Warden Burl Cain and his staff confront a historic flood that threatens to wreak havoc on Angola Prison. As the Mississippi’s waters rise, the warden must decide whether or not to trigger a risky evacuation of thousands of convicted felons.

As the first rodeo of the season approaches, Angola inmates gear up for the ride of their lives. But as the prison prepares for rodeo Sunday, tragedy strikes in Camp J and tests the staff’s limitations.

Asst. Warden Cathy Fontenot struggles with her stressful job as a single mother of three, and an inmate hopes for a chance to be a father from behind bars. When drugs infiltrate the prison, security goes on high alert.

Slater tries to pull off a public horse auction, but must confront his increasingly troubled home life. Angola staffers try to move up the ladder, and an inmate goes on a hunger strike with an ultimatum.

Major Fruge oversees the processing of 23 new inmates as they begin the rest of their lives in prison. A grandfather and grandson, both Angola lifers, meet for the first time. A convicted felon is laid to rest.

The K-9 unit goes on a manhunt in the dead of night, but things don't go as planned and an inmate mourns the loss of his closest companion. An inmate plans a wedding but first, he must get the warden's approval.

An inmate decides to ride in the rodeo for the first time, while a former champion tries to revive his career and risks fatal injury. Slater copes with the end of his marriage and adjusts to his new role as a single father.

A rookie takes on the former champ at the final rodeo of the season. One inmate learns he will go free after 18 years behind bars. Angola’s staff come to terms with their own life sentences.