Ep 2. Visits, Conjugal and Otherwise

In Oz season 1 episode 2, entitled "Visits, Conjugal and Otherwise," we see the inmates of Oswald State Correctional Facility grappling with their emotions as they receive visits from their loved ones. In particular, the episode focuses on the experiences of Tobias Beecher, an attorney who is serving time for vehicular manslaughter.

As Beecher nervously awaits the arrival of his wife, he is forced to confront the painful reality of their strained relationship. Through a series of flashbacks, we learn that Beecher's infidelity was the root cause of their marital problems. His desperation to fix his broken marriage is palpable, but his wife's cold demeanor and cutting remarks only serve to exacerbate his feelings of guilt and shame.

Meanwhile, other inmates are also receiving visitors. Miguel Alvarez is delighted to see his young daughter, but struggles to connect with her due to his limited Spanish skills. Augustus Hill, a wheelchair-bound prisoner who serves as the show's narrator, is visited by his girlfriend, who reveals that she is pregnant with his child. However, Hill's euphoria is short-lived as he soon learns that his girlfriend is addicted to crack and has been selling herself to support her habit.

The episode also explores the theme of power dynamics within the prison. Vern Schillinger, the leader of the Aryan Brotherhood, uses his position to intimidate and manipulate other inmates. He orders O'Reily, a slick and conniving prisoner, to plant drugs on a new arrival in order to get him transferred to another institution. At the same time, we see glimpses of the power struggles between the warring factions of inmates, each vying for control of their own piece of the prison's underworld.

As the episode draws to a close, we see Beecher in a moment of desperation, attempting to connect with his wife by using heroin. The consequences of his actions are yet to be revealed, but the scene serves as a poignant reminder of the destructive power of addiction and the devastating toll it can take on an individual's life.

Overall, "Visits, Conjugal and Otherwise" is a masterful exploration of the complex emotions and power dynamics that exist within the walls of a maximum-security prison. Through its nuanced storytelling and powerful performances, the episode achieves a rare level of authenticity and emotional resonance, leaving viewers with much to ponder about the nature of human connection and the price that must be paid for survival in a world defined by harshness and violence.