Ep 3. Portsmouth County, VA

Beyond Scared Straight is a popular reality television series that focuses on rehabilitating rebellious teens by introducing them to the harsh realities of prison life. Season 2 episode 3 is titled "Portsmouth County, VA," which takes place in the Portsmouth County Jail, Virginia.

The episode opens with dimly lit shots of the jail cells, giving viewers a glimpse of the terrible conditions the inmates are forced to live in. The inmates are seen shuffling around in their orange jumpsuits, some of them staring at the camera with a menacing look.

The camera then shifts to the group of teens who are brought to the jail, all of whom are visibly nervous and unsure of what they are about to experience. The group is made up of both boys and girls, all of various ages and backgrounds, and all of whom have a history of delinquency.

The first inmate the teens meet is a man named Big Ed, who introduces himself as the "king of the jail." Big Ed is an imposing figure, standing over six feet tall and covered in tattoos. He lays down the rules for the teens, making it clear that they are in his house and will follow his commands.

Next, the teens are taken on a tour of the jail where they see the conditions of the cells up close. They are shown the tiny, dirty cells and the barren outdoor exercise area where the inmates spend most of their day. The teens also witness a fight between two inmates, which sends them all scrambling for cover.

Throughout their time in the jail, the teens are subjected to various forms of intimidation and verbal abuse from the inmates. They are made to perform pushups, sit-ups, and other strenuous exercises to demonstrate their strength and discipline. They are also yelled at and threatened with violence if they do not follow instructions.

The most emotional part of the episode comes when the teens are introduced to a group of inmates who share their own stories of how they ended up in jail and the impact it has had on their lives. Many of these inmates have been incarcerated for years and have lost family members, jobs, and other opportunities due to their actions.

The teens are visibly moved by these stories, with some of them even breaking down in tears. One of the inmates, in particular, leaves a powerful impression on the teens. He is a young man who was arrested for murder at the age of 16 and has been in jail ever since. He speaks candidly about the choices he made that led to his incarceration and the regret he feels for the life he could have had.

The episode ends with the teens reflecting on their experience in the jail and what they have learned. Many of them express gratitude for the opportunity to see firsthand the consequences of their actions and vow to make better choices going forward.

Overall, "Portsmouth County, VA" is an intense and emotional episode of Beyond Scared Straight that showcases the harsh realities of jail life. It is a powerful reminder that the decisions we make in life have consequences, and sometimes those consequences can be life-altering.