Ep 19. Last Days Of Solitary

Last Days Of Solitary, the 19th episode of season 33 of Frontline, presents an intense and emotional look at the use and effects of solitary confinement in the United States prison system. The episode features interviews with inmates who have endured long periods of solitary confinement, as well as experts and advocates who argue that the practice is both inhumane and ineffective.

The episode begins by examining the history of solitary confinement, tracing its origins back to the early days of American prisons. Originally intended as a rehabilitative tool, solitary confinement quickly became a punishment for prisoners who misbehaved. Over time, the use of solitary confinement has expanded, with many inmates spending weeks, months, or even years alone in their cells.

As the episode progresses, it becomes clear that solitary confinement can have devastating effects on inmates' mental health. Many prisoners experience anxiety, depression, and hallucinations during their time in solitary, and some develop serious mental illnesses that persist long after they are released. The episode also highlights the physical toll of solitary confinement, with inmates often reporting chronic pain and sensory deprivation.

Despite mounting evidence of the harm caused by solitary confinement, the practice remains widespread in the United States. The episode examines the reasons for this, looking at the political, fiscal, and cultural factors that keep the system in place. It also profiles efforts to reform or eliminate the use of solitary confinement, including a recent Supreme Court decision that recognized the need to protect the mental health of inmates.

Throughout the episode, viewers are invited to consider the ethical implications of solitary confinement, as well as the broader question of how society should treat those who have committed crimes. The inmates interviewed in the episode are presented as complex and nuanced individuals, with stories that challenge viewers' assumptions about the criminal justice system.

Overall, Last Days Of Solitary is a powerful and thought-provoking episode that sheds light on one of the most controversial aspects of the American prison system. Through personal stories and expert analysis, the episode offers a sobering look at the toll of solitary confinement on both inmates and society as a whole.