Ep 2. The Bitch Is Back

As the audience returns to Prisoner Cell Block H's modern-day adaptation, Wentworth season 5 episode 2, we find Janet King's beloved prosecutor, Vera Bennett, (Kate Atkinson) as the new governor of the prison. Season 4 ended with a mounting pile of deaths, including the leader of the drug crisis, Joan Ferguson "The Freak," while Vera had to make some tough choices while being cornered by Joan herself. In The Bitch Is Back, we explore how Vera's reign will affect Wentworth and its residents.

Vera starts the episode off strong, with an unexpected shakeup of the cell blocks. As a control freak with a new sense of power, it's almost satisfying to watch her make changes, even if they feel a bit harsh. The new "Queens" of Wentworth have been appointed, and each woman is responsible for leading the rest of the occupants in their respective blocks. Bea Smith's (Danielle Cormack) death has left a leadership vacuum that everyone is trying to fill, even those outside of her former gang.

The new prison regime also means a heightened interest in the antics of the prisoners by the authorities, and especially the Governor's boss, Channing (Martin Sacks). His influence is felt more prominently in this episode, as Vera is now accountable for every move made despite Ferguson's alleged death and the resumption of relative peace in the prison.

In the wake of the new leaders and increased scrutiny, anxiety and tension rule the women's lives. Allie (Kate Jenkinson) is now the leader of Bea's former gang in H Block, and she is struggling to keep herself stable after dealing with trauma and a drug addiction in the previous season. She attempts to turn over a new leaf now that she has a bit of power but is struggling to control her violent tendencies when provoked.

Meanwhile, veteran prisoner Liz (Celia Ireland) tries to help Sonia (Sigrid Thornton) deal with her daughter's death. Vera is unimpressed by what she deems emotional bickering between the two women. Her solution to alleviate the problem by keeping them separated is met with skepticism by the other cell-block officials. It's almost as if she's prioritizing order over the women's welfare.

Meanwhile, the new self-proclaimed "top dog" in C Block, Kaz (Tammy Macintosh), finds inspiration in Bea's leadership and resumes her mission to be the reformative voice of the women, hoping to rally them towards rehabilitation rather than destruction.

The episode also introduces several new characters on the inmates' side, including Marie (Susie Porter), a former top-dog and old associate of Kaz, who has recently returned to Wentworth. There's also Rita (Leah Purcell), a mysterious and quiet woman, who seems to have a hidden agenda for seeking prison's protection.

Overall, The Bitch is Back sets the tone for the rest of the season; it promises to be as intense, if not more than the previous seasons. The weight of Bea's absence is felt throughout the episode, and it shows how each character is trying to move on and find their place in the pecking order. The characters are vividly portrayed, and their struggles are emotive enough to make an engaging story. It's a smart decision to pair Vera's new regime with a surge of new characters on the same side of the bars to set up an intricate web of power struggles and, undoubtedly, future conflicts. Wentworth season 5 episode 2 is a great way to jump back into prison drama, with an excellent starting point for what's yet to come.