Based on testimonies from real-life prisoners and prison guards, the six-part series Bariau explores the complex interplay between four central characters on both sides of the law, highlighting the profound impact of the decisions they make on themselves and those around them.
Episode 1
Waterfront Prison, and prisoner Barry Hardy picks up a bag of drugs off the floor after someone drops him off—a decision that's going to change his life forever.
Episode 2
As Barry comes under pressure for his ill-advised decision to sell the drugs he had discovered, he tries to catch the end of reason with the owner. When that makes the situation worse, he has no choice but to enter into a partnership with Kit. Peter is looking forward to his mother's visit, but circumstances beyond his control push him over the brink. Elin and George's relationship gets hotter, but Elin has his doubts.
Episode 3
Barry has to face the reality of working for Kit. To make matters worse, he receives a visit from his little brother, Dale, who reveals that he is in dire financial straits. While Barry tries to help him, the conversation turns frantic, and Dale leaves under a cloud. Elin realises that George has deceived her after all, and he makes it obvious to her that she has no choice but to go against her principles.
Episode 4
Regretting his row with Dale and with Kit controlling him like a puppet, the pressure is too much for Barry, and he resorts to violent methods to get rid of his frustration. Peter receives bad news that leads him to a very dark place, and Linda, the chaplain's response to his statement, breaks his heart. Elin discovers that Kit is behind the attempt to blackmail him, and she decides that the only way out for her is to challenge him face-to-face.
Episode 5
Barry discovers that his life is in danger because of the work he does for Kit, and when Dale walks into the wing as a prisoner, his head is completely collapsed. As Elin and Ned are called to see the Warden, they discover that the wing is being placed under special measures and their jobs are at stake. Elin agrees to smuggle drugs into the prison for Kit, but when she finds out Barry works for Kit, she has one more hope to end the nightmare.
Episode 6
As Elin arrives at the prison in the morning, carrying drugs for Kit, she is shocked to learn that the prison is undergoing a review that day. With the drugs having to stay on the outside, Barry gets cold feet and decides that Allith will not help Elin anymore. Kit loses patience with everyone who works for him and threatens Elin, but she manages to find the strength to finally break free. The events of the past few weeks have broken Barry.
