Today in Corrections-related Media: Alcatraz on FOX

Posted by: Editor on Jan 18, 2012 | 25 Comments

So there’s a new TV show coming out, and it’s set in one of America’s most famous prisons – we almost have to write about it, right?

Alcatraz, which premiered Monday on Fox, is the new show from producer J.J. Abrams, the mind behind Lost. As you might expect, there are plenty of plot twists and conspiracy theories, and some metaphysical bends that strain the imagination. And just as Lost was only tangentially about a plane crash and a tropical island, the only corrections-related aspect of Alcatraz is its title. This is no Lockdown.

It is, however, an entertaining procedural with plenty of footage of both the real and an imagined Alcatraz – and several interesting flashbacks that give a feel of what The Rock must have been like when it was still operational. The premise is solidly Abramsiam – the day before Alcatraz closed in 1963, 300 inmates and guards vanished, only to reappear in the San Francisco of the present, not having aged a day. The first of these apparitions is an inmate who was falsely convicted and mistreated while incarcerated, and though he commits some present-day crimes that the show’s protagonists must solve, it’s clear that he’s not a 50-year recidivist.

Alcatraz is entertaining and mind-bending and set in perhaps the country’s highest-profile defunct prison. We’ll be tuning in next week… will you?

axel
January 19, 2012
Nope – I won’t be tuning in. The real thing is more than enough. Prisons are not – and are not supposed to be entertaining.
I agree. As a parent of a 21 yr old inmate, I already have have enough thoughts going on in my head...every day of my life and I do flapa
January 20, 2012
I’m with you on that, I’m a mother of a inmate. The things My mind has to think about everyday as do tons of other families. Its real. If people need to entertain their minds with the thoughts we wish could be pushed away, Then I feel more sorry for them then us… I mean really? Thats what you need to help you get through the day? go read a book to a blind person… or go to a hospital and rock a crack baby. At least feel good about what your brain is thinking about
lady belladonna
January 21, 2012
no! no! NO! too much of reality with the pfrisoners having no cooling in the summer and probably no heat in the winter is god awful. that’s the facts so what’s so good about watching stupid made up shit on tv? the truth is harsh. let’s not pretend.
tklvn
January 23, 2012
Being a wife of an inmate and a Nurse all day long that does take care of the sick and as you stated “rock a crack baby” wich I find offensive as I’m sure the baby would if they could understand what you said. I don’t see anything wrong about watching a TV show that’s entertaining and maybe for an hour forgetting about my saddness, concidering the show is not realistic and yes I will be tuning in again next week.
Connie Dowler
January 24, 2012
I totally disagree. The world gets enough ideas from TV anyway,if they cannot think of a new one..watch this show. TV show,magazine,no matter the case,everyone goodand badboth inthis picture and actual alcatraz,are all humans with feelings with real blood running throug their veins. SO MANY IN THESE SUPPOSEDLY REHABS WHILE OCKED UP AND GOOD MEDICAL ATTENTION IS ALL A BUNCH OF CRAP. We are out here judging them and the only difference is “They just got caught.”
beatrice
January 24, 2012
What in the world do we need to see things that we as parents or children of inmates want to see stuff that you and I know is all going to be fabricated. Are they really going to show the assualts officers commit on camera. Or the daily shit inmates go through just to get by. Have to watch there backs,making sure your not talking to the opp color,come now dang get real movie prodocers put ur life on air……
tklvn
January 24, 2012
So what you are saying is that just because you don’t agree with or like the show then noone should enjoy it? I really don’t get what you are trying to say about judging people? I don’t know about you, but I always treat people with the respect that I want to be treated with. As far as judging anyone, I don’t. I just don’t understand where you get judging people out of watching a tv show that is fiction. Just because it based on an actual place but in no way is based on an actual even. Unless you really believe that in 1963 over 300 people disapeared and are now starting to re-appear.
Linda
January 25, 2012
I’m sick of the whole prison scene. My husband is locked up. Between all the gaurds, drugs and homosexuality that goes on in there I’m fed up. Ladies any of you that thinks for a minute that your man ain’t indulging in that life style, is a fool. Just think when you kiss them in visitation what does their punk man in the back do with them when your done turning them on? Open your eyes and ears. It’s going on…..
tklvn
January 25, 2012
Linda, you are the one that’s sick. You have the worse outlook I have ever seen. I don’t know about your man, but my husband would not and is not doing anything with any other man. OMG, I have more faith in him and our marriage than you obviously do. My man has been in for 16 months and is about to come home. Oh and by the way, everyone in his dorm likes watching Alcatraz, they have watched both nights so far and plan to keep on watching it. From what I see, yall are treating this fiction like its lockup, wich is non-fiction. Two differnt things entirely.
CASSEY BELOVED
January 26, 2012
MY PEOPLE CRYING: WHAT EVER THE REASON THAT OUR LOVE ONES DID TO GET LOCKED UP<THE POINT IS THAT THEY ARE THERE & WE HAVE TO DEAL WITH IT. INSTEAD OF FUSING ABOUT WHAT THEY SHOULD & SHOULD NOT WATCH OR LISTEN TO, SHALL WE USE THE ENERGY TO MAKE INTERSESSIONS TO GOD FOR THEM? YOU WERE FORGIVEN A SIN IS A SIN. IN THE BIBLE THERE IS SOMETHING THAT READS THERE IS A HELL FOR THE LIVING & THE DEAD THE ONE CALLED HATETEE'S IS FOR THE LIVING. ITS LOCATION IS PRISON. MY LOVE ONE TELLS ME ALOT OF THE HORROR THAT HE SEE'S DAILY EVERYDAY! SO WHY KNOCK WHAT EVER REFUGE THEY HAVE. SOLUTION: PUT YOURSELF MENTALLY IN THERE PLACE AND ALSO IN THEIR VICTIMS PLACE I NO ITS MORE THAN ONE SIDE CAUSE ITS DOMINO'S EFFECT. ALL OF US HAVE HAS SOMEONE THAT LOVES & MISSES THEM.COMMENT PLEASE FOR REAL!!! TALK LATER
Deborah
January 27, 2012
Listen people! I cannot believe that so much energy is being wasted on discussing a freaking television show!
My 22 yr. old son is in prison, and has been in the “system” since the age of 12.
I happen to watch most of the prison and jail shows on TV. They dont make me bitter.
They make me realize what my son is going through on a daily basis. It hurts my heart to have him locked up. It will be a long time before I can have him home again.
These shows are just that. SHOWS. For our entertainment. Some are actual events in the prison system, but, the show Alcatraz, is just for entertainment. It states that in the credits.
By the way, I actually enjoyed both episodes! The creator has a wonderful mind!
View it for what it really is. Entertainment.
Connie Dowler
January 27, 2012
Linda,your disappointing,what ones are new at this,you sure put disgusting and hurtful thoughts in their heads. NO!They do not all engage,they have a choice and NOT all of them choose as yours did. Try something positive…God is Good!!!
Connie Dowler
January 27, 2012
CASEY WELL SAID, GOD BLESS YOU!!
RBM915
January 31, 2012
Well I just finished reading what everyone else has said… and I have to agree that way too much thought is being put into this show. I have yet to see it, but I do intend to check it out. It looks pretty good. I watched some episodes of “Locked Up” and I also enjoyed all seasons of “Prison Break”. Loced Up… is mostly an iformational show… but I am not much into reality t.v. so I did not watch very much… I already know some of what goes on in there from what my Loved one tells me. Prison Break… very entertaining from beginning to end. As for the person who thinks that all men in there resort to an alternative lifestyle… it is unfortunate that you have that mind set. It must be hard for you. I happen to know that I don’t have to worry about that with my loved one. God Bless everyone.
Ellon
February 1, 2012
Prayer and Belief in God can change any condition and mind set. As a man/woman think in their hearts so is he. In spite of what is are is not going on, we must continue to believe that God is in control and that he protects our loved ones. It is all a choice and through prayer those who have chosen that lifestyle can still be set free from it. Bless them and pray for all those incarcerated. They need our prayers and support.

God Bless
tajkhan
February 3, 2012
I pray and ask that if there is anyone wrongfully imprisioned, anywhere in the world, that you please have them released immediately. Please give every prisoner peace and hope in their heart that they can know how much you love them. In Allah name I pray, Amen My prayer is for all prisoners everywhere. That the Lord will give them the strength they need to make it through their ordeal. We are all Allah creation no matter who or where we are. My prayers are also with the your families of prisoners for they are often forgotten. They too are, in a way, imprisoned. May God grant peace to all of you my Dear Allah please bless all of ouer families & let their faith be strong. Give them hope & love. Bless them with the promise that everything will turn out fine. Amen
O Allah Let these people know you are with them.Bless them and help them through these times.You are Not alone – God is always present I wish you love, health and happiness Amen I thank you for including us all, those of us who have a dear one in prison. My dearest friend is incarcerated, justly, because he was too poor to afford the proper counsel. We are appealing his her casess and ask that you pray for him as well as for us. We need all your prayers. Again thank you for your thoughts and prayers, we need all the prayers we can get Dear Lord,
I�m not sure of everyone’s current situation, but You know Lord. Please protect the prisoners, all over families and friends from harm. Strengthen their will and courage to face their everyday struggles. Show them Your love and comfort them. Pour out Your blessings on all ouer people. Bless their finances so that they can afford to pay their bills and enjoy life – paying for legal defence is expensive. When the people are released please bless their employment endeavours. Bless them with good friends, surround them with kind and encouraging people. For the prisoners who have done harm to others please help them to repent and to make amends with their victims. For the prisoners who are innocent of their charge please help them to gain their freedom quickly and legally. Heal their bodies and minds of whatever ails them, make them well and whole again. Thank you Lord. I pray this in Allah name, amineeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
LindaA
February 5, 2012
No thanks. Real is bad enough, dont want any extras thrown in.

Someone is getting another prison one ready to go. It will be in northern panhandle Florida.
Forget the name, sorry.

I agree with Connie. Its really rough for new people, but not a whole lot better for us moms.
I really think we go through the same hell that our inmates do.

Love is all we can give.
Helen G. Boyd
February 9, 2012
Yes time is being wasted on the subject of this new series. What we all as a whole should be doing is prying to our Lord and Saviiour that he bring our loved ones to know God and to have an intimate relationship with our Lord and Saviour. And that they will repent if they are indeed guilty of the crime for which they are incarcerated for. To give Hope and Love and Peace and Faith to our Loved ones. For indeed they are like lost sheep not knowing the path that God has made for them, but with the Love for God in their hearts they too will see the light. My son has been locked up for going on 16 years and I have come to the realization that only through knowing our Lord and Saviour will he find true Love and happiness I pray for him to come to know God and to want to do Gods’ will. He was just barely 18 when he went into the system and has basically grown up in there but, don’t get me wrong it has not been easy especially at first when we as Mothers come to visit and see that our sons have been beaten up. All I can say is that I thank God everyday for all the many blessings he gives me and for Loving us unconditionally. And that is what we too must do for our Loved ones. Love unconditionally Be more Christ like. After all GOD IS LOVE!!!!
Kathy
February 9, 2012
You can all say what you want about the bit Linda wrote. You’d be surprised what goes on in there. I work at a prison and have seen it all. You may think your man isn’t
capable of these types of things but don’t fool your selves.
arona
February 10, 2012
Noone hurts like a mother when her child is locked up especially if he is locked up 23hrs in a day in solitary ,You feel all his pain and sufering ,It is so hard.Watching the prison shows makes you feel the hurt and pain even more.I agree with what most of the mothers are saying because “I feel it”.
Kathy
February 11, 2012
I’m sick of hearing y’all cry about your son’s being in prison. Where were y’all when they were runnin the streets. You should been in church and beatin their asses. If they can’t do the time they should not have done the crime!!!!
Kathy
February 11, 2012
Arona at least your son is safer in 23 hour lock up then in population. Thank Christ that he’s safe.
Mrs. T
February 11, 2012
It is entertainment yes, however I as a mother of an lifetime inmate I feel terrible and heart broken, when I see these bad things about prison on TV.I however have the power to change the channel. He wakes up in the morning to the same things day after day and goes to bed facing the same…Sad.. I feel that TV is evil and addicting and has too much influence on peoples lives. They should create a show that is a Fantasy example of a good prison where prisoners trully do get rehabilitated. TV is evil think about that,it is addicting. Most of America is Fat because of TV not because of what we eat it is what we dont do because of our addictions. We have the power to turn off the TV. When I feel too much anxiety about what is on the boob tube, I shut it down. I controll the TV it doesnt control me. We need to pray for the world we live in and change our ways. Learn to interact with each other with respect.
Ladyjanered
February 15, 2012
When will we all take irresponsibility & quit
whining? When the going gets tough – the tough get going!! Suck it up, dry your eyes,and look to your God and be thankful for what is right. Stay focused on what is right and what we can do in our own world to make it a better place and never lose the love or the ” power of faith.”

RIGHT IS RIGHT
WRONG IS WRONG–SO FIX IT-MAKE IT BETTER THE NEXT TIME AROUND-IF THERE IS A NEXT TIME, IF NOT-MAKE IT RIGHT
Kathy
February 18, 2012
Y’all wanna see real? Get on the enter net and pull up “turned out” this is a real film from real prison no fake acting. Lamark lives in Auburn Alabama and is free after serving 15 years. He made this film to speak truth and to educate about the reality of prison…….