Ep 6. A Word to the Wise
- TVMA
- August 16, 2000
- 55 min
-
8.3 (1,986)
In the sixth episode of season four of Oz, titled "A Word to the Wise," tensions continue to escalate within the prison walls as inmates jockey for power and control. The episode primarily follows the storylines of two main characters: Beecher and Schillinger.
As the episode begins, Beecher is still reeling from his confrontation with Schillinger in the previous episode. After being assaulted and threatened by his former friend and chief adversary, Beecher is left feeling vulnerable and alone. Seeking comfort and protection, he turns to Keller, another inmate with whom he has had a complicated and tumultuous relationship.
Meanwhile, Schillinger is also dealing with the aftermath of their altercation, but in a much different way. He is working to consolidate his power within the Aryan Brotherhood, the white supremacist gang to which he belongs. He is also continuing to plot against Beecher, whom he views as a threat to his status within the prison and his position of authority over the other inmates.
As the episode progresses, both Beecher and Schillinger become embroiled in a new conflict. This time, it is a dispute over access to a coveted newly-arrived inmate, a young man named Andrew Sackler. As a fresh and inexperienced prisoner, Sackler is seen as a potential asset to both sides. Schillinger wants to bring him into the fold of the Aryan Brotherhood, while Beecher sees an opportunity to recruit him as an ally in his ongoing feud with Schillinger.
The tension between the two men comes to a head when Sackler is attacked by a rival gang and left badly injured. Schillinger sees this as an opportunity to swoop in and claim him for his own, but Beecher is not willing to let him have the upper hand. In a moment of desperation, he reaches out to Sackler himself, offering him protection and a place within his own group of inmates.
The episode ends on a cliffhanger, leaving viewers unsure of what the future holds for Beecher, Schillinger, and the other inmates of Oz. As always, the show remains unflinching in its portrayal of the harsh realities of life behind bars and the complex dynamics that exist within a prison community.
Overall, "A Word to the Wise" is a tense and dramatic episode of Oz, showcasing some of the best performances from its talented ensemble cast. It is a must-see for fans of the show and anyone who enjoys gripping, character-driven drama.