Contains spoilers for this episode and earlier episodes.
Prez traces Bodie’s disposable phone to a shop. The search leads McNulty and Greggs along the interstate, where routinely reused security tapes frustrate them until a local officer supplies exterior footage. With Fitz’s equipment, the unit identifies Bernard’s car and begins mapping his phone-buying trips. McNulty also confronts Brianna about D’Angelo’s death, arguing that he was murdered and challenging her role in keeping him inside the family business. Meanwhile, the Deacon demands water and health care for Hamsterdam’s addicts, and Colvin introduces needle exchange and condoms. Cutty receives an abandoned gym and resolves to turn it into a boxing club.
Stringer keeps paying Clay Davis to advance his development, despite the continuing delays. On the street, Marlo becomes suspicious of Devonne, a woman who has arranged another meeting with him. Chris and Snoop discover that she is connected to a Barksdale ambush. Chris attacks the waiting vehicle instead, killing Tater and wounding Avon. When Stringer later warns Avon about the cost of their war, Avon questions whether his partner has lost his nerve. Stringer answers by revealing that he ordered D’Angelo’s murder. Avon attacks him, but his wounded shoulder leaves him overpowered. Stringer insists he acted to protect Avon; Avon is left speechless.