Times Square, 1977. Vincent is now proprietor of a new mob-backed disco, while his girlfriend Abby has brought the nascent punk-rock culture into the Hi-Hat. Vincent's twin brother Frankie remains a problem, "borrowing" money from the sex emporium he manages to pay off his debts. Meanwhile, Candy looks to make more artful, ambitious adult films.

Confronted with the changing realities of prostitution and porn, C.C. doubles down on his assets while fellow pimp Larry Brown eyes a new opportunity. Candy turns to Genevieve Furie, a onetime porn director who's graduated to slasher films, for filmmaking advice. Paul is approached by Matty the Horse, a rival of Rudy's, who promises Paul the mob protection he deserves.

Lori envisions a sunny future in LA after attending the AFAA Erotica Awards with Harvey and Candy, who's looking to connect with west-coast producers willing to turn her fairy tale into reality. Paul and Kenneth approach Vincent about a loan for a new nightclub, free from mob ties. Goldman visits Alston's precinct to share the mayor's vision for cleaning up the Deuce.

Ashley and Abby resolve to track down the identity of a 16-year-old sex worker killed in a recent fire. Vincent is shaken after witnessing the brutal side of Rudy's operation. Candy recruits some new faces to help her out with the production. Frankie finds his dry-cleaning business a less-than-perfect fit. Lori looks to forge a deal with Kiki.

Temporarily flush with cash, Frankie is tapped by Candy to be a co-producer on Red Hot. Lori eyes a plum role in the film, but still feels the burden of being under C.C.'s yoke. With Rudy's blessing, Big Mike and Black Frankie hit a gambling house in the Bronx. Bobby finds himself stigmatized at home and at the Hi-Hat after a surprise raid overseen by Alston.

Candy shoots her opus guerilla-style on the streets of New York. Vincent makes a confession to Abby, along with a promise to change. Ashley and Abby help a prostitute escape the Deuce, with a little help from Vincent. Larry Brown gets a promotion. Paul celebrates the opening of his new upscale club. Bobby turns to Vincent to find work for his wayward eldest son, Joey.

Trapped by his own success, Vincent envisions an idyllic rural life with Abby. Candy is frustrated by her mob backers' misogyny and weighs telling her son, Adam, what she really does for a living. Shay reverts to form, to Irene's dismay. Joey falls in love. Darlene deals with unexpected news. Lori hits a roadblock in her quest for adult-film stardom. Alston faces a dilemma.

Kiki finds new partners for a deal for Lori. Vincent visits his father for advice. C.C want to get payed for Red Hot.

"Red Hot" premieres as Candy, Harvey and Frankie get caught between competing investors. Vincent and Abby must deal with an unexpected loss. Lori is affraid to go to L.A. without C.C.'s permission. Paul turns to a familiar source to help finance Tod's Dreams. Darlene comes clean.