'The Knick' Episode 2 Recap 'Mr. Paris Shoes' [SPOILERS]: Edwards Practices in Secret, Thackery Wields an Axe, & Barrow's in Deep w/ the Mob

The pilot episode of Cinemax's new period piece drama from Steven Soderbergh introduced viewers to one of the best shows on television and the cast of characters led by a powerful Clive Owen as Dr. John Thackery. In episode 2, entitled "Mr. Paris Shoes," we dive deeper into the relationships that make The Knick more than just another dark hospital series. How will Algernon Edwards deal with Thackery's lack of acceptance and how many more bloody surgeries do we get to see? [SPOILERS to follow]

Click here to check out our exclusive interview with series star André Holland!

Check out our preview of episode 2, "Mr. Paris Shoes," right here!

Algernon and Cornelia definitely draw some parallels in this story, but their worlds couldn't be farther apart. Edwards lives and shares a bathroom in the black community, whereas Cornelia is dressed by servants and dines with her rich parents each morning before work. They both end up at the hospital, though - where they have each other in a way.

During an operation, the electricity of the hospital shorts out. This is obviously not such a great thing for many reasons (a nurse died!), so naturally Barrow is in charge of dealing with it. Not to jump ahead, but he's dealing with some shady mobster people that are pretty scary.

Now that we've had some time with Algernon and seeing how the other physicians are treating him (with the exception of Bertie, of course), the issue of race is coming on heavy - probably from now on. Anyway, white patients don't like him and black patients aren't being treated. Can we guess what Edwards decides to do? That's right - he sets up his cellar office to treat them!

We also see Gallinger fail in a surgery, killing a patient. Now Thackery is open to Edwards' European practices - but Gallinger insists they find out how to do the procedure without involving Algernon. In comes Cleary (who is sure to become a fan-favorite character as the series progresses) and Gallinger - with some help from Bertie - acquires the correct documents.

Nurse Lucy is a bit shaken up about injecting cocaine into Thackery's ... body. Finally tracking her down, John explains how his drug abuse is how he balances his life from the "circus." But really, he tells her to keep her mouth shut. Sorry for those thinking it was a romantic interest - though Bertie still has a chance!

There are plenty of new questions that are sure to develop more as the season progresses. We were introduced to a shady abortion operation, Thackery's Chinatown, Typhoid fever in the hospital and Algernon's fighting ability.

Stepping away from the story a bit, this episode was masterfully shot! So far re-watching each episode doesn't sound like a waste of time. What do you think of The Knick so far? Let us know in the comments section below!