The seventh season of Wentworth sees the aftermath of the siege that concluded the previous season. The prison is severely damaged, and the women are temporarily housed in a men’s facility while repairs are underway. This new, harsh environment exacerbates tensions and forces unexpected alliances.
The season’s central narrative is the rise of a new top dog, Rita Connors. A former undercover police officer imprisoned for killing her corrupt partner, Rita is initially resistant to taking power. However, the brutal reign of Marie Winter, who is now focused on seeking revenge against those who killed her son, and the looming threat of a vengeful prisoner, Ruby, force Rita’s hand. Her leadership is defined by a strong moral code and a desire for genuine justice.
A major focus is the psychological unraveling of Vera Bennett. Haunted by her role in Joan Ferguson’s apparent death, Vera becomes increasingly paranoid and unstable. Her relationship with Jake deteriorates, and she makes reckless decisions that jeopardize her position as Governor. Her crisis of conscience forms a crucial thread throughout the season.
Meanwhile, the specter of Joan “The Freak” Ferguson looms large. Believed dead, she is revealed to be alive, having survived her burial. Weak and amnesiac, she is taken in by a kind man, but her true nature begins to resurface in terrifying flashes. Her journey on the outside runs parallel to the chaos within the prison walls.
The season builds to a dramatic confrontation. Marie’s vendetta puts Rita and her sister, Ruby, in grave danger. This culminates in a violent showdown where Rita is forced to take a life to protect Ruby, an act that solidifies her position but at a great personal cost. The season concludes with the women returning to a refurbished Wentworth.
In the final moments, Vera, at her absolute lowest, makes a shocking choice. She secretly visits Joan, who is now working as a cleaner, and offers her a job at Wentworth. This chilling alliance sets the stage for the power dynamics to come, as Joan Ferguson is poised to return to the place she once ruled. The season ends on a note of ominous uncertainty, with Vera’s fate and the prison’s future hanging in the balance.