Ep 10. Douglas County, GA: Buttoning Buttons

Beyond Scared Straight! is a reality TV series that aims to deter at-risk youth from criminal activities. In the show's ninth season, episode 10, titled "Douglas County, GA: Buttoning Buttons," viewers will witness how a group of troubled teenagers from Douglas County, Georgia, encounter the harsh reality of prison life.

The episode begins with the teenagers arriving at the Douglas County Jail, where they are promptly greeted by stern-looking corrections officers. As the youths are led into the facility, they can immediately sense the weight and seriousness of their surroundings.

Once inside, the teens are split up into groups and taken to different sections of the prison. Each group meets with inmates who share their own personal experiences of life inside jail. The inmates explain how they ended up incarcerated and the consequences of their actions on their loved ones.

The teenagers are visibly shaken by the inmates' stories and the harsh realities of prison life. They are introduced to various aspects of jail life, such as the booking process, cell block living, and even the isolation cells.

As the day progresses, the teens are given "drill sergeant-style" orders to perform mundane tasks such as cleaning toilets and folding laundry. Through these duties, they develop an understanding of the importance of discipline and routine, and the consequences of not obeying rules.

The teens also have the opportunity to witness a training demonstration from the prison's K9 unit, where they are shown how dogs are trained to catch fleeing inmates. This scene is particularly impactful, as it shows the teens the dangers associated with attempting to escape from jail.

Perhaps the most powerful moment of the episode comes when the teens sit down with a group of male inmates. These inmates share their stories and sobbing confessions of the regret and pain that they continue to feel because of their past mistakes.

The inmates break down in tears as they share the impact their decisions have had on their families and loved ones. Their stories leave a lasting impression on the teenagers, who begin to see that their criminal choices could have far-reaching consequences that could impact their families forever.

As the day draws to a close, the teenagers are gathered for one final discussion with the prison staff and counselors. The staff urges the teens to make better choices and to learn to take ownership of their actions and their lives.

Overall, Beyond Scared Straight! season 9 episode 10: "Douglas County, GA: Buttoning Buttons" provides a powerful look into the harsh realities of prison life. The episode focuses on the importance of discipline, routine, and making good choices. Through its portrayal of prison life, the show encourages young people to stay on the right path and to avoid making decisions that could lead them down a path of destruction.