Episode 5 of "Washington Black" kicks off with a nostalgic glimpse into London, a year prior. This time, we delve into the enigmatic depths of McGee's secrets. It transpires that his authentic moniker is Gordon Alistair. Gordon had been hired by the genuine McGee to impersonate him and dissolve a deal with a vilely racist businessman. Upon mission accomplishment, Gordon tragically dispatched his accomplice and the actual McGee, subsequently assuming McGee's identity and journeying to Halifax to anticipate his nuptials with Tanna.
Skipping ahead a year, Tanna finds herself trying on her wedding gown, her heart repelled by the prospect of tying the knot with McGee. Meanwhile, Medwin grapples with the guilt cast upon him following John's demise, as some accuse him of culpability. Angie attempts to provide solace, yet he brushes her aside.
The subsequent day, Goff receives a missive revealing McGee's penchant for the combat-laden docks. Intrigued, Goff visits the dock and confronts McGee, who promptly reminds him of their still-enforceable contract. McGee issues a stern warning, advising Goff to steer clear of his affairs.
Shifting gears once more, our flashback transports us to Farrow's Virginia abode. Farrow chastises Titch for his deceptive assertions. He subsequently sends the duo to a tavern to meet Captain Holloway, who promises to escort them northward. At the tavern, Theodora bids Jack farewell, presenting him with a compass as a token of her affection. Elsewhere, Titch engages Captain Holloway, who readily agrees to assist them. He directs Titch and Jack to follow him to his vessel.
En route to the ship, Captain Holloway is intercepted by slave hunters, prompting Titch and Jack to go into hiding. They plunge into the sea and conceal themselves beneath the dock, ultimately reaching the safety of Captain Holloway's ship.
The Captain steers them towards the Arctic, where Titch embarks on a quest to locate his father. The locals, wary of treacherous snowstorms, decline to escort them to Wilde's camp. Undeterred, Titch disregards their warnings, procures their map, and ventures forth with Jack. They trudge through endless miles of snow. Alas, Titch stumbles, sustaining an injury in the fall.
Back in Halifax, Jack finds himself engrossed in designing the very first aquarium, meticulously piecing it together with passion and precision. However, his tranquil work is abruptly shattered when he is inexplicably abducted. Concurrently, Tanna embarks on a romantic outing with McGee, who seizes the moment to plead for a chance to earn her affections. In return, Tanna lays down a stark condition: their relationship must purely rest upon financial security, clarifying that it would merely be a transactional partnership. McGee, acquiescing to her terms, vows to bring joy into her life and even purchases her a piano, though she sternly declines the gesture.
With a composed demeanor, McGee confronts Tanna about Jack's whereabouts, revealing his encounter with Billard. Instantaneously, fear grips Tanna's heart for Jack's safety, prompting her to implore McGee for assistance. To her astonishment, he readily lends a helping hand, unburdened by any ulterior motives. In a rush, Tanna dashes to Angie's abode, only to find Medwin arriving simultaneously in search of Jack. Swiftly, they decipher that Billard, still very much alive, is behind his disappearance.
The scene transitions to Billard's horse-drawn carriage speeding away, with Jack helplessly bound in its rear. Summoning every ounce of strength, Jack manages to free himself and leaps from the moving conveyance. Billard halts abruptly and sets off in pursuit, vowing to recapture Jack at any expense, leaving the tension in the air as thick as thunder.
