- Chris's father-in-law comes to town, bringing in his wake a bloodthirsty family bent on vengeance for a crime he committed against them.
- The Nichols family ride into Four Corners looking for revenge on the man who killed one of their own: Hank Conley, Chris' estranged father-in-law. The Seven mobilize to protect the man, Casey tries to make J.D. jealous, and Josiah gives some advice to Ma Nichols.—Gislef
- Chris is not amused when father in law Hank Conley, who bitterly opposed his marriage with Sarah, comes ask for help, being hunted down by the Kansas City-based Nichols family, having killed the matriarch's firstborn David, whom he calls the mastermind behind the murders on Chris's family as part of scaring away settlers to prospect for silver. Buck pleading 'family loyalty' rather stirs Chris to ride home, only to return when the six mates need everyone to hold-out against the Nichols bunch, which arrives by steel-armored coach. Ma confesses to Josiah, not realizing he's one of the seven, J.D. worries about Casey flirting with the Nichols sharpshooter, and Ezra sends them the wrong way, but a shoot-out finale is inevitable, just after Hank is found out of his mind and turns on them.—KGF Vissers
- In his saloon, Ezra is playing draw poker against Nathan, Buck, and Chris. Buck sees his hand and immediately folds, and goes to the bar to order a beer. Hank Conley comes in and Buck, seeing him, greets him by name. Hank remembers Buck as loudmouth, and Buck remembers Hank as ornery. Hank says that he has some business with his son-in-law and goes over to Chris.
Chris asks what Hank wants, and Hank says that he heard Frank was in Four Corners and has been riding for days to find him. He tells Chris that he needs his help.
A group of black-clad riders escorting a coach come into Four Corners. J.D. comes into the saloon and tells them what rolled into town. They look out the windows, while Chris look at Hank and Hank hides his face.
The men stop, all wearing mourning attire, and help a woman, Ma Nichols, in widow's black out of the coach. Hank says that they're looking for him, and out to get revenge for what he did. He tells Chris that he found the man who shot and killed Chris' wife and son.
Ma tells her sons to split up and find Hank. In the saloon, Chris tells his father-in-law that he already killed the man who killed his family. Hank says that the man he killed was behind the killing, even if he didn't do it himself, and says that he killed David Nichols. David had a ranch across the valley from Chris, and Chris remembers David as no killer. Hank says that the Nichols were a bad family and David was like the others.
Vin and Josiah come in, having seen the Nichols, and Hank says that they're after him because he killed one of their kin. They've been chasing him from town to town. Ezra has heard of the Nichols brothers from Kansas City, and tells the others that Big Jack Nichols was the biggest racketeer in the area. Big Jack expired in prison ten years ago, and left behind a brood of "cutthroats and reprobates".
Chris isn't thrilled Hank that brought the Nichols to Four Corners, and tells Hank that he should have come to him and he would have taken care of David. Hank says that Da id came up to him and Hank shot him, and doesn't need permission from Chris to kill his daughter's murderer. Chris tells Hank to live with what he's done if it's true and storms out.
The Nichols head to the saloon, and Nathan, Buck, and Josiah take Hank out the back to the church to hide him. The Nichols come in. One of them, John, asks them if he can ask them a question. J.D. chuckles and one of the other brothers, Paul, knocks him to the floor in irritation. Ezra draws his holdout and Vin draws his mare's leg, and Ma says that there's no need for violence. She asks J.D. if he's seen a man matching Hank's description, and J.D. claims that he hasn't. Paul isn't convinced, and Ma apologizes for the trouble and asks the patrons if they've seen Hank and offers a $100 reward. No one says anything, and Ma tells John that they should find the church because she needs a priest.
As Chris leave, Buck approaches him on the boardwalk tells him that he owes Hank something. Chris says that he doesn't owe Hank anything, and Buck tells his friend that Hank lost his daughter. His friend says that he doesn't want to watch Hank die, Buck figures that Chris is angry with Hank because Hank got vengeance first, and Christ tells Buck that he can protect Hank if he's so concerned about him, then rides off.
Casey walks down the street and comes to the Nichols' coach, and one of the brothers, Peter, mistakes her for a boy and offers her 2 bits if she helps them unload their trunks. Casey says that she ain't a boy, and Peter comes over and asks what a lady like her is doing in Four Corners. When he says that he's from Kansas City, Casey is impressed.
J.D. notices them together, comes over, and asks if there's a problem. Casey says that there isn't, and Peter offers J.D. the two bits for helping with the trunks. When J.D. tells him that he doesn't know who he's talking to, Peter says that he'll find out soon enough and goes back to the coach.
At the church, Hank looks out the window and recognizes Ma as she approaches. She and John come into the church, and Ma tells John to wait outside. Josiah goes to greet her, and she isn't impressed with Josiah as a "handyman'. She says that he'll have to do and needs confession.
Vin and Ezra watch the Nichols, and Ezra figures that if he "parleys" with them then he can uncover their designs. Ezra goes over and makes conversation, offering them a game of cards or a drink while they wait for Ma to return. Paul says that gambling is a sin and refuses, and the Nichols all walk away from Ezra.
Buck approaches Vin and tells him that Chris took off. He says that Chris spent a long time looking for his wife Sarah's killer, and it'll take him a little time to adjust to the fact her killer is dead. Vin wonders why Chris won't help his own kin, and Buck explains that Hank thought Chris was a drunken carouser. Hank was right, but Buck says that there was something special between Sarah and Chris. She changed Chris, but Hank never saw the good in Chris. When they got married, Hank never spoken to either of them again... until Hank approached Chris that day.
Out in the hills, Chris turns around and rides back to town.
Ma asks for forgiveness because she's going to sin in grand fashion, breaking the Sixth Commandment and then rejoicing. She tells Josiah that Hank took her first-born from her, and Josiah warns that revenge won't bring her son back. He says that he can't forgive Ma for something she hasn't done yet, and she insists that it's as good as done. Josiah tells Ma that some Indians believe that the dead's spirits come back as coyotes, and she should let the coyotes bring David peace. Ma isn't impressed, and says that the Bible says "an eye for an eye" and she won't rest until Hank is dead.
Hank, overhearing, goes out the back and Ma realizes that someone else was there. John grabs Hank as he runs out into the street, and Ma comes out as Chris rides up. Chris knocks John away, pulls Hank up onto his horse, and rides away as Ma yells that she's going to kill Hank.
The brothers come and take John to the hotel where they're staying. Nathan goes with them and checks John's arm, and says that they'll have to set it because it's broken. Ma is surprised that Nathan is a doctor, and wonders what's wrong with the town. She says that they'll inflict more suffering on the man who did him harm.
Chris rides out to his cabin, and tells Hank that he can stay there for the night and they'll figure out what to do in the morning.
In town, the Nichols brothers question a storekeeper as to Chris' name. Peter loads one bullet into his revolver and plays Russian Roulette with the storekeeper, until the man gives up Chris' name. As Paul asks where Chris lives, Ezra is passing by, sees what's going on, and comes in to offer his assistance.
Peter comes out and sees Casey on the street, wearing a dress. She tells him that the Seven are the law, and Peter invites her to come to Kansas City. Peter says that Casey would be the prettiest woman in town, and he likes her because she's complicated. Smiling, Casey walks off. J.D. notices the conversation, comes up to Casey, and asks her why she was talking to Peter. Casey says that they were talking about the big city, and she's wearing a dress because women wear them in the city. J.D. points out that she's not a city girl and it's not like her, and she asks how he would know.
As Nathan tends to John, he says that he can't understand why Ma is so intent on killing if she's a pious woman. John insists that Ma loved David the most of all her sons, and they have to avenge his death. Buck and Vin come in, and Peter comes in behind them and tells the rest of his family that they know where Chris lives. John rides out with them despite Nathan's advice not to, and Ezra comes in and tells the others that he gave Peter Chris' location.
Ma comes out on the balcony and asks her sons where they're going. When they say where they're going, Ma tells them to bring Hank back alive so she can watch him breathe his last.
Ezra says that he misdirected the Nichols to Mexico, but they'll probably figure they're going the wrong way in two hours. Buck and Vin go to warn Chris.
At the cabin, Hank says that he shot David three times, and a couple of families got scared when David burned Chris out and the area is empty. Hank ties two knots into a bandanna and says that it's to let him remember. Chris tells him that there are some things he wants to forget, and some he wants to remember. He says that he had a lot of anger after his family was killed, but it didn't do him any good.
Peter realizes Ezra lied to them, and they ride over to question a nearby farmer about where Chris is.
At the church, Ma lights a candle for David. She tells Josiah that David was the best of her sons, and insists that he was a saint. Ma figures there's no answer to why God took David, and Josiah suggests that she find forgiveness. She says that Josiah is wrong, and she'll find forgiveness when she's kept her word to kill David's murderer.
The Nichols kill the farmer after they get Chris' location from him, and ride to the cabin. Vin and Buck spot them and ride after them.
At the cabin, Chris is cooking dumplings that his wife taught him to make. Hank admits that he misses dumplings. Chris tells his father-in-law that there was a place with him, and Hank says that Chris gave up on him., His son-in-law points out that Hank didn't approve of him, because Chris always went off for his friends looking for trouble. Chris wasn't there when Sarah and Adam were killed, and Chris points out that Hank wasn't there either.
Chris asks if Sarah would have wanted them blaming each other for her death, and tells Hank to learn to let it go. Hank says that he can't, and maybe he loved Sarah too much. Chris suggests that they both did.
The Nichols ride up to the cabin and open fire. They then ride in and enter the cabin, but find no one inside.
Chris and Hank ride off with Vin and Buck, who got there first and warned them. Vin doubles back, while Paul and others search for tracks.
That night, Chris, Hank, and Buck make camp as a storm comes up. Buck tells Hank that he has to go because he killed a man, and Chris says that David deserved what he got.
The Nichols ride back into town and go to the church, and tell Ma that Hank wasn't at the cabin and Ezra tricked them. The brothers say that the Seven have been protecting Hank, and Ma asks Josiah if it's true. Josiah advises her family to leave town and doesn't say that he's one of the Seven, and Ma tells him to pray for their souls.
At the camp, Buck and Chris walk Hank sleeping. Buck talks about how Chris once went to see Sarah and Hank came after him, and nobody was good enough for his daughter. Chris admits that Hank was right, and tells Buck that he can't remember his family anymore. Buck suggests that it's time for that, but Chris says that he has to remember.
The next morning, Vin rides up to the camp and tells the others that the Nichols went back to town. Chris tells Hank that the best play for him is Mexico, and offers to ride with his father-in-law. Hank says that Chris has a home there and he prefers to keep his own company, and Chris tells him that it'd be nice to see Hank if he comes back. His father-in-law says that he was wrong about Chris and offers his hand, and Chris shakes it. Chris, Vin, and Buck head back to town.
Hank passes a rider on the road, and glares at him suspiciously after they exchange greetings.
In town, the Nichols come out of their hotel and Peter sees Casey, still in a dress. She smiles at Peter, and he tips his hat to her before going with his brothers. J.D. comes over to Casey and complains about the Nichols, and Casey tells him that he doesn't have to be jealous of them. The gunfighter insists that he's not jealous of a bunch of "city slicker desperados". They argue about the family and Casey walks off.
The Nichols come back and bump into J.D. Peter remembers J.D. from the saloon as the "messenger boy", and tells J.D. that it's the best job in town because they don't kill the messenger. Chris, Vin, and Buck ride into town and Peter sees them.
At the saloon, Josiah, Ezra, and Nathan have breakfast and Josiah tells them what Ma said. The others come in and tells their friends that Hank is heading to Mexico. Josiah wonders if David was innocent, and Nathan points out that John seemed sincere as well. J.D. tells them that he has a message from the Nichols and then collapses. The others confirm that he's been beaten, and J.D. tells them that the Nichols are going to kill them all for helping Hank.
Casey runs in and goes to J.D., apologizing. He insists that he's fine, and insists that he can fight with the others. They send him to take Casey home, and Chris yells that they're going to finish things. A shell-shocked Hank comes in and tells Chris that he killed his daughter's killer.
The Seven realize that Hank is insane from grief, and out on the street Ma yells at them to send Hank out. Buck takes Hank to sit down, and Chris goes out and tells Ma that he knows David was innocent. Chris says that Hank is nuts, but Ma figures that there's no excuse for Hank killing her son. When Chris says that they'll make sure Hank stand trial, Ma laughs and says that it's not her justice.
Ma drops a white handkerchief on the street as a signal, and the Nichols emerge from hiding and open fire. Chris returns fire and takes cover behind a table on the boardwalk, and the others return fire. One of her sons gets Ma off the street. She stands outside and prays, and the son goes down with a bullet in him.
While two of the gunfighter go out the back of the saloon to flank the Nichols, Hank goes to the bar and picks up a shot glass. Meanwhile, three of the Nichols gets into the coach, drives it in front of the saloon, and opens fire on the saloon. The coach is armored, so Ezra grabs a bottle of alcohol and runs outside. Peter shoots the bottle out of his hand. Ezra has Josiah toss him another bottle of whiskey, and Peter wounds Ezra as he breaks cover.
Ezra jumps onto the roof of the carriage and prepares to toss the bottle down the heating vent. Peter draws a bead on him, and J.D. shoots Peter from the window where he's taken cover. Ezra tosses the bottle down and jumps clear, and the alcohol explodes and the burning Nichols run out. The Seven shoot two of them down and Nathan throws a knife into John's good arm.
Buck pulls Josiah to cover, and Hank picks up his gun and shoots Buck in the shoulder, thinking he killed Sarah. He prepares to shoot Buck dead, and one of the surviving Nichols shoots him through the saloon's doors. John yells to Ma that they got David's killer, and she stops praying.
Everyone left holsters their gun. Ma goes over to see Hank die, and Josiah stops her. She realizes that Josiah is one of the Seven and asks how a man of God could be party to such violence. Josiah asks her how a mother could, and Ma says that the debt is paid. She says that no one can help Hank now, and Josiah asks her who is going to help her sons. Ma stares at the devastation, then asks Josiah if God has forsaken her. He says that an eye for an eye leaves them blind. She goes to the body of one of her sons and asks for forgiveness. Ma then asks Josiah if he'll forgive her, and he says that it's not to him to forgive.
Chris cradles the dying Hank in his arms, and Hank tells Chris not to forget with his dying breath. Taking the bandanna with the knots, Chris closes Hank's eyes and says that he'll never forget.
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