Ep 15. Chilean Prison Break

In the season 6 episode 15 of Locked Up Abroad, titled Chilean Prison Break, the viewers are taken on a thrilling ride through the harrowing and dangerous escape attempt of two British drug smugglers from the infamously violent high-security prison of Santiago, Chile.

Narrated through the words of the convicted criminals themselves, the episode opens with the two men, Tom Hanway and Phil Foden, sharing their experiences of getting caught by the Chilean police for smuggling drugs worth millions of dollars into the country.

Tom, who had a successful career as a DJ in the UK, had come to Chile to meet his friend Phil, who was already living there and working odd jobs. They both had a passion for adventure and had concocted a plan to smuggle cocaine from Bolivia, one of the world's largest producers of the drug. They thought it would be easy, but things quickly went south as they were intercepted by the police at the airport.

The scene then shifts to the grim reality of the Santiago Central Prison, a place that's reputed for its brutality and frequent inmate-on-inmate violence. Tom and Phil reveal how they were thrown into the harsh prison environment and the months of torture, intimidation, and extortion they had to endure from fellow inmates and corrupt guards who demanded bribes for basic necessities like food and water.

The men share their desperation to escape from the prison, a place where death seemed like a constant presence, waiting to claim the slightest opportunity to strike. However, with almost zero support from outside, no legal representation, and language barriers, they had to rely on their wits and instincts to survive.

Tom, who had prior experience of escaping from a UK prison, shares his tactics and tricks with Phil, and together, they hatch one of the most daring prison break plans. They start by studying the prison layout, manning positions, and individual routines of the guards and pick a day and time that seems the most opportune.

As the day of the escape nears, the tension builds up, and the episode is packed with heart-stopping moments and adrenaline-pumping action as the men execute their plan. They encounter numerous roadblocks, including a locked metal door, high walls, barbed wires, and patrolling guards, but they don't falter.

Viewers are treated to a nail-biting revolving camera shot of the men sprinting across the prison grounds with the guards hot on their heels. The scene is both intense and exciting as the men use their skills to evade capture, outrun the guards, and find refuge in a nearby church.

As they make their way through Chilean countryside, the men speak about their astonishment of discovering beauty in the country's scenic landscape and culture. They bond with locals who offer them food, shelter, and transport to safety.

The episode wraps up with Tom and Phil's capture in the seaside town of Valparaiso, where they continued to evade police until they were eventually caught. The men recall their feelings of dejection and helplessness during their second stint at the Santiago prison.

Locked Up Abroad season 6 episode 15 is an enthralling tale of sheer human determination, courage, and grit. Despite the constant danger and obstacles, Tom Hanway and Phil Foden were able to escape the clutches of a brutal prison and find freedom. The episode does an excellent job of capturing the emotional journey of the men, and the incredible story will leave viewers on the edge of their seats.