The fifth episode of "Boy Swallows Universe" kicks off with a vast assembly of individuals converging to pay their heartfelt condolences. The pastor, brimming with emotion, delivers a fervent eulogy, accompanied by Slim's cherished tunes. Despite his 25-year incarceration, followed by a daring escape, Slim steadfastly maintained his innocence. Paradoxically, he embraced his jail sentence as a penalty for past misdeeds.
Among the mourners is George Maosumi, a close friend of Slim's. Eli approaches George with a request to smuggle contraband into the prison, but George, identifying himself solely as a fruit vendor, declines, fearing entanglement in trouble. Caitlyn, another attendee, inquiries about the individual who had his finger amputated, to which Eli remains tight-lipped.
Eli is convinced that regardless of his actions, evil will continue to prevail. Ultimately, George relents and sneaks a letter and a cassette tape to Frankie behind bars. However, Frankie's bloodshot eyes and disheveled demeanor reveal a relapse into drug abuse. Receiving no word from his mother, Eli persuades George, reminding him of Slim's kindness towards his imprisoned brother. Despite Gus's attempts to discourage Eli, his resolve remains unshaken.
Eli cunningly infiltrates the prison by concealing himself within George's fruit truck. Inside, he learns from Debbie, Frankie's cellmate, that she has resumed her addictive habits.
At long last, Eli is reunited with his mother, orchestrating a poignant and heartfelt reunion for Frankie with her beloved son. Assurance flows like a gentle balm, as Eli pledges to her with sincerity that brighter horizons are on the horizon and her freedom beckons just within reach. However, fate cruelly interrupts their joyous moment when the prison guard's ears catch wind of Eli's presence, precipitating his capture in a desperate attempt to escape. Yet, in a moment of brilliance and ingenuity, Eli negotiates a favorable accord with the wardens, securing unrestricted access to his mother whenever his heart desires.
Through Darren, Eli uncovers a treacherous betrayal—it was Teddy Kallas, Lyle's companion, who sold him out to Ivan. In a dramatic twist, Gus and Eli uncover Lyle's clandestine stash hidden within the garage of their former abode, concealed in a black duffle bag emblazoned with the initials "QSLG." Seeing an opportunity to secure their future, Eli contemplates selling the stash to Darren Dang, envisioning the funds as the key to unlocking their house deposit.
Darren, who has now inherited his mother's empire after her tragic paralysis, agrees to part with $50,000 for Eli's illicit cargo. This deal, however, sets off a chain of events that culminates in a gang war with Dustin Vang's men. The conflict escalates into a bloody spectacle, yet Eli emerges unscathed, his wits as sharp as ever.
As the episode draws to a close, Eli and Gus, hearts pounding with hope, conceal the money, whispering prayers for a dawn that promises not just survival, but prosperity.
