I recently acquired the DVD set showing all 10 episodes of this Australian Prison Drama starring Deborra-Lee Furness and Hugh Jackman (in his first role after finishing Drama School).
Each of the 10 episodes has an individual story, whilst other continual stories and characters thread throughout the episodes, allowing you to build an interest in these prisoners stories and how their lives have unravelled.
There is no holding back with regards the experiences and difficulties of living within the confines of prison life, for both prisoners and the prison staff, and each actor or actress gives a strong performance.
Male rape, drugs, violence and stress are part of everyday life, and the beautifully acted scene by Hugh Jackman confessing to his Psycologist, played by Furness, that he cannot cope with going back to living in Maximum shows the future brilliance that is the mark of a really great actor as he runs through various emotions in the one scene.
Watching Jackman and Furness's characters sexual tension as they are attracted to each other is undeniable (they met, fell in love during the making of this series) and the final episode especially strong.
Each of the main prisoner characters that run continually through the episodes are believable and well acted, especially Jackman's young cell mate, who gives a wonderful performance as the first timer trying to be tough but inside falling apart.
Well worth watching if you can get your hands on the DVD set.
