In the year 1715, we witness a tumultuous scene, a trunk laden with golden riches, disguised in flesh, aboard a Spanish galleon. The Captain's insatiable greed had already driven him to murder two men who upheld their moral compass. Now, when the third man echoed their sentiments, the Captain silenced him with a brutal stroke, pushing his lifeless body overboard. Amidst a furious storm, the ship capsized, leaving the Captain at the mercy of the depths, surrounded by the scattered gold he so desperately desired to hoard.
Kike's accusation of Sonny as a criminal was spot on. Sonny had been orchestrating a drug operation through the city's labyrinthine waterworks canal, a fact that Kaitlin and Andy had obliquely referenced in the sixth episode. The minor players in this illicit web, upon their arrest, eagerly pointed fingers at those higher up the ladder. As the authorities climbed the ladder of culpability, they ultimately reached Sonny. Prior to this revelation, Sonny's criminal exploits were known only for his smuggling of cigars, both modest and extravagant. However, Andy eventually pinned him for the drug trade and ensured that this time, he remained behind bars. With the DEA's involvement, Sonny's options were severely limited.
While Sonny and Mike were confined in a cell, Mike accused Sonny of plotting to exclude him entirely from their share of the gold. Sonny, tears streaming down his face, acknowledged the accusation but explained that he only acted to prevent Mike from leaving him behind again. It was a heartfelt confession, yet perhaps not the most appropriate approach to convey his intention. Mike, though sympathetic, was dismayed to discover that he had been lied to once again. After Mike's bail was posted and he walked free, he learned of Iris's dire situation in the hospital, fighting for her life. Ray had fallen, but Iris was clinging to life in intensive care.
As Mike emerged, intent on heading to the hospital, Moss halted him, a gun pointed menacingly. Delly, by his side, gave the illusion of aligning with Moss, their combined force compelling Mike towards the ominous sinkhole. They coerced him into completing the arduous task alone. After a strenuous effort, he succeeded in retrieving the truck, but upon opening its rear, he was startled to find it devoid of its intended cargo.
Moss, poised to execute Mike, was momentarily diverted by Delly's intervention. Their physical struggle escalated, yet Moss emerged victorious. As he aimed the gun at Mike, Delly, swift and decisive, used Ketcher's weapon to end Moss's life. Meanwhile, Ketcher, having recognized Mike's sketch and gun on television, hastened towards the sinkhole, where the truth dawned: Delly had been Mike's ally throughout. She confessed, her voice trembling, that deception was her only recourse against Moss's malice.
Ketcher, indifferent to their drama, demanded the return of his gun and assisted in disposing of Moss's body, concealing it in the truck and sending it back to its grim resting place. As Mike and Delly clashed over their next move, Mike insisted on checking on Iris first. Delly, her heart heavy with disappointment and betrayal, lashed out, feeling like a pawn in a game she never wanted to play. She challenged Mike, forcing him to choose between her and Iris.
Memories of his time with both women flashed through Mike's mind. He made his decision, choosing Iris and watching her slowly regain consciousness. Iris acknowledged Mike's sacrifice, yet informed him that the recording he had retrieved was now useless, as Moss was no longer alive. She seemed to respect his choice, yet fate had other plans.
Mike assumed control of Sonny's bar, leaving Sonny to serve a lengthy prison sentence. Delly, devastated by Mike's rejection, sought her mother's help to start a new life, disappearing from the shadows of Mike's story. Her heart, once filled with hope, was now shattered beyond repair.
Dori, impressed by Iris' exceptional work, heartily recommended her to the FBI. Now an esteemed agent, Iris has flown alongside Dori to Florida, determined to unravel the mysteries surrounding Moss' disappearance.
Mike, having reached a point of solitude where all his companions have vanished, watches the news with a heavy heart. The scene of a man, adorned in "Alligator boots," being fatally entwined by a python strikes a chord within him. Buzz's words echo in his mind, his aspirations of buying an airboat and those Alligator boots if he struck gold.
Embarking on a quest for truth, Mike visits the prison and cunningly extracts the confession from Sonny: the gold had already been stolen, the night before the fateful dinner at Patsy's abode. Ray, Buzz, and Sonny had secretly transported the precious cargo onto Ray's boat, only for Sonny to crash it as Delly had usurped his place. This explains the damp earth at the sinkhole, where the excavation equipment was stored.
Amidst this turmoil, Patsy and Mike find solace in each other's presence. Their bond grows stronger as Mike apologizes and decides to stay in Florida. Though Patsy and Deacon are presently apart, she ponders over giving him a second chance.
The illusion of Benny and Clara's immigrant dream shatters as the genuine owner of the Palm's Motel appears. Patsy's profound observation that in today's digital age, "we all are blue dots blinking on someone's screen," prompts Mike to devise a plan. He realizes they can track down Delly, utilizing Gil's missing boat as a clue.
Upon reaching the boat, Mike discovers it devoid of life. Beneath the layers of clothing in the bedchamber, he stumbles upon the glittering gold. Delly enters from the shadows, her eyes questioning: Did he come for the gold or for her? Mike smiles warmly, and she reciprocates, signifying a reunion of hearts and the restoration of their bond.
