Ep 1. Gangland

In the first episode of season one of Lockdown, titled "Gangland," viewers are introduced to life inside Georgia's Dougherty County Jail. The episode first follows the story of "D-Block," a section of the jail designated for high-risk inmates, many of whom are known gang members. As the documentary crew enters D-Block, viewers are quickly made aware of the intense security measures in place, including high fences and barbed wire on the exterior, and multiple locked gates within the block itself.

Throughout the episode, viewers are given a glimpse into the daily routines of D-Block inmates, which includes spending most of their time in their cells, with only a few hours each day allotted for recreation. The inmates are also only allowed one hour of visitation per month, making life inside the block particularly isolating. Despite these strict conditions, however, gang rivalries continue to fester, with tensions often arising between different groups vying for power within the block.

Viewers are also introduced to the story of Terrance, an inmate at Dougherty County Jail who has recently been transferred to "A-Block," a section of the jail designated for non-violent offenders. Despite not being a gang member, Terrance finds himself a target of gang violence when he is mistakenly identified as a member of a rival gang. The episode follows Terrance's daily struggles to navigate life in a jail where violence can erupt at any moment, often with little or no warning.

As "Gangland" progresses, viewers are also given a glimpse into the challenges faced by jail staff as they work to maintain order amidst the ongoing gang rivalries. The episode introduces several members of the jail staff, including Lieutenant Billy Wells, who oversees D-Block, and Officer Kamara, who works in A-Block. Both Wells and Kamara express frustration with the difficulties of their jobs, particularly when it comes to managing violent inmates and maintaining a safe environment for both inmates and staff.

Despite these challenges, however, the episode also highlights several moments of hope and redemption. One storyline follows the efforts of two inmates, Darryl and Cory, who have found common ground despite their past gang affiliations. The two men have launched a program aimed at reducing violence within the jail by encouraging inmates to seek out non-violent solutions to conflicts. While the program is met with some skepticism, it does seem to have had a positive impact on those who participate.

Overall, "Gangland" offers a sobering look at life inside America's jails, particularly in relation to the ongoing challenges of gang violence. Despite the extreme security measures in place, gang rivalries continue to fester, leaving both inmates and staff vulnerable to violence and injury. Yet amidst the difficulties, the episode also offers moments of hope and resilience, as some inmates work to find ways to break down barriers and promote non-violence within the jail.