Episode 4 of "Washington Black" commences with the pirates setting sail towards Virginia, the horizon promising new adventures. Titch, with a gleam in his eye, vows to introduce Theodora to Mr. Farrow, a cherished acquaintance from his father's past. He humbly requests a loan from Theodora once their ill-gotten gains are sold, hinting at future endeavors. Meanwhile, Jack, still nursing a grudge against Barrington, finds himself enveloped in bitterness. Sensing this, Titch pledges to change for the better, earnestly seeking Jack's trust.
Upon their arrival in Virginia, Titch and Jack are ushered into the presence of Mr. Farrow, a scientist of repute, a distinguished member of the Royal Society of London, and a fervent abolitionist. As Jack listens enthralled to Farrow's revolutionary research, Titch shares the news of his father's demise. However, Farrow stunningly contends that Titch's father is very much alive and engrossed in a groundbreaking experiment, producing recent correspondence as proof.
Meanwhile, back in Halifax, Medwin, solemn and resolute, prepares John's body for its final resting place. Angie approaches, her voice tinged with concern, querying the events that led to this sorrowful outcome and Medwin's plans moving forward. Medwin confides in her his intention to feign John's abduction, seeking to shield others from harm.
Elsewhere, at Tanna's abode, she reluctantly agrees to meet with McGee, her heart heavy with questions. She inquiries about her mother's relationship with her father, Goff, who, with a look of nostalgia, admits his undying love for Tanna's mother and the heart-wrenching revelation that she faced grave danger years hence. He speculates that she concealed her pregnancy to spare Goff from potential peril. During her meeting with McGee, Tanna reveals her mixed heritage, fully expecting him to call off their wedding. Instead, McGee, seemingly understanding the weight of living a concealed life, embraces her for who she truly is.
Later, Tanna visits Jack, who is in hiding at Angie's place until the discovery of Billard's body. As they converse, Tanna notices Jack's possession of her father's cherished book. Both, having memorized its contents, view this as a divine sign of their destined connection. Inspired, Tanna hatches a plan to deepen their bond beyond these clandestine encounters.
She persuades Jack, whose passion for science burns bright, to seek closer proximity to Goff by becoming his assistant. This guise would not only afford them secret rendezvous under the pretense of research but also provide Jack with a semblance of safety. Tanna extends an invitation for Jack to join her and her father on a dive, potentially earning a spot on their esteemed research team. The stratagem proves fruitful, as Jack and Tanna find solace and companionship in each other's company, their time together blossoming under the guise of scientific endeavor.
Goff perceives the sparks flying between Tanna and Jack and sternly cautions Tanna to halt their liaison. He extends an invitation to Jack, urging him to seek him out personally. Jack, engrossed in his passion, devotes his energies to constructing the very first aquarium to house an octopus. In parallel, Tanna defies her father's wishes and refuses to sever ties with Jack. She believes they form an unparalleled duo destined to shatter conventions. Her father, unyielding, insists that their lives will be ruined unless she marries McGee. Yet, Tanna repeatedly rejects McGee's advances, yearning for a role beyond that of a mere wife.
Elsewhere, Billard, recovering from his gunshot wound, comes across the engagement announcement in the newspapers. Meanwhile, we reconnect with Titch and young Jack at the Farrow residence in Virginia. A Black man, accompanied by a small boy, arrives and beseeches Farrow to arrange a safe haven for the mute child. To everyone's surprise, the man turns out to be the revered Turner, a warrior who eliminates White slave owners and frees the enslaved. Farrow, moved by their plight, agrees to assist and discreetly signals his agent for help.
Turner engages Jack in conversation, sharing tales of heaven. He inquires intently if Jack is aligned with Titch, prompting Titch to clarify that he aided Jack in his escape and stands as an abolitionist. A heated dispute ensues as Turner accuses Titch of being a fraud. Jack, caught in the middle, pleads with Turner not to harm Titch. The altercation abruptly ceases, and Jack persuades Titch that they should embark on a journey to the Arctic in search of Jack's father. Titch is deeply touched that Jack places such trust in him to undertake this perilous voyage.
Shortly thereafter, the agent arrives with grave news—slave catchers are on their trail, specifically seeking Titch and Jack.
Meanwhile, back in the gritty streets of Halifax, McGee emerges victorious in an underground boxing match, his fists a testament to both his skill and his hidden fervor for the illicit sport. Seeking to exploit this unknown facet of McGee's character, Billard cunningly attempts to court his favor, hoping to enlist his aid in bringing Jack to his knees. Yet, McGee stands firm, his resolve unwavering as he refuses to lend a hand in undermining Jack. Frustrated by McGee's steadfast refusal, Billard's disappointment gives way to a dark promise of retribution, his eyes gleaming with the intent to make McGee pay for his loyalty to another.
