The struggle of the staff—including Warden Leo Glynn and Sister Peter Marie—to maintain order and humanity in an inherently inhumane system. The Narrative Voice

The introduction of the chillingly charismatic Vern Schillinger and his brutal victimization of Beecher.

The debut season is primarily viewed through the eyes of , a white-collar lawyer sentenced for a fatal DUI. His harrowing transformation from a terrified "fish" to a broken, vengeful inmate serves as the audience's gateway into the prison’s hierarchy. Major plot points include: