Ep 7. Bad Blood

Bad Blood is the seventh episode of the seventh season of the Australian television drama series Wentworth. The episode first premiered on July 30, 2019, and was directed by Fiona Banks, with the screenplay penned by Ainslie Clouston.

In the episode, the fractured relationships between the inmates and the staff of Wentworth Correctional center are brought to the forefront, as the battle for control and power within the prison intensifies. A major turning point happens as alliances are tested, and the bloodletting reaches a critical point. The episode also signals changes in the status quo as long-standing allegiances are shattered, and new ones are formed.

The episode begins with Marie's return to the prison, after spending time outside on remand, which has left her feeling vengeful and determined to regain control over the women. However, her homecoming proves anything but smooth, as the other inmates are no longer willing to bow to her and her previous reign of terror. Marie attempts to reassert her authority by using the charisma she's become known for and manipulating those who might be the most susceptible to her influence. Her plotting, control-seeking nature and assertive personality make her one of the most feared inmates in the prison, and in this episode, she leaves nothing out in order to expand her circle of power.

Meanwhile, Ann's attempts to keep Allie under her thumb take a disastrous turn, resulting in her inadvertently crossing the line, and putting the most vulnerable lives in danger. She crosses paths with Lou Lewis, a new inmate and ex-Outlaw motorcycle gang enforcer, who is motivated by her need for control, and doesn't let anyone stand in her way. Lou senses Ann's weakness, and before long, exploits it to inflict serious harm to one of the inmates.

Furthermore, this episode also puts the spotlight on Rita, who becomes aware of a power struggle against her after her recent departure from Marie's group. She takes on an unlikely ally, and together they set out to gain power over Marie and her cohorts. Their approach to the situation is quite different from the other inmates, as they make a strategic move against the violent gang using diplomacy, intelligence, and force, proving an unlikely sight to behold.

Moreover, Bad Blood explores the difficult and complex relationships between the characters, how much has changed over time, and how the characters have changed with it. The women in the prison have long histories with one another, both good and ill, and each one affects their relationships in subtle ways. Whether through loyalty, dislike, or the chance of a new beginning, their interactions continue to drive the plot in unexpected directions.

Through these various plotlines, Bad Blood showcases the struggles each woman faces in her efforts to make herself whole, whether in the larger war for power or in their personal battles. And while every woman has her own struggles and concerns, few can expect to come out of Wentworth's halls truly unchanged. This dramatic episode marks yet another unforgettable journey in the series as the stakes of power, safety, and survival become even higher than before.