Unlocked: A Jail Experiment

Unlocked: A Jail Experiment

TV-MA

netflix

A fascinating prison experiment that believes most people change for the better

7.5

TV Show

United States of America
English
Reality
2024
Eric Higgins

TLDR

This takes separate the art from the artist to another level.

What it's about

This reality TV experiment seeks to explore what would happen if prison inmates are given more autonomy and privileges within their unit.

The take

This series is fascinating and incredibly easy to root for. The premise itself comes from a well-intentioned place, and is an idea that can even justify filming as a TV show. The presentation packs a layer of dissonance between its often, dare I say, adorable tone and the gravity of the situation that these people are potentially in. It's not something that I'd say adds to or takes away from the show, but it is something that's always in the back of your mind when the interview bits get a little too dumb and funny. The idea of prisoners governing themselves reads like a recipe for disaster, so the tension is always there. But when you see a good chunk of them taking it seriously, it's all you need to want to see the show through.

What stands out

Anyone else see Badger and Skinny Pete?

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