First Blood (Wentworth)
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment |
| Founded | 2013 |
| Headquarters | Melbourne , Australia |
| Products | Television drama |
First Blood serves as the thirty-fifth installment of the Australian drama Wentworth and kicks off its fourth season, originally broadcast on 10 May 2016. The narrative picks up four months following the events of "Blood and Fire". This episode introduces the character Allie Novak portrayed by Kate Jenkinson, features the return of former prison Governor Joan (played by Pamela Rabe) now as a prisoner, and ignites a conflict between key figures Bea Smith (Danielle Cormack) and Kaz Proctor (Tammy Macintosh). Additionally, it tracks former inmate Franky Doyle (Nicole da Silva) after her release on parole. Notably, this episode was the first to be filmed on a newly reconstructed set. Critical responses were largely favorable, although scenes showing Joan confined in a glass cell generated mixed opinions.
Plot
The episode begins with Franky (Nicole da Silva) participating in a radio interview reflecting on her experiences at Wentworth. Concurrently, Bea (Danielle Cormack) is transported back to Wentworth following the prison fire, observing the outside world during her transfer. Vera and Channing discuss the newly rebuilt prison wing, while Will and Vera stand alongside officers awaiting inmates arriving from Walford. Upon her return, Bea is greeted by several prisoners; Lucy Gambaro provides her with a shiv for protection. A fellow inmate named Allie informs Bea that Kaz wishes to see her, but Maxine intervenes, stating Kaz must approach Bea personally. Bea meets with Vera to explore cooperative efforts to enhance prison conditions and requests the reinstatement of conjugal visits similar to those at Walford. Later, Kaz greets Bea with hostility, offering her a bottle of alcohol as a taunt. Meanwhile, Franky and Bridget Westfall (Libby Tanner) share intimate moments together, though they are under surveillance.
That evening, Joan (Pamela Rabe) arrives at Wentworth in a transport van, unsettling staff members; Vera reassures them that Joan’s stay is temporary pending trial proceedings. The following day, prisoners witness Kim (Ra Chapman) climbing over a barbed-wire fence while apparently under drug influence; Bea responds with visible revulsion. Kim is restrained in a hospital bed as Vera and Will suspect methamphetamine abuse. When Bea and Maxine assault an inmate believed responsible for supplying Kim’s drugs, Kaz accuses Bea of being abusive to her followers. Later, Allie enters the showers where Bea is alone and unclothed; after a tense exchange, they engage in a physical confrontation when Bea pushes Allie against the wall. That night, Bridget and Franky discuss Joan’s awareness of their relationship; Doreen (Shareena Clanton) hands custody of Joshua over to Nash (Luke McKenzie), while Bea begins self-harming.
Production
On 21 April 2015, Foxtel announced that this episode would premiere in May 2016. SoHo aired a special titled "An Audience With the Cast of Wentworth" on 3 May 2016 to generate excitement prior to the season launch later that month. The episode was first broadcast in Australia on 10 May 2016.
Set four months after the preceding episode, the storyline reflects the aftermath of a prison fire which led to inmate relocations during reconstruction efforts. This installment alters character roles: Vera has been promoted to Governor while Will assumes the role of Deputy Governor, though he remains vulnerable within this new hierarchy.
In an interview with Carena Crawford from All About Soap, Atkinson revealed that Joan returns as an inmate triggering intense psychological battles with Vera. "First Blood" depicts Vera gaining initial dominance; however, Joan challenges her authority by the episode’s conclusion.
Casting
This installment marked the introduction of Socratis Otto and Tammy Macintosh as series regulars, portraying Maxine Conway and Kaz Proctor respectively. Kate Jenkinson made her first appearance as the new prisoner Allie Novak. Meanwhile, regular cast member Aaron Jeffery, who played Matthew "Fletch" Fletcher, departed from the show off-screen prior to this episode's broadcast.
Locations
Production shifted to a larger site located in western Melbourne, which served as the setting for a newly added wing of the prison within the storyline. David Knox of TV Tonight observed notable transformations both behind the scenes and on screen, highlighting Pino Amenta’s appointment as Series Producer.
Reception
Upon its premiere, "First Blood" attracted 140,000 viewers in Australia and garnered an audience of 930,000 on the UK's Channel 5. Seneca Cabrera from The Bit Bag commended the episode for its thrilling plot developments. Graeme Blundell of The Australian characterized the opening as "eerie and atmospheric," while Elaine Atwell of AfterEllen praised the episode’s strong character arcs, particularly emphasizing Kaz’s compelling portrayal.
The episode was featured in Soaplife's "Must see TV," described as initiating significant changes for several characters. Similarly, TV Choice selected it as a "pick of the day," underscoring important shifts within the series narrative. Linda Howard from the Evening Times forecasted a "turbulent season" unfolding ahead.
Critical reactions were mixed: Matt Baylis of the Daily Express questioned the believability of certain scenes, whereas Gerard O'Donovan of The Daily Telegraph appreciated their camp style and praised the strong ensemble of female actors. Michael Moran from Bt.com acknowledged some unrealistic elements but suggested viewers enjoy it with a lighthearted perspective.
David Roy of The Irish News welcomed this episode as a return to high-quality prison drama. The Herts & Essex Observer noted that Wentworth’s staff appeared more threatening than some inmates. David Stephenson from Express remarked on intense and unsettling moments within the episode, mentioning that warnings were provided during commercial breaks.