They Capture the Heat
Barrow reduces debt; the Knick seeks X-ray machines.
"They Capture the Heat" is the fifth installment of the medical period drama *The Knick*, set in early 1900s New York City. Written by Steven Katz and directed by executive producer Steven Soderbergh, it aired on Cinemax on September 12, 2014. The series centers on the staff of Knickerbocker Hospital, who grapple with the era's medical limitations. The main character, Dr. John Thackery, leads the surgery team while managing his cocaine and opium addictions alongside his drive for medical breakthroughs and his professional standing.
In the episode, hospital administrator Barrow reduces his debt by helping a wounded acquaintance of Collier, a criminal, who then demands surgery from Thackery and Edwards. Collier lowers Barrow's debt but threatens violence if the operation fails; it succeeds. The hospital considers acquiring Thomas Edison's X-ray machines, with Cornelia impressed but the Robertsons hesitant over cost. Barrow convinces August Robertson to fund one after learning a friend donated two to another hospital. Barrow also arranges a deal with Collier: a police uniform allows Collier to coerce prostitutes, each use reducing Barrow's debt further. Meanwhile, Cleary and Sister Harriet perform abortions in Chinatown. Edwards learns his mother is in pain, and Thackery treats her aggressively, saving her. Later, Thackery attempts to ride a bicycle for the first time, assisted by Nurse Elkins.
The episode was seen by an estimated 0.322 million households, with a 0.06 ratings share among adults aged 18–49—a 14% drop from the previous episode. Critics gave positive reviews, praising performances and character development. Rotten Tomatoes reported an 80% approval rating from 10 reviews, noting the episode advances the season despite separate storylines. IGN's Matt Fowler rated it 8.3/10, highlighting the growing Thackery-Edwards dynamic and Barrow's risky hospital connections. The A.V. Club's Brandon Nowalk gave a B+, observing characters moving incrementally. Entertainment Weekly's Debbie Day found the episode disjointed, while Vulture's Keith Uhlich gave 4/5 stars, appreciating the harmony between material and immaterial elements. The New York Times' Mike Hale noted a moment of respect when Thackery repeats Edwards's comment about tall buildings.
Quick Facts
- Series
- The Knick
- Season
- 1
- Episode
- 5
- Released
- 2014-09-12
- Length
- 48 minutes
- Director
- Steven Soderbergh
- Writer
- Steven Katz
- Prev
- Where's the Dignity?
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Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
In the episode, Barrow finds a way to reduce his debt, while the Knick asks to get X-ray machines for their benefit. Collier brings a wounded familiar to Barrow, asking for his help. Barrow then delivers the person to the Knick so Thackery can operate him. Edwards is also tasked in operating, despite Collier's protest. Collier agrees to lower Barrow's debt, but threatens to kill everyone if the surgery fails. Despite difficulties, the surgery proves to be successful. The Knick is introduced to Thomas Edison's X-ray machine. Although Cornelia is impressed, the Robertsons are reluctant with the costs needed. Barrow dines with August to convince him in funding it, who maintains his position. However, realizing that a friend of his has already donated two X-ray machines to a Manhattan hospital, August accepts in getting a machine for the Knick. Barrow also uses a police friend, Phineas "Phinny" Sears, to make a new deal with Collier; Collier can use a police uniform to force any prostitute to have sex with him for free, with each use costing a lower debt for Barrow. At Chinatown, Cleary and Sister Harriet perform many abortions. Edwards is informed by Cornelia that his mother is experiencing severe pains. When he arrives at Robertsons' house, he finds Thackery already tending her. Thackery employs an aggressive approach to help her, which saves her. Later, the Knick receives a new case of placenta praevia, which worries Chickering due to Christiansen's surgery. Thackery manages to complete the surgery in 72 seconds, something they have not achieved before. Opening up more, Thackery decides to try to ride a bike for the first time, with Elkins helping him.
Reader's Guide
The episode received positive reviews from critics, who praised the performances and character development. According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 0.322 million household viewers and gained a 0.06 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. The review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes reported an 80% approval rating for the episode, based on 10 reviews. The site's consensus states: "'They Capture the Heat' focuses on largely separate storylines, but it succeeds in moving the season forward and setting up potential future intrigue." Matt Fowler of IGN gave the episode a "great" 8.3 out of 10, noting the building relationship between Thackery and Edwards and the dangerous moves connecting Barrow's criminal connections to the hospital. Brandon Nowalk of The A.V. Club gave the episode a "B+" grade, writing that the characters moved another inch. Debbie Day of Entertainment Weekly wrote that the episode "stubbornly refused to congeal." Keith Uhlich of Vulture gave the episode a 4 star rating out of 5. Mike Hale of The New York Times highlighted a moment of unconscious respect between Thackery and Edwards. Steve MacFarlane of Slant Magazine praised the unspoken shifts in opinion between Thackery and Algernon. Robert Ham of Paste gave the episode an 8.3 out of 10, calling it heavy handed but effective in moving things forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who wrote and directed the Knick episode 'They Capture the Heat'?
Steven Katz wrote the script for this fifth episode, and Steven Soderbergh directed it in his capacity as the show's executive producer.
When did 'They Capture the Heat' originally air and on what network?
The episode premiered on Cinemax on September 12, 2014, as part of The Knick's first season set in early-1900s New York City.
What is the main storyline of 'They Capture the Heat'?
Dr. Thackery pushes for surgical and diagnostic advances while battling his cocaine and opium dependencies, and hospital administrator Barrow moves to trim the Knickerbocker's mounting debts. The staff also begins lobbying for X-ray machines to modernize their practice.
What does Barrow's debt-reduction arc accomplish in 'They Capture the Heat'?
Barrow's push to cut the hospital's financial obligations creates direct tension with Thackery's team, who need capital for new technology like X-ray equipment. It underscores the recurring first-season conflict between fiscal survival and medical innovation at the Knickerbocker.
Why is 'They Capture the Heat' considered a turning point in The Knick's first season?
As the fifth episode, it sharpens the financial-versus-medical-ambition conflict and plants the X-ray storyline that threads through later installments. It also cements Thackery's dual struggle with addiction and professional reputation as the season's central engine.
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