Oz Review: HBO's Brutal Prison Drama
8.5/10 — Oz (1997)
Pros
- Fearless storytelling
- Strong ensemble
- Groundbreaking for TV
Cons
- Extreme violence
- Melodramatic at times
Set in the experimental Emerald City unit of a maximum-security prison, Oz follows a range of inmates and staff. It was HBO’s first one-hour drama and ran for six seasons.
What works
The series is fearless in its storytelling and has strong performances, and its narration by inmate Augustus Hill adds a theatrical flavour. It’s an early demonstration that TV could be daring.
Where it falters
The violence is extreme and sometimes gratuitous, and the writing can be melodramatic.
Verdict
Harsh and groundbreaking, but strictly for strong stomachs.
