The prisoners at Wentworth call Governor Joan Ferguson “The Freak”.

This article contains spoilers so if you haven’t seen Wentworth, please do not continue reading.

According to Wikipedia, the word “freak” is commonly used to refer to a person with something strikingly unusual about their appearance or behavior. This definitely fits Governor Ferguson to a tee.  She often behaves strangely where it is uncertain what her motives are, especially as far as Vera Bennett is concerned.

At first glance, it seemed as though Vera was just a pawn in Ferguson’s campaign to take down Matt Fletcher.  But as the episodes progressed, viewers could catch a glimpse of genuine affection Ferguson had for Vera. Then, the prison hostage situation happened and when Ferguson was given the ultimatum of opening the locked doors or Vera getting a syringe to the throat, the governor didn’t back down.  If not for Channing, Vera would have paid the price.

Governor Ferguson is also a control “freak”.  She has to have things run her way. It’s her prison, to hell with the prison board.

But how did Joan Ferguson get this way? Wentworth has illustrated that most of the inmates’ problems can be traced back to their relationships with men. Daddy and husband issues (Franky, Bea).  I also believe that Ferguson’s heart hardened over what happened to Jhianna, the young prisoner who hung herself after her baby was taken away.  Ferguson developed an attachment to Jhianna and was never the same after her death.

Consequently, Ferguson develops an interest in Doreen Anderson, who is also young, pregnant and in prison.  It’s ironic that a woman who is as cold as Joan Ferguson wants to take care of someone.  But it’s also a pity that Joan Ferguson’s idea of taking care boarders on obsession, which often turns dangerous.

Does Joan Ferguson also suffering from daddy issues or is it something more and disturbing?

What do you think? Vote Now!