Ep 3. Extended Stay: Tampa: Carts Without Clubs
- September 17, 2011
The beginning of Lockup season 5 episode 3, titled Extended Stay: Tampa: Carts Without Clubs, showcases the transition for inmates who have been incarcerated for over a year. As they move to larger, dorm-style living quarters, they’re faced with the struggle of dealing with the noise and potential danger of being around more people.
The episode then follows the story of inmate Amanada. She was arrested for possession of Xanax and has been in jail for nearly eight months. She’s discovered a passion for crocheting and uses it as a way to fill her time and cope with the stress of being incarcerated.
There’s an emotional moment in the episode when Amanda is released from custody, but is worried about how she will deal with life on the outside.
The episode continues to explore the unique challenges of incarcerated mothers. Many women at the jail have children and the struggle of being away from them is a constant battle. One mother, Casandra, talks about how she tries to stay strong for her toddler son when she calls him from prison.
While the show primarily focuses on inmates and their lives within the detention center, it also addresses the ways in which the criminal justice system affects their families on the outside. A visit from Casandra’s mother emphasizes how her incarceration affects everyone she loves.
The episode also examines the role of treatment programs in the jail. Inmates attend classes on addiction and are given opportunities to work on their issues through group sessions. The program has had a positive impact on some of the inmates and has helped them deal with their problems.
Finally, the episode addresses the topic of violence within the jail. While some inmates are peaceful and try to avoid confrontation, others are constantly looking for trouble. One man, named Brian, talks about how he has to always be alert in order to avoid being attacked.
Overall, Extended Stay: Tampa: Carts Without Clubs is a thought-provoking look at the lives of inmates and their experience in incarceration. It showcases the difficulties faced by those inside the jail and the impact of prison on families outside. The episode is a reminder of the importance of rehabilitation programs and treating inmates with compassion.
