Ep 5. Batshit

Desperate for fast cash to help her brother, Desna (Niecy Nash) turns to the dark side and starts selling drugs in this episode of Claws titled "Batshit." She teams up with the Russian mafia, who use a strip club called the Heist as a front for their drug operation. Desna tries to balance her drug-dealing operation with her responsibility to the new salon, while also dealing with her friend Jennifer's (Jenn Lyon) marital troubles.

The episode starts with Desna in a difficult financial situation. Her brother Dean (Harold Perrineau) is in a residential home and needs a large sum of money for his treatment. Desna decides to take matters into her own hands and approach the Russians for help. Although they agree to provide the money, Desna has to partner with them in the drug game.

Desna and her crew begin the operation at the strip club, with Polly (Carrie Preston) and Quiet Ann (Judy Reyes) posing as strippers to distract the customers while Desna and Roller (Jack Kesy) deal drugs in the back. Things don’t go as smoothly as expected when one of the customers, a drug dealer named Juanda (Antwon Tanner), catches onto their operation. Juanda tries to extort Desna and her crew, but they refuse to back down. The situation escalates quickly and a fight breaks out, leaving Desna and Juanda coming face to face in a tense scene.

Meanwhile, Jennifer is struggling with her own problems. Her husband Bryce (Kevin Rankin) is having an affair with a younger woman and Jennifer is wracked with jealousy and anger. She seeks solace in the arms of another man, but is ultimately unsure of how to move forward.

The episode also explores the strained relationship between Desna and her ex-boyfriend, Dr. Ruval (Jimmy Jean-Louis). Despite their chemistry, Desna can never quite shake the feeling that Ruval is hiding something from her. Her suspicions are confirmed when she finds out that he is not only married but also involved with the Russians.

As Desna delves deeper into the world of drug dealing, she finds herself constantly walking on thin ice. She has to stay one step ahead of the Russians and their enemies, while also trying to keep a close eye on her own crew. Her relationship with Roller becomes increasingly fraught, and she begins to suspect that he may be working against her.

The episode culminates in a shocking finale that sees Desna and her crew facing down their enemies in a deadly showdown. Desna is forced to confront her own moral compass as she grapples with the consequences of her actions.

Overall, "Batshit" is a thrilling and intense episode of Claws that delves deeper into the complex lives of its characters. The show continues to deliver on its promises of dark humor, gripping plotlines, and exceptional performances from its talented cast.