Ep 1. Balm In Gilead

Mercy Street is an American period drama television series that first aired on PBS on January 17, 2016. The show is set in Virginia during the Civil War and follows the lives of doctors, nurses, and soldiers on both sides of the conflict, as well as civilians caught in the middle. Season 2 episode 1, titled "Balm In Gilead," continues to explore the themes of the first season in a gripping, emotionally intense episode.

In "Balm In Gilead," viewers are reintroduced to the characters they came to know and love in the first season. The episode picks up shortly after the events of the season finale and takes audiences deeper into the ongoing struggles of the war. Mary Phinney, a nurse at the Mansion House Hospital, is still coping with the death of her fiancé, but she throws herself into her work to keep from dwelling on her loss. Meanwhile, Emma Green, a Southern belle and staunch Confederate sympathizer, is forced to deal with the harsh realities of war as her home is occupied by Union troops. Jefferson Davis, the President of the Confederacy, makes an appearance throughout the episode, adding to the political tension of the time.

One of the primary storylines of the episode involves the arrival of a new patient at the Mansion House Hospital. Byron Hale, a young Confederate soldier, has been brought in suffering from a mysterious illness. Dr. Foster, the hospital's chief surgeon, immediately takes an interest in Byron's case, sensing that there is something more going on than just a simple illness. As Dr. Foster investigates further, he discovers that Byron has been infected with a deadly virus, and he quickly orders the quarantine of the entire hospital.

The quarantine creates chaos within the hospital, as doctors and nurses are left to contend with the realities of caring for patients while also protecting themselves and each other. As tensions rise and emotions run high, the episode explores the sacrifices that medical professionals make during times of crisis, and the personal toll that this takes. The quarantine also brings Mary and Dr. Foster closer together, as they work together to try and contain the virus and find a cure for Byron.

Elsewhere, Emma Green is forced to deal with the realities of living under Union occupation. Her once-beautiful home is now overrun by Union troops, and her family's possessions have been confiscated or destroyed. Emma struggles to maintain her composure, even as her brother James joins the Confederate army and her husband Tom is caught in the crossfire of a battle. Emma's storyline highlights the human cost of war, as civilians are often caught in the middle of the conflict, with their lives forever changed.

Overall, "Balm In Gilead" is a powerful, emotionally charged episode that continues to explore the brutal realities of the Civil War. The show's commitment to historical accuracy is on full display, with attention paid to the medical practices of the time, as well as the political and social dynamics of the era. The performances of the cast are superb, with Mary Elizabeth Winstead standing out as the grieving, determined Mary Phinney, and Gary Cole bringing gravitas to President Jefferson Davis. The episode ends with a shocking twist that sets the stage for the rest of the season, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats and eagerly anticipating what comes next.