Ep 7. Inside Anamosa

Inside Anamosa is the seventh episode of the first season of Lockup, a documentary series that takes a behind-the-scenes look at life in some of America's toughest prisons. In this episode, viewers are taken inside the walls of the Anamosa State Penitentiary in Iowa, home to some of the most dangerous criminals in the state.

Throughout the episode, viewers are introduced to various inmates who share their experiences, both good and bad, of life inside the prison. From gang members to drug dealers to murderers, each inmate has a unique story to tell, and the documentary crew captures their stories in detail.

One of the recurring themes of the episode is the violence that permeates life inside Anamosa. Several inmates describe how fights between rival gangs are a common occurrence, and how they often have to watch their backs to avoid becoming a target themselves.

Another theme is the isolation that prisoners experience while locked up. Some inmates talk about how difficult it is to be cut off from their loved ones and the outside world, and how they struggle to find ways to stay mentally and emotionally healthy in the face of such isolation.

But despite the challenges, some of the inmates in Anamosa are able to find hope and redemption during their time in prison. Several inmates talk about the programs and support systems that have helped them turn their lives around, and the documentary crew captures footage of these programs in action.

One particularly moving moment in the episode comes when an inmate named John talks about how he has been able to find peace through meditation and yoga. Viewers watch as John leads a group of fellow inmates through a yoga session, and he talks about how these practices have helped him release anger and find inner calm.

Overall, Inside Anamosa offers a sobering look at life in one of America's toughest prisons. Through the stories of its inmates, viewers get a sense of just how difficult it is to survive inside the walls of Anamosa, but they also see glimpses of hope and redemption that serve as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.