Lockup: Raw Season 1 Episode 8 Inside Utah State Prison

Inside Utah State Prison, the eighth episode of Lockup: Raw season 1, takes viewers on a journey through one of America's most notorious correctional facilities. Nestled in the remote countryside, the prison houses a diverse range of inmates, from violent gang members to white-collar criminals.

The episode begins with a look at the cellblocks, where inmates spend most of their time in cramped conditions. The prison is overcrowded, with up to three prisoners sharing a tiny cell intended for one person. The inmates are locked up for 23 hours a day, with only one hour of recreation time, and even that is conducted in small, fenced-off areas.

Viewers are introduced to several inmates, each with their own story to tell. One man, convicted of drug offenses, talks about how he's been in and out of prison his whole life, and how difficult it is for him to stay clean and on the straight and narrow. Another prisoner, a member of a notorious prison gang, explains how he got involved in the organization and his loyalty to it.

The show takes a closer look at the gangs that operate inside the prison, with members discussing their activities and their rivalries with other groups. The guards explain the challenges they face in keeping the gangs under control, including the use of lockdowns and searches for contraband.

Other segments of the episode focus on the daily life of the inmates. Viewers witness a mealtime rush, with prisoners lining up to get their food before being herded back to their cells. They also see inmates taking classes and participating in various programs designed to help them rehabilitate and prepare for life outside of prison.

In one particularly poignant scene, an inmate is seen talking to his family via video chat. He discusses how difficult it is to be away from his loved ones, especially as he watches his children grow up through a computer screen.

Throughout the episode, viewers get a sense of the stark realities of life inside a maximum-security prison. The cramped conditions, the constant surveillance, and the struggle for survival all take their toll on the inmates. However, there are moments of hope and resilience as well, with some prisoners determined to turn their lives around and make a better future for themselves.

Overall, Inside Utah State Prison is a powerful and eye-opening episode of Lockup: Raw. Through its intimate look at the lives of the inmates and the challenges faced by the guards, it provides a gripping portrait of one of the most brutal and unforgiving prisons in the United States.