Ep 8. A Game of Checkers

In the eighth episode of Oz season 1, titled "A Game of Checkers," tensions continue to rise within the prison walls as the trial of Adebisi for the murder of Dobbins approaches. Meanwhile, McManus struggles to maintain control over the inmates while dealing with his own personal demons.

The episode begins with a flashback showing how Hill came to be in Oz and how he became McManus' "bitch." This scene sets the tone for the overall theme of the episode, which is the power dynamic between inmates and the authorities.

As the trial of Adebisi approaches, tensions continue to rise among the prisoners. Adebisi's lawyer tries to strike a deal with McManus to get his client out of solitary confinement in exchange for testimony against Schillinger. McManus refuses, knowing that Schillinger will retaliate and cause even more chaos in the prison.

Meanwhile, Beecher is struggling with his own demons as he deals with the after-effects of being raped by Schillinger. He turns to drugs to numb the pain, but is ultimately brought back to sobriety thanks to the help of Sister Pete.

The climax of the episode comes during the final scene, where Hill and Adebisi engage in a game of checkers. The game quickly turns violent as the two men use the pieces as weapons against each other. This scene is a metaphor for the power struggle between the inmates and authorities, as well as the violent nature of life in Oz.

Overall, "A Game of Checkers" is a tense, thought-provoking episode that highlights the complex relationships between the prisoners and the authorities. It also touches on themes such as addiction, trauma, and power dynamics, making it a standout episode in the first season of Oz.