Ep 10. Checkmate

In season 1 episode 10 of the Australian television series Wentworth titled "Checkmate," tensions continue to escalate within the prison as inmates jockey for power and position. Bea Smith (Danielle Cormack), the protagonist and former top dog, continues to grapple with the fallout from her decision to turn over drugs to the authorities. Her ally Franky Doyle (Nicole da Silva) is under threat from Jacs Holt (Kris McQuade), the leader of a powerful group of inmates known as the Red Right Hand.

As the episode opens, Bea is still recovering from being attacked by inmates who believe she betrayed them. She is determined to reclaim her position at the top of the prison hierarchy, but faces resistance from both Jacs and the officials who see her as a troublemaker. Meanwhile, Franky is trying to keep her head down after being targeted by Jacs, who believes Franky is too ambitious and needs to be put in her place.

The tensions between Bea and Jacs come to a head when they are both called into a meeting with the governor (Celia Ireland) to discuss the recent violence in the prison. Bea argues that the inmates need more support and resources to prevent further unrest, while Jacs suggests that more punitive measures are necessary. The governor seems sympathetic to Bea's perspective, but also makes it clear that she needs to toe the line or face disciplinary action.

In the midst of all this drama, a new inmate arrives at Wentworth. Erica Davidson (Leeanna Walsman) is a former prison governor who has been brought in to replace the current governor, who is leaving to take a job in Europe. Erica is a tough but fair leader, and she quickly makes an impression on everyone she meets. However, her arrival also sparks concerns among the inmates, who worry that she may be even stricter than the outgoing governor.

As tensions continue to simmer throughout the episode, it becomes clear that something explosive is brewing. Each character is playing their own game of chess, trying to outmaneuver their opponents and come out on top. But as the various plots and schemes come to a head, it's anyone's guess who will emerge victorious and who will end up being checkmated.

Overall, "Checkmate" is a gripping episode that builds tension and suspense from start to finish. It's packed with memorable performances, especially from Danielle Cormack, who expertly portrays Bea's conflicted emotions as she grapples with her past mistakes and her desire to maintain control over the prison. With its smart writing, strong character development, and intense drama, Wentworth season 1 episode 10 is a must-see for fans of the series.