Ep 9. Snakehead

Synopsis: In the ninth episode of the fifth season of the Australian television drama series Wentworth, titled Snakehead, tensions continue to mount in the women's prison as Sonia Stevens adjusts to life behind bars. In an effort to prove her value to Kaz Proctor, Sonia sets her sights on Doreen Anderson, hoping to manipulate her into setting up a deal with her Asian suppliers. Meanwhile, Franky Doyle and Shayne Butler continue to butt heads as they struggle for control over the drug trade in the prison. As Franky finds herself increasingly isolated, she turns to Bridget Westfall for support, leading to a confrontation between Bridget and Shayne that puts both of their careers in jeopardy.

The episode begins with Sonia Stevens (Sigrid Thornton) meeting with her Asian suppliers, who are unhappy with the level of demand for their drugs in the prison. Sonia assures them that she can increase their customer base by working with Doreen Anderson (Shareena Clanton), who is married to a man with connections to the outside world. However, Doreen is initially hesitant to get involved in the drug trade, and Sonia must use all of her manipulative skills to convince her to help.

Meanwhile, Franky Doyle (Nicole da Silva) is struggling to maintain control over the drug trade in the prison, as Shayne Butler (Hunter Page-Lochard) continues to challenge her authority. When Franky learns that Shayne is planning to cut her out of a lucrative deal, she confronts him and a physical altercation ensues. The other inmates are forced to break up the fight, but tensions between Franky and Shayne continue to simmer.

Feeling isolated and vulnerable, Franky turns to Bridget Westfall (Libby Tanner) for comfort. Bridget, who is still struggling with feelings for her former patient, tries to keep her distance from Franky, but eventually relents and the two share an intimate moment.

However, their moment of intimacy is short-lived, as Shayne learns of their relationship and uses it to blackmail Bridget into helping him gain control over the drug trade. Bridget is torn between her loyalty to Franky and her desire to protect her career, and ultimately agrees to help Shayne in exchange for his silence.

As tensions continue to mount in the prison, Kaz Proctor (Tammy Macintosh) becomes increasingly concerned about the safety of the other inmates. She confronts Sonia about her involvement in the drug trade, leading to a tense confrontation between the two women. However, Sonia is able to manipulate Kaz into thinking that she is on her side, and the two women reach an uneasy truce.

The episode ends with Doreen finally agreeing to set up a deal with Sonia's Asian suppliers, leading to the introduction of a dangerous new drug into the prison. As the women begin to feel the effects of the drug, tensions in the prison reach a boiling point, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion to the season.