As the curtain raises on the premiere episode of "Dope Girls," the men, who had embarked on a journey to war, are now making their way back home. This shift marks a pivotal moment for the women; they must either adapt to the new reality or rise in rebellion. Earlier, Kate Galloway (Julianne Nicholson) unlocks the doors of her shop, ushering in the day. Anne enters shortly after, delivering the news that he is returning. Consequently, Kate's position becomes redundant.
Elsewhere, Evie Galloway (Eilidh Fisher) undergoes a hair transformation at the hands of a group of girls, a scuffle ensuing when she strikes one of them. Alice Asquith-Gore (Eloise Thomas) breaks the news to Evie that the war is drawing to a close. They plan a grand celebration, to which Evie is warmly invited. James Galloway (Steven Elder) returns home, clutching a bottle of wine to toast their reunion. Kate, hopeful, suggests that if the business remains afloat, Evie might continue her education at St. Anne's next year. She pleadingly asks if she can stay, to which James assents.
Morning dawns, and Kate descends the stairs to a heart-wrenching sight—James hanging lifelessly. On Armistice Day, Violet Davies (Eliza Scanlen) joins the throng outside. Retreating to her room, she's confronted by her landlord demanding the rent. Strapped for cash and without another roof over her head, Violet's predicament is softened by Mrs. Fisher, who steps in to cover the shortfall, generously offering a flexible repayment plan.
Violet's journey takes her into the ranks of The Female Experiment, a task force dedicated to clamping down on unlicensed nightclubs. Concerns arise about Violet's emotional stability, given her recent loss, and its potential impact on her judgment. She's sternly warned that any form of misconduct will not be tolerated, yet stands on the brink of becoming one of the nation's pioneering ten female police officers. Violet views this as a duty, not a privilege.
Evie returns to find her mother seated outside. They share a poignant moment, reflecting on James. Evie speculates that he might have suffered a heart attack, while Kate gently asserts that he likely felt no pain, lost in the embrace of sleep. Meanwhile, Billie Cassidy (Umi Myers) indulges in a night of revelry with a friend, only to be interrupted by the arrival of more drugs.
Violet navigates the rigorous selection process, demonstrating her prowess in handling an assailant, later sharing a laugh with Mrs. Fisher about her demonstration. When Violet accidentally spills food on her shirt, Mrs. Fisher tends to her with motherly care. Nearby, Isabella Salucci's (Geraldine James) melodious voice fills the air. Violet politely declines further alcohol, but Mrs. Fisher fears this could be their final night together, her optimism tempered by realism. Relenting, Violet agrees to one last drink, leading to a tender moment on the street, only to be interrupted by passing men. Mrs. Fisher reassures Violet that their encounter need not hold any significance.
Kate's world crumbles as her belongings are removed, and she's handed an eviction notice. Desperate, she seeks solace and reinstatement from Anne, reminding her that the shop's success is owed in large part to her own efforts. Anne, however, concedes that the decision lies beyond her control. In a moment of desperation, Kate takes something that isn't hers before exiting the pub. Billie learns of Reggie Regbo's (Jordan Kouame) affection for her, with Eddie Cobb (Michael Duke) delivering the message that Reggie desires her baby.
Billie catches a whiff of something burning, prompting Eddie to spring into action, assisting her in extinguishing a sudden blaze. Just as they manage to quell the flames, Kate and Evie burst through the door, their arrival timed to perfection. Kate, her voice laced with desperation, unveils their dire situation: their business has crumbled, and James, in a desperate move, had pledged their home as collateral. Billie, curious, inquiries if Evie recognizes her, to which Kate reluctantly confesses ignorance. Theyplead for refuge, even if just for a couple of nights. After some hesitation, Billie relents, granting them sanctuary for one night only.
Kate, eyes scanning for a way out of their predicament, inquires about potential work at Danton's club, expressing indifference to the risk of police raids. She vows to take on any task, from scrubbing glasses to mopping toilets. Billie, noting Kate's resolve, suggests a wardrobe change is in order.
Elsewhere, Mrs. Fisher delivers Violet's breakfast, and Violet, puzzled, wonders why she wasn't awakened. As Fisher is selected for something (unspecified), Violet remains overlooked. Determined, Violet approaches a male officer, intending to expose some moral misconduct within the force. Mrs. Fisher is summoned away, leaving Evie to probe Billie about their shared history, a topic Billie prefers to keep buried. Kate, vague, merely describes Billie as an old acquaintance and urges Evie to focus on her studies, hinting at her impending enrollment at St. Anne’s.
Billie escorts Kate to Salucci Enterprises, where Silvio Salucci (played by Sebastian Croft) chastises Billie for her tardiness. In a stroke of serendipity, Kate is handed a pair of wings, filling in for an absent dancer, while the others are covertly informed of their true role: drug peddling. Kate finds herself contemplating a perilous path—stealing from the Salucci family.
Back at Billie's, Evie tries on her clothes, a transformed figure in the mirror. Eddie, waking behind her, compliments her new look and shares tales of his travels, including his time in New Orleans. Evie, uncertain of her stay's duration, clutches Alice's invitation tightly. Meanwhile, Kate seeks Silvio's guidance, only to be met with derision. He mocks her, urging Billie to remove the 'granny' from his premises, fearing she'll deter customers. A heated exchange ensues between Silvio and Billie. Kate, undeterred, bids Billie farewell, promising to meet her in the morning before departing.
Kate finds herself in a pub, where she requests to use the phone. With determined resolve, she dials the police, intent on exposing Danton's nightclub for its illicit activities—selling alcohol after hours and drugs.
Just as Billie steps onto the stage, Kate makes her way back to the club. She witnesses the police storming the venue, prompting her to swiftly conceal a case filled with money. Soon, Billie and Kate find themselves surrounded by officers. Meanwhile, Evie attends Alice's party and wanders into a secluded room, sitting down at a desk. Frederick Asquith-Gore, alias Will Keen, discovers her there,承认自己对化装舞会并不在行。 He expresses his condolences for her father's passing, which Evie claims occurred in France and will be honored with a medal. They gaze at the fireworks through the window, sparking Evie's curiosity about what happens after death. Frederick replies that it depends on how one lives their life, asserting that dying for one's country is the ultimate honor. Alice interrupts them shortly, drawing her father away. Evie, taking a sip from a bottle, grabs it and continues drinking.
Back at the club, Billie inquires if Kate has read the letter she sent. Kate confirms she has, to which Billie responds that she didn't reply, only to reappear a year later with a sibling Kate never knew existed. A police officer ends up assaulting Billie, prompting Kate to intervene and strike an officer in the face. Sgt. Frank Turner, alias Ian Boner, warns Kate that she will regret her actions. They strip her of her dress, and Violet is instructed to search her thoroughly. Kate retaliates by urinating on her. Frank questions Violet's tolerance, calling her weak, like her sister. Violet attacks Kate in response.
Elsewhere, Evie continues to enjoy the party. Violet discovers a box at home containing her uniform and hands it to Kate, instructing her to dress. Upon her release, Kate attempts to retrieve the money but finds it missing. Silvio confronts her, criticizing her poor hiding spot. Kate responds by stabbing him in the neck and shooting him. She asks Billie what brought her there, and Billie replies that she came for her payment, unaware of Kate's violent actions. Kate feels no emotion, only a sense of wealth. Billie urges her to clean the blood, leading her to a fountain where she bathes amidst celebrations.
Kate spots a rental property advertisement and takes a flyer. She later walks alongside Billie and Evie, the night's events blending into an unusual yet vivid tapestry of memories.
