Contains spoilers for this episode and earlier episodes.
Michael takes Dukie and Bug to Six Flags for a rare day away from the corner, but Monk later reprimands him. McNulty makes his fake serial killer seem established by altering an old case file to add a red-ribbon signature. Bunk is appalled and asks Lester to talk sense into him; Lester instead offers ways to strengthen the deception, and McNulty accepts his help. McNulty’s superiors and the newspaper still show little interest in the supposed pattern. Carcetti uses Burrell’s manipulated crime figures to replace him with Daniels, and Norman lets the Sun know Daniels is in line for the job.
At the Sun, Alma is frustrated when her report on a deadly home invasion loses the front page. Templeton invents a reaction quote about Daniels and Burrell’s removal, making Daniels fear that Burrell will expose old misconduct. Davis faces a grand jury, where Damien Price testifies about money found with him. Marlo seeks help from Joe to make his cash acceptable to the Greeks. Joe does not help him find Omar, but Cheese gives Chris the location of Omar’s mentor Butchie for the bounty. Chris and Snoop kill Butchie’s bodyguard, shoot Big Guy in the leg, then torture and execute Butchie, ensuring Omar will hear who was responsible.