Episode 2 of "Feud: Capote vs. The Swans," aptly titled 'Ice Water In Their Veins,' uncovers a shocking revelation - Babe's battle with cancer and her ongoing chemotherapy treatments. Amidst this personal struggle, the group gathers for Ann's funeral, a solemn occasion turned tense by her son's scathing eulogy that pins the blame squarely on Truman. C.Z., finding this inappropriate, offers Truman a defense, arguing that seeking revenge is petty and beneath them.
Over lunch, the conversation turns gossipy as Lee Radziwill can't help but talk about Truman. Slim vents about shutting him out, refusing his gifts and calls, and even going as far as to contact all his acquaintances to isolate him. Babe, meanwhile, feels deeply hurt by Truman's exposé, which seems to suggest a disgust towards them.
Truman, for his part, finds temporary shelter at Joanne Carson's in California, where he's filming a movie. However, his thoughts constantly drift back to the Swans, and he finds himself increasingly dizzy and unable to shake them from his mind. He repeatedly tries to reach out to Babe, but she ignores his calls. Back home, he flushes away all the alcohol in a moment of desperation and turns to prayer.
Slim spends time with Babe, who finds comfort in taking out her jewelry, some of which she considers gifting to Slim. As they discuss their friendship, Babe can't help but miss the good times she shared with Truman. But Slim is firm, calling him a predator and urging her to stay strong.
Meanwhile, C.Z. unexpectedly meets up with Truman, intent on calling him out and scolding him for betraying their friendship. Truman justifies his actions as art, but C.Z. challenges him, asking if the high price he paid was really worth it. Despite his hard exterior, it's clear that he misses Babe deeply. Moved by his sincerity, C.Z. softens and promises to mediate between them, even inviting him to her Thanksgiving celebration.
Lee, however, spots them together and, as expected, the news spreads quickly. Slim warns C.Z. not to invite Truman to Thanksgiving, arguing that his actions have hurt Babe too deeply. To emphasize her point, she reveals that Babe is so ill that she sent Slim to give C.Z. her prized Verdura necklace. This revelation melts C.Z.'s heart, and she lies to Truman, claiming that she's sick and unable to host him.
John, too, refuses to associate with Truman, choosing to spend Thanksgiving with his children. Truman, trying to provoke a reaction, sarcastically asks if his family will take him back, only to receive a slap in response.
Jack's arrival brings another layer of complexity to the situation. Angry and upset, he rushes to Babe, pleading with her to forgive Truman. He believes that only she has the power to save him. But Babe, weary of the drama, simply asks why Jack continues to go back to him.
Meanwhile, John maintains a stony silence towards Truman but begrudgingly drives him to Joanne Carson's. The contrast between the lively, hippie atmosphere at Joanne's and the sophisticated, formal vibe of C.Z.'s Thanksgiving celebration is stark, reflecting the diverse and complex relationships that make up this feud.
As Slim's charisma filled the air with hits at Truman's, his mind began to wander, hallucinating the image of his mother amidst Joanne's surroundings. She had always dreamed of being a Swan, but the stiff elitism of New York refused to acknowledge her, branding her as mere Southern trash. She whispered to him, believing that he had avenged her and now it was time for him to join her in the afterlife, hinting at a fateful suicide. Yet, Slim firmly refused, as he clung to the unfinished masterpiece that awaited him.
Meanwhile, at C.Z.'s, Babe found herself in a happier place. Bill had stepped into Truman's shoes and quickly become her closest confidante. However, she couldn't help but miss the presence of Truman, and the Swans often reminisced about his fondness for their Thanksgiving dinners, which made him feel wanted and at home.
Unexpectedly, Truman's temper flared, and he picked a fight with John, who easily overpowered him in the altercation. Joanne, horrified, rushed to his side and angrily evicted John from the premises. Jack, ever persistent, called Babe once again, pleading for her to forgive Truman. But she remained resolute, refusing to relent. Even Bill, sensing Truman's hospitalization, urged Babe to show some compassion. Yet, at the conclusion of "Feud: Capote vs. The Swans" Episode 2, Babe's heart remained cold and unmoved.
