Will Jackson (Wentworth)
William Jackson | |
|---|---|
| Occupation(s) | Correctional officer, Deputy Governor (Wentworth Prison) |
| Known for | Character in Wentworth Prison |
William Jackson is a fictional persona featured in Wentworth Prison, brought to life by actor Robbie Magasiva. Will is distinguished by his close relationships with Matthew Fletcher and Bea Smith, alongside a one-sided antagonism towards Joan Ferguson.
Development
Magasiva reflected on landing the role as a major opportunity for growth, highlighting that persistence and dedication were crucial in capturing the attention of casting agents.
Backstory
Prior to his wife's passing, Will was known as an easygoing correctional officer, approachable with inmates and compassionate, though less engaged than colleagues such as Vera Bennett. With a background in social work, he once removed an infant from an incarcerated mother, an event that led to tragic outcomes.
In the opening episode of Season One, Will handles Bea Smith's intake process and shares a flirtatious moment with his wife Meg before discovering her lifeless body. His investigation into Meg’s death reveals her abortion and a complicated dynamic involving his friend Fletch. Jacs Holt blackmails Will over drug-related issues, while he offers support to Bea following the death of her daughter Debbie.
Will finds Meg’s bracelet planted in Jacs’ cell—a setup orchestrated by Liz Birdsworth to shield Franky Doyle. After Jacs’ demise, Will feels justice has been served and begins a relationship with nurse Rose Atkins. Joan Ferguson confronts Will about his previous social work, resulting in the termination of addiction programs.
Upon discovering Fletch’s affair with Meg, Will engages in a violent altercation. Later, he arrests Maxine Conway during an escape attempt. Accused of having an affair with Bea, Will faces charges for criminal damage after a confrontation with Harry Smith but is exonerated by Ferguson, who secretly plots revenge.
Following Bea’s self-harm and escape from custody, Will is implicated and arrested but subsequently suspended for aiding her flight. Ferguson frames him for Harry's murder by planting evidence and manipulating circumstances to undermine him. Despite this betrayal, Will forgives Franky after she confesses her involvement in Meg’s death.
Will assists in rescuing Joshua and Ferguson from a prison fire set to conceal Jess Warner's death. Elevated to Deputy Governor in Season Four, he becomes a target for Kaz Proctor and The Red Right Hand amid ongoing hostilities with Ferguson.
Ferguson manipulates Kaz into blaming Will for gang violence; Bea defends him but dies in his arms after forcing Ferguson to stab her multiple times. In the aftermath during Season Five, Will returns to duty with Franky’s backing, determined to eradicate drug problems at Wentworth. He uncovers corruption involving Deputy Governor Jake Stewart and collaborates with Kaz to expose the drug ring despite internal opposition.
After revealing Jake’s criminal activities and facing pressure from General Manager Derek Channing, Will contemplates resignation but is convinced by Kaz to remain. He confronts Vera regarding her relationship with Jake and discovers it was orchestrated by Ferguson as retribution.
Will learns that Jake murdered Nils Jespers on Ferguson’s behalf and is unsettled when Ferguson taunts him about Meg’s death. Joining forces with Jake and Allie Novak, Will entombs Ferguson alive to end her tyranny.
In Season Six, Will continues as Deputy Governor while wrestling with guilt over killing Ferguson. He develops an addiction to pills and briefly becomes involved romantically with inmate Marie Winter. Haunted by hallucinations of Ferguson, he eventually confesses the murder to Vera and Jake; they confirm Ferguson’s death at the burial site.
Facing police investigation for deleting security footage linked to Ferguson's disappearance, Will plans full disclosure but postpones after Vera’s home is attacked. Jake devises a scheme to frame Channing for the crimes.
At the start of Season Seven, Will serves as acting governor following Vera’s hostage situation. Although inclined to resign again, he stays on Vera’s advice. He appoints Linda Miles as deputy governor instead of Jake Stewart due to trust concerns.
Will’s association with Marie strains his friendship with Kaz; he confines Kaz to solitary but later releases her on therapy conditions. Marie manipulates Will into an affair while controlling the prison drug trade; tensions escalate when Vera uncovers their relationship.
A hostage crisis led by Sean Brody unfolds as Marie’s escape plan fails; Sean kills Kaz Proctor before being shot by Allie Novak. Will exposes corrupt Attorney General Michael Heston’s involvement in the conspiracy.
Following Kaz's death, Will suspends Jake over false harassment allegations and struggles against Marie’s influence. He initially forbids Rita Connors from visiting Ruby but relents upon learning of Allie Novak’s transfer request.
Will experiences hallucinations of Kaz while continuing his affair with Marie until Vera discovers them via CCTV footage. Vera warns Will about Marie’s manipulations; tensions heighten as Vera is held hostage during Sean's siege.
During the lockdown, Will refuses Marie's demands and calls law enforcement for assistance. The siege concludes with Sean killed by Allie and Marie wounded.
In the aftermath, Will confronts Marie regarding Kaz's murder; she denies prior knowledge but he orders her placed into protective custody indefinitely. He reconciles with Vera following her childbirth amid the siege and forms a bond with Rita Connors over shared grief.
In a final twist, Rita spots Joan Ferguson alive among homeless individuals—Will's long-standing adversary presumed dead after being buried alive in Season Five.
Reception
Robbie Magasiva earned nominations for Most Outstanding Male Performance at the ASTRA Awards in both 2014 and 2015, recognizing his portrayal of Will Jackson.