Cal visits his estranged mother with the intent of putting her in an assisted living facility. Miranda Frank is brought to the New York compound to unburden, and with Cal gone, Sarah chooses to confront Miranda alone.

The compound receives a visit from two of The Movement’s elders for its annual Ascension Day picnic. Their arrival calls Cal’s leadership and the future of The Movement into question. During the festivities, Abe learns of Mary Cox’s troubled past, and Hawk decides to take a step closer to Ashley.

Upon learning about Hawk’s ongoing relationship with Ashley, Eddie and Sarah find themselves at odds. Meanwhile, Abe meets with Alison and suspects The Movement may be involved in criminal activity. Hawk tries to break up with Ashley. After confronting Sarah, Cal returns to the Ridge estate to declare his support for her actions.

After Ashley’s family is evicted, Hawk brings them home for shelter. Faced with her son’s relationship to an IS, Sarah goes on a personal mission to answer questions from her past. Cal asserts his leadership and makes a bold political decision for The Movement.

After Cal’s actions beckon a swarm of media attention to the compound, Sarah and the elders question his tactics. Cal discovers Eddie’s secret relationship with Alison. Feeling his control slip away, Cal spirals into a rage and leaves Sarah to address the congregation on her own.

Eddie brings Hawk along on a journey of spiritual enlightenment, while Cal struggles with the ugly reality of his own violent tendencies. Nicole’s labor becomes troubled, and Sarah performs a miracle to save the child. Cal, in a moment of weakness, tells Sarah a secret about Eddie.

Eddie faces exile after his crisis of faith is discovered by The Movement. Cal delivers the final three rungs of The Ladder to the congregation, while Sarah learns a dark secret about The Movement. Eddie, seeking answers, travels to Peru where he uncovers a shocking truth.