Episode 2 of "Prison Cell 211" resumes with the dramatic confrontation between the flame-thrower-wielding figure and Juan, who deceitfully claims his incarceration stems from the murder of a neighbor. As Calancho's henchmen gather the hostages in the gym, Warden Gandara issues orders for his team to initiate a rescue operation. They charge in with tear gas, attempting to subdue the inmates and relocate the hostages. However, the gangs respond with increased hostility, forcefully ejecting the guards from the gym. With no other option, Gandara imposes a lockdown on the prison and evacuates the visitors still anxiously awaiting outside.
Agreeing to negotiate with Calancho, Gandara attempts to intimidate him by reminding him that defying the cartel boss amounts to signing his own death warrant. Yet, Calancho remains unyielding, refusing to surrender Baldor, whom he values highly for the cartel and sees as his sole leverage to enforce his demands. In a separate call, Calancho instructs his family to go into hiding temporarily.
Meanwhile, Juan skillfully blends into the prison population, feigning allegiance to the North Division gang. Although Calancho's men are abusive towards the prison guards, he intervening to halt their actions. Elsewhere, Gandara frantically strives to regain control of the situation, fearing the potential involvement of the 25th of July Movement, the government, or the National Guard, which could exacerbate his predicament.
Inside Cell 211, Calancho attempts to persuade Baldor, urging him to disclose the North Division cartel's financial information publicly if he wishes to survive. Calancho's control over the prison remains unchallenged as he directs his men to raid Baldor's cell, bringing out a television and setting it up in the main room. Upon activating it, they realize with disappointment that the prison authorities have issued no updates about the riot. Calancho's frustration deepens as their neglect suggests that the inmates will be denied the opportunity to voice their plight to the public.Juan proposes that they themselves unveil the news, seizing control of the narrative and steering public opinion in their favor. However, Calancho's trusted lieutenant fails to share Juan's enthusiasm for the idea. To everyone's surprise, Calancho concurs. When prompted about their demands, Juan suggests demanding food. Calancho nods in agreement, specifying that they should request steak, tortillas, fruits, and clean water, among other essentials. Calancho then positions Juan as the riot's spokesperson.
Juan crafts a video and disseminates it, alerting the public to the riot and their demands. The video, addressed directly to the prison authorities, insists on the replacement of all prison personnel and the improvement of humane conditions.
Upon witnessing the video, the colonel suggests to the press that Juan is not an inmate under their custody. Gandara, however, warns that such a revelation could not only cast a negative light but also jeopardize Juan's life.
Elsewhere, after a press conference, a DEA agent approaches the Governor of Texas. The DEA expresses concern that the situation at Cereso 38 could undermine Baldor's extradition and even offers to provide covert assistance. The governor politely declines, reassuring the DEA that the riot will not hinder the extradition of such a crucial prisoner. She vows to ensure that the DEA secures their prisoner, come what may.
Back at Cereso 38, Calancho summons Juan for a private conversation in the ritual room. As Juan steps into the room, lit by flickering candles and containing a basin filled with blood, a chill runs down his spine. Calancho recounts a tale of roosters, once soaring high in the sky, now confined within cages for countless years.
The cocks, oblivious to their innate ability to soar, found themselves captives at the mercy of their human masters. They were reduced to participants in brutal cockfights, where the reign of the loudest crower was as fleeting as it was tyrannical; upon its demise, another aspirant swiftly ascended to the throne. Meanwhile, the colonel stealthily approached one of Calancho's lieutenants, Yuri, who happened to be an informer for the prison authorities. The colonel brokered a deal, revealing that government agents were en route, poised to seal off the prison and quell the rebellion. In exchange for Yuri's cooperation in handing over Baldor, the colonel promised him a passage to safety, ensuring his liberty.
The flame thrower, astute to Yuri's suspicious demeanor, covertly trailed him. Yuri made his way to an ailing inmate desperate for pain relief, offering marijuana in return for information on Baldor's whereabouts, hidden by Calancho.
Outside the prison walls, the cartel had assumed control of the town, while within, Calancho's relentless struggle continued to gain the public's and government's earnest attention to their uprising. Calancho's trusted assistant proposed eliminating one of the hostages, preferably a woman, as a means to provoke a stronger reaction. However, Juan dissented, arguing that such an act would alienate the public and that none of the hostages held significant sway over those on the outside. Their captives consisted of criminals, their families, and a handful of prison guards—hardly a leverage strong enough to elicit a governmental response. Yet, amidst the visitors lurked an American, whom Juan proposed to use strategically.
As the episode drew to a close, Juan seized an opportunity to slip away unnoticed while the prisoners' attention was diverted by their demands for the American's execution. To Calancho's right-hand man's astonishment, he uncovered Juan's true identity as a lawyer.
