I have to say that I have rather varied tastes. But one thing that is a hallmark of my experience is quality. That coupled with heart and soul ~ compassion, if you will. Prisoner Cell Block H is an OUTSTANDING program, that still all these years after it's initial airing, maintains it's merit and worth as a statement on the human condition. Timeless are the topics central to many in our society who fall victim to the pitfalls of survival. Drug abuse, alcoholism, molestation, crime recidivism: all dealt with in astonishing wisdom. Discrimination due to sexual orientation is delved into here and shows quite eloquently not only the intrinsic nature of homosexuality, but how a supposed civilized society continually marginalizes and maligns them. Many labels of judgment harshly placed, or, status attitudes of negative light are observed here too. Those who've made mistakes who now have a prison record are explored here with depth and empathy. Similar to homosexuality, those with prison records (not brushes with the law, but an arrest be it only for a parking ticket or minor drug possession: 420) are still allowed to be barred from housing and/or job opportunities simply because other people don't "approve" of them.Psychologists, or those wanting to enter the field should have this program as required viewing. What makes people tick? Why would a "sadistic" guard actually enjoy hurting, traumatizing and tormenting other people ~ even if they only consider them nothing more than animals? This program shows the inherent flaw of the Bible's an eye for an eye ~ and how all that does is lead the world to blindness. Time and again we are shown that revenge doesn't lead us to any higher plane, but instead leads us down ever darker paths of sadness and destruction.This series was the first and still is, as of this writing, the only to explore the abuses people do to each other In such realistic and imaginative tones. The damage that labels have in our civilization have a lasting and lifetime tidal wave affect. Many who are tormented when young often bring that into adulthood and somewhere it's passed down the line. To me what this show brings home is that we are all one~ one in humanity. It is our choice then how to proceed in life when there are circumstances that lead us to stumble and fall. We can choose to remain prisoners to others or we can work to transform our situations and experience the windfall of life where the roses grow.

This ran over here in America at 11:30 at night on a local station. There was a lot of controversy about it at first. The plots dealing with lesbians, beatings, murder, rape etc. etc. were pretty strong for TV back then. But it never really caught on...here in Boston at least. It ran for a few months almost uncut (some words were bleeped out) and then was cancelled due to low ratings.I was in college when it played here and it was great! After a long night of studying it was kind of fun to relax and watch this somewhat campy prison soap. The acting was pretty bad and the story lines were more than a little unbelievable but it was a lot of fun to watch. Also it moved much quicker than your typical afternoon soap. So it was a fun and daring soap for its time. I'm not sure if it would hold up today. Shows like "Oz" have gone a lot farther than this could.

Excellent, gripping, funny and over the top. Inside the gates of Wentworth Detention Centre are housed the most dangerous criminals in H Block. From the camp style of true English upper class snobbery of Erica Davidson, who is Govenor, to the evil, sadistic, cruel ways of the "Freak" Joan Ferguson.From episode one the main story line has you gripped, and through out all 692 episodes you will be a fanatic. Riots, fires, murders, LSD trips, bashings - everything you could ask for in a prison drama and more.Well worth renting or buying, you will NOT be sorry! 12 out of 10! A+++

This is certainly the best prison show ever, and probably the best soap opera/melodrama ever, too. It's humor and lack of pretension make it 100 times better than "Oz" will ever be. Of course, setting it in a women's prison gave the creators a lot more freedom in dealing with characters. We have fewer preconceptions so they couldn't rely on stereotypes like they do on "Oz". It would be neat, in a way, if they could have Vera (aka Vinegar Tits) guest star as a guard on Oz. She'd straighten that place up in short order! Somebody please bring this back to American TV!!