lie. She presents him with gloves, urging him to try them on, only for him to cast them into the river in defiance. "Something is amiss within me," he admits, "but at least I can still punch through it." As for her own flaw, she laments a void that remains insurmountable.
He subsequently requests her presence at his impending battle against Hezekiah, yet she harbors no such intentions. Mary once again seeks out Hezekiah. With a stern tone, she pronounces that regardless of his victory or defeat, his fate is sealed. Without hesitation, she snaps the bones in his hand, justifying her actions by asserting that she has just spared his life. Although he won't be fully mended by Saturday, he will recover just in time to assist her with her scheme.
