Ep 1. Wichita- Extended Stay: Defending Bacon

Wichita- Extended Stay: Defending Bacon is the first episode of the 25th season of Lockup, a documentary series that explores life inside prisons across America. In this episode, viewers are taken to the Sedgwick County Jail in Wichita, Kansas, where they will meet an inmate by the name of Derek Bacon.

Bacon, who is serving time for drug-related offenses, is a controversial figure in the facility, known for his confrontational behavior towards other inmates and correctional officers alike. Despite the troubles he creates, Bacon insists that he is not a bad person and that he is simply misunderstood by those around him.

Throughout the episode, viewers will gain a firsthand look at the physical and emotional toll that incarceration takes on Bacon, as he struggles to cope with life behind bars. From the cramped conditions of his cell to the constant threat of violence from rival gangs, Bacon's existence is one of constant fear and anxiety.

Despite the challenges he faces, however, Bacon remains determined to clear his name and gain the respect of his fellow inmates. With the help of his attorney, he mounts a vigorous defense in the hopes of having his sentence reduced or commuted altogether.

Interspersed throughout the episode are interviews with some of Bacon's fellow inmates, as well as jail staff members who offer their perspectives on his behavior and character. Through these interviews, viewers gain a broader understanding of the complex social dynamics at play in the Sedgwick County Jail, as well as the larger societal issues that drive so many individuals into the criminal justice system.

Overall, Wichita- Extended Stay: Defending Bacon offers a sobering glimpse into the day-to-day reality of life behind bars, while also shedding light on the broader systemic issues that contribute to mass incarceration in America. Through the lens of a single inmate's experience, viewers are invited to reflect on the larger questions of justice, punishment, and rehabilitation that continue to shape the American criminal justice system.