Wentworth

Well it's official, this is my favourite new show of 2013 so far.

An update/prequel of the 70's/80's Australian soap opera "Prisoner"  known as "Prisoner: Cell Block H" outside of Australia and New Zealand, this series is grim, gritty, graphic and above all gripping.

Featuring several characters from the original series, we are introduced to Bea Smith as she first arrives at Wentworth Dention Centre.  Those who know the original will remember she was "top dog" for many years.

But here she is just another new prisoner.  We follow her as she meets her fellow inmates of H block.  Some nice, some not so nice.  I'm not going to spoil anything here, because that wouldn't be fair.

Having seen the first seven episodes, I have to say, this series is outstanding in all areas.  Each episode continues the overall story arc, while focusing on one inmates back story.  Told through flashbacks, we discover why and how each of these women came to be here.  Which is the most interesting way to tell this story.  It gives more insight to the characters quickly, while never slowing the pace of the main story.

The actors here are just outstanding.  The casting is almost perfect.  Each actor seems a perfect fit for the charcters they play.  If anything my only gripe would be that current "top dog" Jacs is just nasty.  But that's a good thing.  She's ment to be.  While Danielle Cormack's Bea Smith allows the viewers to feel sympathetic towards a woman who has committed a serious crime.

Overall this show delivers.  From subtle nods to the original series (one character singing the original series theme song while in "the slot")  to outstanding performances.  And the best news?  It's been picked up for a second season set to begin production later in the year.

Wentworth airs Wednesdays at 8:30pm on SoHo, Foxtel channel 115 (Aus) and Mondays at 9:30pm on TV2 (NZ)

Check the promo here: