Lockup: Women Behind Bars Season 1 Episode 8 Thicker Than a Bowl of Oatmeal

In the eighth episode of Lockup: Women Behind Bars season 1, titled "Thicker Than a Bowl of Oatmeal," viewers are taken inside the Gatesville Unit in Texas, which is a maximum-security prison housing over 2,000 women. The episode focuses on the friendships and rivalries that exist within the prison, as well as the challenges that the women face on a daily basis.

One particular storyline follows two inmates, Tara and April, who have formed a close bond despite coming from very different backgrounds. Tara is a former drug addict who is serving time for armed robbery, while April was convicted of multiple counts of forgery. They both share a love for fitness and exercise, and spend their days working out together in the prison yard.

Another inmate, Donna, is shown struggling to cope with life behind bars. She is serving a 25-year sentence for murder, and admits to feeling constantly on edge and anxious. In an emotional interview, she opens up about her regrets and the impact that her crime has had on her family.

Viewers are also introduced to a group of women who have formed a small community within the prison, providing each other with emotional support and companionship. They discuss everything from family dramas to their hopes for the future, and are shown preparing a special meal together to celebrate one of their birthdays.

Throughout the episode, viewers are given a behind-the-scenes look at the daily routines and rules that the inmates must follow. They are shown attending educational classes and vocational training, as well as carrying out tasks such as cleaning and laundry. Interviews with prison staff give insight into the challenges of working in a female correctional facility, and the importance of maintaining strict control and security.

Overall, "Thicker Than a Bowl of Oatmeal" is a compelling and thought-provoking episode that offers a unique insight into the lives of incarcerated women. It highlights the complex relationships and dynamics that exist within a prison setting, as well as the impact that incarceration can have on an individual's mental health and well-being.