Wentworth, Season 1

This Australian TV series offers an updated reimagining of the 1979-86 series Prisoner, which achieved classic status Down Under but was not hugely popular when it came to the U.S. in scattershot syndication under the title Prisoner: Cell Block H. Unlike the earlier series, which treated its women in prison setting in a flippant manner that bordered on camp, Wentworth offers a grittier and more mature take on the brutality of life behind bars. The central character is Bea Smith (Danielle Cormack), who is sent to Wentworth Prison after being arrested for attempting to kill her abusive husband. She quickly finds herself in the middle of a turf war between rival inmates Franky (Nicole da Silva) and Jacs (Kris McQuade), and her emotions are sorely tested by the stressful environment. Despite a few flashes of dark humor, this is a rather grim series, featuring violence (both physical and emotional) that is harshly presented. And while it is tempting to compare this to Netflix's hit women-in-prison series Orange is the New Black, the raw Australian vibe here (not to mention its distinctive spin on language) makes this a quite different show. Compiling all 10 episodes from the 2013 first season, extras include behind-the-scenes featurettes, cast and crew interviews, set tours, and a photo gallery. Recommended. (P. Hall)