The Governor

Helen Hewitt, deputy of a women's prison in London, is asked to join the investigation team after a riot at the notorious Barfield prison, during which a prisoner, Michael Winchward, was found dead, with the cause being suspected suicide.

High risk prisoner Maynard returns from trial having been found guilty of murder. However, his stay at Barfield is short lived, when he and a fellow inmate manage to escape using a helicopter as a getaway vehicle.

Still reeling after the aftermath of the two prisoners' escape, Hewitt informs the team that all procedures must be undertaken thoroughly. Two new prisoners arrive at Barfield, and one quickly becomes involved in a bullying incident gone wrong.

The trial of the four prisoners involved in Colin Foster's death gets underway, but when asked to take the witness stand, Anthony Kelly changes his story and lies to protect the three prisoners involved.

Racial tensions arise when officer Mallahide takes an instant disliking to one of the new officers. Prisoner Fisher is granted home leave, but fails to inform Hewitt that his wife has requested a divorce, thus breaking the rules of the agreement.

With the big-wigs prepared for a full inspection of Barfield, Hewitt has 48 hours to clean up Barfield's problems, yet a suicide and a stabbing quickly threaten stability and order.