Episode 2.9 - The Leaving
Written by Jayne Hollinson
Produced by Brian Park
Directed by Mike Adams
Josh is worried about Crystal and wonders why she didn’t leave prison as planned. Although her motives were honourable, Josh is furious when he finds out what she has done and leaves her to cry over the engagement ring he bought her. Meanwhile, Shell is back to her old self and has found someone new to bully – Barbara. Shell waits until she is occupied and then sneaks into her cell to steal her diary. Nikki advises Barbara to take Shell on as soon as possible or run the risk of her making her life a misery.
Zandra’s pain is inconceivable, and those around her feel awkward about showing their true emotions. She is delighted that Crystal is staying on, but this soon turns to frustration and anger as she begins to find it more and more difficult to find her words. She finds comfort in spending time with her close friends and with Dominic. But before long, Dominic’s feelings become confused and emotion takes over as he finds himself in Zandra’s arms.
The Julies have planned a party for Zandra and Dominic turns a blind eye to the miniature bottles of alcohol provided by Yvonne. Spurred on by the alcohol, they turn on Shell when they discover that she has been bullying Barbara and has stolen her diary and order her to leave the room. While the others celebrate Shell’s departure and a particularly amusing call from a Babes Behind Bars punter, Zandra suffers a fatal fit.
Shell’s campaign against Barbara continues, and doesn’t let up, even at Zandra’s memorial service when she finds the words “your funeral next” written on the keys of the organ. Dominic has persuaded Robin to allow baby Robin to attend the service and his appearance causes a few tears. There are more tears and smiles when Crystal reads Zandra’s goodbye letter out to the congregation, especially when she requests that the Larkhall Gospel Tabernacle Choir are reformed for one last rendition of ‘Kumbaya’ just to annoy Hollamby.
As G-Wing says goodbye to one inmate, another is being processed – Shaz Wylie. Denny sees a kindred spirit in this young and energetic new arrival, so much so that she warns Shell off when she suggests that they strip-search her. Shell is gob-smacked to learn that Shaz is in for triple murder, and then receives another shock in the form of Barbara. Having been given a pep talk by Nikki, she’s decided to stand up to her tormenter once and for all. Although at first it looks like Shell will triumph, she makes the mistake of taunting Barbara about her late husband’s death and then finds herself lying on the floor with a broken wrist.
At the end of a hard and emotional day, Karen arranges to meet up for a drink with Fenner, but knowing their previous history together, is this a wise move?