‘For Life’ Episode 11 Review: Aaron risks his life backing Safiya’s play as Cassius reveals his true colors

The wrongfully incarcerated Aaron Wallace (Nicholas Pinnock) may have been subject to great unfairness, but he has never stepped back from bringing justice to the ones who deserve a better chance at life. While his own fate remains uncertain despite multiple attempts at proving himself innocent, Aaron has fought tooth and nail to help his fellow inmates, which also explains the trust everyone holds in him, except the newly transferred inmate Cassius Dawkins (50 Cent). 

Episode 11 titled ‘Switzerland’ sees Belmore prison grapple with politics as everybody turns against one another in the battle of power. As seen in the previous episode of ‘For Life’, Safiya Masry (Indira Varma) is determined to expose Correctional Officer Foster, as she feels he is making a big score prior to his retirement. She enlists Aaron’s help in doing so, while the latter soon realizes her intentions stretch far beyond only putting an end to the much-prevalent issue of drug flow within the prison. 

Meanwhile, Dawkins persistently tries convincing Aaron into working for him, as the regular drug mover Foster is retiring soon. When the latter expresses his disinterest in getting involved in dirty politics, Dawkins uses muscle power to warn the prison’s legal representative. Episode 11 takes deep dive into the goings-on of the legal system as each one of them is driven by a quid pro quo, including Aaron, as he agrees to be a part of Safiya’s play only if he gets to appear at the court again.

It also showcases how when driven by emotions, humans lean towards their ego than responsibilities, unable to think relationally. In one of its most intense episodes, ‘For Life’ also sheds light on the raw rage one holds within, which turns a human more of an animal when it comes down to survival. 

‘Switzerland’ ends teasing numerous possibilities in Aaron’s story arc as he puts his life on the line to save Jamal. Also, by now he has realized he can trust none as even a diligent prison warden Safiya puts her personal preference over professional integrity. 

As we saw hell break loose in Belmore prison and Aaron was in the frontline the most violent incident the institution has ever witnessed, it remains to be seen if he can ever find freedom or if he continues to struggle at the hands of the system of the rest of his life. 

‘For Life’ airs on Tuesdays on ABC.