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As the women locked themselves in a room, the officers opened fire, and I was interested to see flames coming out the ends of the pistols and rifles. (Does this really happen?) A couple of officers burst into the women's hideout, but it was a trap. Rita hit one on the back of the head (he was rendered instantly unconscious of course). Another inmate hit the other officer - instantly unconscious too. Maybe some things aren't so different in Blackmoor after all.
As the tension built, Rita looked out onto a very obviously painted backdrop, and as I looked at the other inmates I thought, ‘so that's what happened to the old Wentworth uniforms’. Despite these minor things, the tension and drama were handled well on the whole, providing some exciting and memorable scenes. I particularly liked the interesting shot of Bongo, filmed with the camera looking up at him through the grating he was chained to, as a solitary tear fell through the bars. Bongo's final scene, with him staggering around blindly and Rita calling to him, was particularly well done, causing me to sit on the edge of my seat, despite knowing the outcome. Even the special effect of the bullet passing through him was impressive.
Back on the upper levels of the courtyard, Craven was still wearing his black, reflective glasses, and I wasn't sure if this was just to remind us of his wickedness, or to show off the camera equipment in the reflections. Marty was far from impressed at Craven's dealing with the situation, and seemed to be back in Wentworth's staff room within a few minutes of arriving at Blackmoor. "Were there any witnesses?" asked Mumsy Meg. "Yes, there was.." he began, then added, with a sense of defeat, "..Joan Ferguson." What a pity he had forgotten about the two background Wentworth officers that had gone along with him and Joan. But on second thoughts, if he wanted someone to talk to the press, he'd be better off with someone who'd do more than nod mutely. Despite his disgruntled comments about complaining to the media, Meg showed a little of her old self to him. "Anyway, I'm proud of you," she mumbled to her feet.
Wentworth did have its own riot of course, but being Wentworth it was not quite the drama of Blackmoor with its line-up of armed officers, cruel murders, hostages, and bullets flying overhead. At Wentworth the riot consisted of 10 or so women jumping about on the prison roof waving bed linen, while Ann, Meg and a cameraman stood by a bush, watching. There was a sort-of hostage taking, when Delia was staggering along the corridor, with an old blanket over her head. Frighteningly like watching a remake of The Elephant Man.
Bongo's death was the last straw, and Rita looked as though she might carry out her threat of burning the prison down after all. As a mostly brick and concrete structure, built underground, with no soft furnishings, I must admit it didn't sound too hopeful to me. But Rita was determined, and within seconds a few magazines were tossed onto a little pile with a bit of flammable liquid splashed on. Will this reduce the big bare prison to an inverted towering inferno within minutes..? Hmm.. I shall wait to see in the next episode.
I'm very impressed with the Blackmoor location. The architecture is perfect - dirty and intimidating, and it seems to be mainly an underground building, with the central courtyard as an open 'pit' with doors leading off from it. There underground tunnels were also very atmospheric. Even the interior (studio) sets were spot-on in the Blackmoor scenes, with an air of decay that fits the image and atmosphere perfectly. Great stuff.
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