As the curtains rise on this installment of "The Cleaning Lady," we find Ramona (Kate del Castillo) employed within the prison walls, a fortnight prior to the present. Two inmates, Jade Rynin and Shannon Lee Unser, approach her, their conversation revolving around the enigmatic Sin Cara. Ramona's brother, Jorge (Santiago Cabrera), had made his intentions unmistakably clear, spreading the word far and wide. Recognition sparks in Ramona's eyes as she realizes one of them is Paxton's daughter, to whom she once granted a favor by ending her father's life with a single strike. Before the guards can intervene, Ramona subdues the pair with a display of her formidable skills. Assertively, she declares that Sin Cara has a face, and it is her own.
Elsewhere, Thony (Elodie Yung) is being processed into the correctional facility. Joel Herman (Robert Cicchini) interviews her, probing if she intends to allow Jorge to dictate her future. Jorge bursts in to champion Thony's cause, only to be reminded that she cannot be his client. He threatens to procure outside counsel unless Herman adheres to their prior accord. Herman relents, granting them a brief moment of privacy. Thony berates herself for falling prey to Jorge's texts, which he insists were genuine. Jorge acknowledges his debt to her for averting a catastrophe and reveals that Joel has confirmed his dupery. Sam Heller manipulated someone in the District Attorney's office to frame Jorge for murder. By freeing Jorge and incarcerating Thony, Herman aims to expose the underlying corruption. Any complaints about Jorge's release will finger the culprit. Jorge concedes he used Thony as a pawn but is confident no jury will convict her of Rex Blackley's murder once the tampered evidence comes to light. All Thony yearns for is freedom. Jorge vows she'll be home before Luca returns from school.
Meanwhile, Fiona (Martha Millan) tries to reach Thony, but her calls go unanswered. The relator, Mrs. Wilkins, arrives and requests a private conversation with Fiona, revealing a new cash offer from another buyer. Fiona, lacking the funds, ponders her options.
Sam Heller (John Pyper-Ferguson) tours Southpoint Women’s Correctional Facility accompanied by the Warden (James Healy Jr.). Ramona appreciates Sam's personal visit, mocking his daughter's timidity in contrast. She muses that it's never too late to mend fences. Sam reflects on their multifaceted partnership spanning governments, corporations, and borders, but laments the cartel's unruly state, blaming their failure to manage a mere cleaning lady. Ramona argues that their bond isn't something that can be easily dissolved. Sam concedes Sin Cara's utility but seeks assurance that the right hand guides the ship. Acknowledging her distress, Sam offers her a chance to redirect her fury towards a worthy target.
Thony is instructed to don an orange jumpsuit, signaling her impending transfer. Chris (Sean Lew) checks in on Fiona at home, who confides in him. Chris reminds her of her earlier statement about earning her place in LA. He reveals that he and Teddy have amassed $60,000 from their viral videos, adding a touch of levity amidst the turmoil.
They are conducting an investigation using a state-of-the-art incubator. Soon after, Jorge arrives and insists on speaking with Fiona in private. In a secluded area, Jorge confesses to Fiona that he has placed Thony in a perilous predicament, revealing that she is currently incarcerated. He admits to turning Thony in for murder, claiming it was a necessary measure to safeguard their family's well-being. He assures Fiona that Thony will be released shortly. However, a phone call interrupts him, informing him that Thony is being transferred to a prison facility. Fiona, enraged, slaps Jorge and demands that he rectify the situation immediately.
As Thony and other inmates are loaded onto a bus, she catches sight of Ramona pounding a heavy bag. Thony requests to see her lawyer, and to her surprise, Ramona acknowledges her presence. An inmate, seeking to stir up trouble, announces to everyone that Thony is the one who orchestrated Ramona's imprisonment. Consequently, Thony is branded as a snake by her fellow inmates. Ramona passes by without uttering a word to her.
Later, Thony discovers that she will be sharing a cell with Cheryl (Ashley Crow), who offers to teach her the game of chess. Cheryl reveals that she is serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole for committing triple homicide. Meanwhile, Thony has yet to be arraigned. Cheryl, who works in the kitchen – deemed the safest job in the prison – suggests that she could put in a good word for Thony, but it will come at a cost: Thony's toiletry bag.
Jorge confronts Herman and Joel, explaining that he is desperate to uncover the mastermind behind the scheme. He insists that Thony must be released before Ramona takes matters into her own hands. Joel, however, warns that he cannot jeopardize his one chance to expose the corruption plaguing the system. Jorge vows to take matters into his own hands and approaches DA Thornfield (Douglas Olsson). Thornfield assures Jorge that the situation concerning his wife will be resolved as swiftly as possible and suggests making an appointment for further assistance.
Thony, grateful for Cheryl's support, learns that nothing comes free in prison and that trust is a rare commodity. Suddenly, an inmate attacks Thony, blaming her for Ramona's imprisonment. Moments later, Ramona arrives and beats up the inmate, indirectly causing Thony to be punished. Thony cleans the blood from her face as she dreams of Luca.
Fiona attempts to visit Thony but is told that her application is still being processed. She argues passionately, insisting that they cannot treat good people this way, before leaving in frustration without seeing Thony. El Don (Danny Pardo) informs Jorge that the Warden has agreed to allow him a visit with Thony after some persuasion. However, he warns that convincing DA Thornfield will be difficult due to his deep ties with Sam Heller. Jorge remains hopeful that Joel will eventually take over and do what is right. El Don cautions him that eliminating a District Attorney is a complex and time-consuming task.
Mrs. Wilkins tours the house with a potential buyer, while Fiona receives a call from the prison. Thony assures her that she is fine and that Jorge has a plan to secure her release. She mentions Ramona's presence, prompting Fiona to allow Luca to speak with his mother. Luca shares with Thony the story of his butterfly, which may never fly again, while Thony confesses her mistake and promises to make things right in due time.
The call intrudes abruptly, catching Cheryl off guard. She discovers that Thony is crafting a special lotion tailored to alleviate her arthritis pain. Thony expresses amazement at how Cheryl has managed to survive in her current environment for an astonishing 32 years. Cheryl, ever resourceful, suggests they share some of her survival tactics over a friendly game of chess.
Cheryl confesses her dislike for Ramona but admits she stays close to her as a necessary precaution for her own safety. Curiosity piqued, she inquires about Thony's background. Thony reveals that her career has been dedicated to saving lives, and when it came to her own son, she stopped at nothing to ensure his survival. However, one fateful decision led to another, culminating in her having to euthanize a terminally ill patient. Cheryl, sensing danger, suggests that Thony might view herself as a hero in these dire circumstances.
Thony warns Cheryl that Ramona poses a threat and urges her to take proactive measures before Ramona strikes first. Cheryl shares crucial intelligence, revealing Ramona's plans to make a move on Monday, post-shift change. Thony is advised to be prepared.
At the workplace, Thony manages to contaminate the food with grease, her true intentions momentarily interrupted by another inmate who reminds her of her role as a cleaning lady. Elsewhere, Fiona takes the children to meet Joel Herman, seeking private council. Joel explains that he can only do his best given the circumstances that Thony has inadvertently created for herself. Fiona argues that Thony's actions were motivated by a desire to help her son, but Joel insists that the current situation is beyond his control.
Ramona's inmate allies coerce Thony into playing Slap Jack. Soon after, the inmates begin exhibiting signs of illness. Officer Cook declares a state of emergency lockdown. Ramona confronts Thony, suspecting her involvement. Thony stands her ground, making it abundantly clear that she is unintimidated by Ramona's threats. Ramona warns her that their next encounter will be their last.
Suddenly, Cheryl collapses, her head striking the floor with a thud. In a panic, Thony diagnoses a potential heart attack and demands a defibrillator. She urgently instructs Nurse Molina that Cheryl requires an IO insertion immediately. Agreeing to her demand, they allow Thony to accompany Cheryl to the infirmary. Seizing the moment of distraction, Thony slips away with a pair of scissors, intending to fashion them into a weapon in her cell.
Cheryl is eventually returned to their cell. She reminds Thony of the close call, accusing her of nearly killing her. Thony counters by reminding Cheryl that she, in fact, saved her life. Cheryl, half-jesting, predicts that Thony will thrive in prison. Thony responds by affirming her determination to stay alive. Cheryl, concerned yet hopeful, warns her that there is no turning back now.
Thony finds herself in desperate need of assistance, turning to Cheryl for support. Cheryl, sensing Ramona's impending advances towards Thony, grows anxious. The prisoners are set to be freed in batches, categorized by their surnames. Cheryl, ever vigilant, urges Thony to remain in Thony's wake as they make their way to the showers. Meanwhile, Thornfield, unawares of the impending drama, dives into his pool just before the lights plunge the area into darkness. When the lights flicker back to life, Jorge strides up to him, revealing that his team is erasing any traces of his presence from the security footage. Thornfield, ever helpful, offers to make a call to secure Thony's release. However, Jorge is well aware of Heller's iron grip over him, likening it to a dog's leash, and produces a ledger as proof. In a chilling revelation, Jorge admits to spiking Thornfield's bottle with Oxy, ensuring that his well-documented penchant for indulgence will mask the true cause of his eventual drowning as an accidental overdose.
Cheryl, determined to boost Thony's morale, delivers an inspiring pep talk. Armed with a shank, Thony ventures out, only to be pushed into Ramona's path. A melee ensues, involving other inmates, successfully diverting the guards' attention. Thony and Ramona then engage in a fierce confrontation, with Ramona emerging victorious, leaving Thony unconscious with a taunting remark about enjoying her stay in the infirmary.
Elsewhere, Joel Herman announces his aspiration to become the new District Attorney, and in a subsequent call with Jorge, refuses to bow to his demands. Joel reveals that he has already filed a motion for Thony's arraignment and release from prison, motivated by compassion for Thony's unstable sister. Fiona receives heart-wrenching news from her son: their house has been sold. Samantha arrives with an envelope for Fiona, joined by Chris and others who contribute money to her. Chris informs Fiona that Mrs. Wilkins sold the house to them, adding a layer of complexity to the situation.
Thony awakens in the infirmary, to her horror, finding herself shackled to a bed. Nurse Molina (played by Faye Viviana) tends to her as she regains consciousness, while Dulce (portrayed by Joseline Mendoza) inquisitively asks about the substance Thony supposedly introduced into the food. Thony receives a chilling call from Jorge, confirming their sinister deed and announcing his imminent arrival. Amidst her despair, Thony learns of a riot erupting within the prison walls, her fears escalating as she imagines Ramona coming for her. A bulldozer breaches the prison wall, creating an escape route. Dulce warns Thony that Ramona is after her little boy, just as Ramona strolls out of the prison gates. Desperate and terrified, Thony screams for the nurse.
This vivid recounting captures the intensity and emotional depth of the narrative, immersing the reader in the unfolding drama.
