Newt Call, now a bounty hunter, returns after two years away from his old hometown of Curtis Wells, which has become violent and authoritarian. He gets drawn deeper into local conflict when his partner is framed for robbery.
A 16-year-old (Devon Sawa) accused of cattle rustling will be hanged---unless Call can prove he's innocent. Meanwhile, Mattie takes on the thankless job of undertaker.
A mysterious stranger saves Maddie's life and decides to stick around but as events develop, his appearance is not as random as it seems and it leads to a showdown with one of the town's residents with deadly results.
Mosby meets up with 3 ladies of the evening on their way to Lonesome Dove. They have to work together to make it there. Newt helps Austin guard the bank.
Mosby pushes for increased ore production at his new copper mine over safety warnings from the foreman. He is blamed, after an explosion, for the many deaths and injuries.
A farm hand is executed for the murders of a young woman's parents, but townspeople---including Call---suspect the daughter (Molly Parker) had a role in the crime.
The death of a Lakota chief coincides with a visit from bounty hunter Enona (Katherine Kelly Lang) whom Call remembers meeting---but who claims to have no memory of him.