Banged Up Abroad

I just want to say that I love love love this show. One reviewer writes how the show has shifted from representing "unfair tourists" to "glorifying drug-runners". I believe there is still a good mix of episodes in which tourists are unfairly locked up and also in which undoubtedly, poor decision makers are also punished (though NOT fairly). Personally, I like these episodes that divulge the insides of the "poor decision-makers''' experiences. That's the lure of the program. If someone is not looking for this type of entertainment, fair enough. But I find it incredibly fascinating and have also been introduced to new books (from Chris Chance) and new research opportunities from these individuals. To each his own. I love the show and find it compelling, exciting and well, ....addicting!

This is a very good program where people seem to actually learn from their mistakes and in a very extreme way. I like seeing how other prison systems work compaired to ours and this show does a good job portraying that. I also like to see how much time each person gets for what the smuggle, and in the end, they all seem to learn and grow from their experiences. Interestingly enough, if you smuggle from Mexico to America, you get ZERO time, no matter what you smuggle or how much. You are just sent back to repeat. Watch BorderForce USA: the wall, to see that in action. So to see how much time all these people get compaired to all those people getting no time for millions of dollars worth of Meth, Cocaine, and Fentanyl being smuggled over. It is kinda sad. At least these people learn a lesson after.

This television series is about people that have traveled to foreign countries for various reasons, and have ended up in prison. Each episode generally starts off with an individual explaining how, and why they ended up going abroad. It has real people explaining real stories. The series has reenactments as the person is talking about the events. The way this series is put together really makes you feel like you were there. National Geographic does an amazing job of adding a human element to these narrative stories. It touches on subjects like drug smuggling, kidnapping, gun running, and even journalists at the wrong place at the wrong time. It gives insight to different countries, laws, or lack of laws, and paints a picture of both human endurance and suffering. Absolutely engaging.

One of the best shows on TV. The way in which the former jailbird (more often than not) ends up being a drug runner (more often than not) is gripping. The producer does a great job as from the start to the finish its normally one person talking without interruption. That could get boring in certain situations but for some reason never does. The show is so good we normally know the outcome- person ends up in jail for drugs but even so always has twists and turns. There are shows which are not about drugs but lets face it the drug busts are the best ones and you are hooked- waiting for the time they get caught. Then there is the aftermath in jail and what its like to be there. It's better than a Hollywood movie as its dramatic without extra drama being written into like a 'true story' film. The only reason why it's not 10 out of 10 is because of the 'coming up' bit at the start. Would be better if the viewer was unaware of what was to come all the way through.

I am very impressed with the stories of those who have been "Locked Up Abroad". The interviews and recreations are excellent and give one a view of what can happen if you make a bad decision and think you can get away with it. Billy Hayes was the most prominent many years ago but far too many either never saw "Midnight Express" or simply never thought it could happen to them