Wentworth is a gritty Australian drama set in a women’s prison. Season five continues directly from the explosive cliffhanger of season four, where the beloved Governor, Vera Bennett, was stabbed by inmate Joan “The Freak” Ferguson, who then framed head officer Will Jackson for the attack.
The season opens with Vera surviving the attack, though she is profoundly traumatized and grappling with a powerful addiction to painkillers. Joan Ferguson, now a prisoner herself, is housed in Wentworth’s protection unit. She immediately begins her manipulative games, aiming to dismantle the prison from within. She strategically targets both inmates and staff, sewing chaos and forming a dangerous alliance with the volatile and unpredictable inmate, Juice.
A central storyline follows Bea Smith’s former ally, Kaz Proctor, who is now the top dog. Kaz struggles to maintain her philosophy of women protecting women while facing threats from all sides, particularly from Ferguson’s schemes. Meanwhile, Will Jackson, living under the shadow of Ferguson’s false accusations, becomes increasingly desperate to prove his innocence and expose her. His methods grow more reckless, putting his career and relationships in jeopardy.
The season builds toward a devastating crescendo. During a meticulously planned riot orchestrated by Ferguson, the prison descends into utter chaos. In the violent confusion, Ferguson seizes the opportunity to stage her own death, disappearing into the system and leaving everyone to believe she is gone for good. The season ends with a shaken prison attempting to recover, while the audience knows the sinister threat of Joan Ferguson is still very much alive, lurking in the shadows.