Ep 6. The Diabolical Plot

The show Mercy Street is a historical drama series set during the American Civil War. The series focuses on the lives of nurses, doctors, soldiers, and civilians who were affected by the war. Season 1, episode 6, titled "The Diabolical Plot" continues to follow the lives of those affected by the war, as they deal with the aftermath of the Battle of Bull Run.

The episode starts with a Union soldier named Tom, who was separated from his fellow soldiers during the Battle of Bull Run. Tom is found wandering around the woods by two Confederate soldiers, who take him prisoner. Meanwhile, at Mansion House Hospital, Nurse Mary is dealing with a sudden influx of patients from the battle. Among the wounded soldiers is Johnny, a Confederate soldier who was injured during the battle. Mary is conflicted about treating Johnny, as her brother died fighting for the Union army.

As the episode progresses, it becomes clear that there is a conspiracy involving a group of high-ranking Union officers. The group is planning to steal Confederate gold that was being transported on a train, and they have recruited Tom to help them carry out the plan. Tom, however, is not a willing participant, and he tries to escape. Eventually, he is rescued by Mary and two other Union soldiers who were sent to find him.

Meanwhile, Doctor Foster is dealing with his own troubles. A soldier named Silas has been brought to the hospital, and Doctor Foster realizes that he is suffering from lead poisoning caused by the silver nitrate powder used to treat his gunshot wound. Doctor Foster is outraged by the incompetence of the hospital staff who used the powder, and he takes matters into his own hands by using a new treatment that he learned in Europe. The treatment is successful, and Silas begins to recover.

As the episode comes to a close, the conspiracy involving the Union officers is exposed, and several of them are arrested. Tom is offered a chance to leave his life of crime behind and become a spy for the Union army. Mary is conflicted about treating Confederate soldiers, but she realizes that as a nurse, her duty is to help anyone who needs her care.

Overall, "The Diabolical Plot" is an engaging and action-packed episode of Mercy Street. It deals with complex issues of loyalty, duty, and honor, as the characters struggle to navigate the difficult circumstances they find themselves in during a time of war. The episode also highlights the important role that women played during the Civil War, as nurses and caregivers who were often caught in the middle of the conflict. Fans of historical dramas will enjoy watching Mercy Street and following the intricate plotlines of its characters.