Bea Smith's (Danielle Cormack) death in the season 4 finale of "Wentworth" meant that the "top dog" position in the prison has been left vacant. News has it that the one replacing her is Karen "Kaz" Proctor (Tammy Macintosh), who first appeared in the show back in season 3.
Macintosh assured viewers that Bea will not be forgotten. She said, "It affects every episode this season. She is almost like a ghost character who drives the momentum."
Kaz taking the top dog position is ironic, given that Macintosh previously stated in an interview that her character does not believe that anyone should play that role in the first place. She said in an interview with Foxtel, "Her philosophy is that there shouldn't be a top dog at all. There should not be any one woman, one man running women's lives. They should all have their own decisions, they should all have their own choices and rights."
The first episode of season 5 revealed her first move as top dog, wherein she made a controversial decision. She declared that Joan "The Freak" Ferguson, who killed Bea, should not be touched. Her motivation for this move is unclear, although some theorize that it was her way of attempting to stop the cycle of violence within the prison. Given that the other inmates do not respect her as a top dog, it is uncertain if she will be able to hold this position for long.
Nonetheless, rumors are going around that some inmates will refuse to obey her order. There is buzz that there will be a revenge plot against The Freak. Allie Novak (Kate Jenkinson), who is back in the correctional facility, will likely be involved in this seeking vengeance, given that she was Bea's lover prior to her death. She tried to make an attempt on the first episode, but her efforts did not turn out well, resulting in her and three other inmates needing medical treatment.
Season 5 of "Wentworth" airs every Tuesday night at 8:30 p.m. AEST on Showcase.
