The town of Clarion, South Dakota is in the midst of a farm killing drought when Tess and Monica arrive to help them with their growing crisis of faith. Justinian Jones, a struggling farmer, enters Cotton's barber shop where a heated debate quickly develops between he, Cotton, Judge Dawes and Risa, the town mayor, as to whether the town should sell out to huge agriculture company. Having arrived to serve as auctioneer of the towns assets, Andrew sits quietly in the barder chair as Risa advocates selling to the conglomerate before the drought kills the town. Opposed to he is Justinian who is determined to stay on his farm even if he has to sell his horse and ""pull the darned plow""himself. Continuing his tirade, Justinian decides to sue God. The Judge outlines how he should serve notice to God through the newspaper and hearing is set. Outside, Justinian's daughter, Leela tells her boyfriend Gordon of her plans to leave town in search of more opportunity while he tries to convince