This Is All We Are

"This Is All We Are" serves as both the tenth episode of *The Knick*’s second season and the series’ final installment. The 20th episode overall, it was penned by the show’s creators, Jack Amiel and Michael Begler, with executive producer Steven Soderbergh in the director’s chair. It aired on Cinemax on December 18, 2015. Two years later, in March 2017, Cinemax pulled the plug on the series, cementing this episode as its conclusion.

Set in early 1900s New York, the show follows the staff of Knickerbocker Hospital as they grapple with the era’s medical limits. Lead surgeon Dr. John Thackery, battling cocaine, opium, and heroin addictions, juggles his drive for discovery with his professional reputation. In this episode, Thackery opts to perform a dangerous surgery on himself, while Cornelia uncovers who caused Speight’s death and the hospital fire.

Nielsen ratings show the episode drew an estimated 0.275 million households and a 0.05 share among adults 18–49. Critics praised it highly, lauding the performances, direction, and sense of closure. Many noted it worked well as a series finale. At the 68th Primetime Emmy Awards, Soderbergh earned a nomination for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series for the episode 'Wonderful Surprise', not for this one.

**Plot** Thackery’s severe stomach pain persists, leading to more collapses. Despite Zinberg’s various treatment suggestions, Thackery refuses them, insisting the surgery be done on his own terms. After the fire, Henry decides against building the new hospital, while Barrow comes under suspicion for starting it.

Cornelia plans to accompany Phillip to Ohio but meets Henry first, shocked to learn he runs the family’s shipping operations. She accuses him of killing Speight and torching the new hospital; he doesn’t deny it but threatens her, saying his tracks are covered and her word won’t convict him. Fearing for her life, she flees to Australia.

Cleary proposes to Harriet. During confession, he admits to the priest that he tipped off police about Harriet so the Church would expel her, giving him a chance to pursue her romantically. The next day, Harriet accepts his proposal. Meanwhile, Gallinger accepts an offer to travel the world promoting eugenics.

With no support, Thackery performs bowel surgery on himself using a mirror and his own spinal block technique instead of anesthesia.