In Episode 4 of "A Thousand Blows," Hezekiah and Alec venture into the West London Boxing Club, where Hezekiah encounters a daunting challenge in his inaugural bout. Struggling mightily, he finds solace in Alec's astute advice: to use his adversary's own perceptions against him by inducing the opponent to embrace the "savagery" he so presumptuously assumes. Adopting this cunning strategy, Hezekiah emerges victorious in a thrilling turn of events.
Following the exhilarating match, Sugar strides into the ring, declaring all present as mere pretenders and urging them to witness a genuine fight at the Blue Coat Boy. Eliza confides in Mary, urging her to be upfront with the girls concerning the perils posed by the Elephant Boys and Jane, should they proceed with the Chinese delegation. Warning that the girls would disapprove of her actions, Eliza declares her disengagement from the endeavor, prompting Mary to dismiss her.
Mr. Lao, acknowledging his own involvement, discourages Hezekiah from participating in Mary's plot, confessing that his participation stems not from the promise of reward but from a quest for closure. Meanwhile, Sugar organizes a birthday dinner for his niece, Treacle earnestly pleading for his presence. However, tied up in boxing commitments, he invites his nephew Tom to assist, who eagerly accepts. Sugar, in his capacity as the eldest, vows to impart boxing skills to Tom, ensuring the family tradition continues.
Later, Peggy pays Sugar a visit, offering to elevate his reputation within the boxing club. As she instructs him on the official rules, Sugar finds it difficult to abandon his brutal tactics, leaving his opponent severely beaten. Recognizing his potential despite his crude methods, Peggy decides to take him under her wing but warns Sugar that he must adapt to fighting within the confines of "civilized norms."Meanwhile, Alec counsels Hezekiah to distance himself from individuals like Mary and Peggy. Hezekiah, steadfast in his resolve, declares that he will not pass judgment until Mary wrongs him directly, refusing to play it safe and settle for mediocrity. Later, Alec finds solace in a drink at the Blue Coat Boy, where he engages in conversation with Treacle. Treacle suggests a cunning plan: to pit Peggy against Hezekiah in a tournament, placing them on opposite sides, ensuring they only clash in the finals.
Mary summons Hezekiah and commands him to strip down. She then meticulously outfits him for their impending heist. As they arrive at the grand banquet, the Earl of Lonsdale welcomes them warmly. This nobleman is the lord of the estate where Alice serves Lady Grace. They are on the guest list precisely as planned: Hezekiah as a renowned pugilist and Mary posing as Lady Farnley. Many at the gathering recognize Hezekiah as the celebrated boxer who has been the talk of the town, and he revels in their accolades.
When the emperor arrives, Lao steps forward to interpret for the Earl of Lonsdale. The earl's demeanor darkens upon noticing one of the emperor's men among the guests. During dinner, Hezekiah is inquired about his origins, to which he responds, Morant Bay. A certain Mr. Carlyle, acquainted with the place, chimes in, having founded the committee that defended Governor Eyre's actions against the rebellion there. He maintains that the events of Morant Bay underscored the untrustworthiness of Africans with freedom.
Hezekiah retaliates passionately, lambasting the injustice of beggars pleading outside while they indulge in lavish feasts. He notes that England labels his people savages yet struggles with its own problems. With a defiant flourish, he proposes a toast to Jamaica and its enduring victory over the British Empire. Mary, unwavering in her support, raises her glass alongside him.
The Earl then gracefully bestows upon the emperor the queen's gift, enveloped in grandeur. Lao plays his crucial role in Mary's daring heist by announcing, with conviction, that the emperor desires to receive the present in private. With this pretense, they discreetly conceal the silver treasure, and Lao entrusts Alice with the key, after which she gives the covert signal for the Forty Elephants to initiate their bold maneuver. Clad as maids, they sneak in stealthily, navigating the corridors with precision. A narrow escape from Percy, the butler, ensues, with Mary swiftly intervening to prevent Alice from ending his life; Alice harbors a deep grudge against him for his mistreatment.
Their meticulously crafted plan is abruptly derailed by the emperor's unexpected desire to retire midst the evening's festivities. Hezekiah, ever agile in thinking, promptly proposes a spontaneous boxing match with Lonsdale, creating a significant diversion. The ensuing bout captures the attention of all, allowing Mary and her team to spirit away the silver unnoticed. Lady Grace catches a glimpse of Alice and her accomplices making their escape with the treasure but remains silent upon her return to the festivities, turning a blind eye to their deceit.
As they make their exit, one of the Elephants strategically strikes Alice, casting her as an innocent bystander caught in the fray. By night's end, a member of the Chinese delegation, who earlier made Lao feel uneasy, forces him to remain behind. Lao, with a heavy heart, reveals a picture of his family, revealing that this delegate and his men had torched his village and taken their lives. In a fit of rage and sorrow, he plunges a blade into the man's neck. Once Alice recovers from her ordeal, she discovers Lao standing solemnly over the fallen figure, haunted by his grim deed.
