Wentworth Season 5 Review: Why Aren't You Watching The Best Show On NetFlix?

I watch a LOT of television. I hope that gives me a broad overview of what's happening in the certain genres (horror/sci fi/fantasy/crime). Having said that, I continue to be perplexed as to why more people arent watching "Wentworth". It is consistently THE best show on NetFlix and possibly on TV in general. Possible reasons why more people aren't watching include:

Maybe it's because they think "Wentworth"is an "Orange Is The New Black" knockoff. Nothing could be further from the truth. The only thing these two shows have in common is they're about women in prison. "Wentworth" is definitely NOT a comedy. It's dark, violent, and gritty.
Maybe it's because "Wentworth" is an Australian import. We Americans sometimes avoid non-US made shows. Why? I have no ideas. You cant blame it on having to read subtitles. It is in English after all (although some of the slang is different). Add some new Australian phrases to your vocabulary and impress your friends. Nobody likes a lagger!
Maybe it's because it's female led. This is a really stupid reason. 90% of everything on TV/movies is male led. We're missing out on lots of great untold stories.
Maybe it's because they havent heard of it. That's not a valid excuse if you're around me (because I'm continually talking about how wonderful "Wentworth" is). See my previous reviews here: Wentworth Reviews

Whatever the reason, I'd suggest just trying a few episodes. If you're like me, you'll be hooked immediately. The series begins with abused wife Bea Smith being sent to prison. It's a very difficult adjustment. These ladies are not there to make friends. Over several seasons Bea faces adversities and rises in the ranks until she becomes "top dog". The problem then is how to stay "top dog". I won't give specifics away but, suffice to say, it's not an easy life. Like "Game Of Thrones", "Wenworth" is NOT afraid to go there. Any person can die at any time-- thus greatly increasing the stakes (and viewer's enjoyment).

One of the best things about "Wenworth" is it's villains. The prison has a number of baddies but he WORST is definitely Joan "The Freak" Ferguson. We originally meet her as governor (read: warden) of the facility. Joan has a few screws loose. She eventually ends up IN the prison she once governed (apparently because there's only one women's prison in Australia). Joan both physically and mentally dominates everyone around her (including prisoners and guards). She sadistically enjoys playing with her prey before devouring them and moving on to her next obsession.

Pamela Rabe's portrayal of Joan Fergsuon is one of the best on television In fact, I voted her the best female television character last year and "Wentworth" the best TV show of 2016. See Top 10 TV Shows Of 2016 and Top 10 TV Characters Of 2015-- The Women

Grade: 5 Monsters (out of 5). "Wentworth" keeps getting better and better. With only 12 episodes per season it's a quick watch. Returnees and new additions add to the ensemble. Standouts include Kate Jenkinson (Allie), Nicole da Silva (Franky), Sigrid Thornton (Sonia) and Katarina Milosevic (Boomer).

The show always keeps us guessing. There seems to be at one twist per episode. There is no "filler" in "Wentworth". In season 5 the Freak finds new and inventive ways to terrorize everyone in her orbit. Have we seen the last of her? Nope, she's not that easy to kill. Of course I remember saying that about someone else this time last year. And I was dead wrong about that.