One fascinating thing about HBO’s Oz is looking at all the extras and main characters and figuring out their social circles within Em City and reactions to events. And even some throwaway dialogue and facial expressions tell you so much about the characters.
Like, Ryan O’Reily hung out with Beecher, Hill and Rebadow A LOT. He didn’t involve any of them in his schemes, nor did he target them for anything. He didn’t need to be around them for political purposes. He seemed to actually enjoy their company. Beecher and Ryan were pretty friendly for almost the entire series, barring that one episode in Season 4. Every time it showed something bad happening to Beecher, Ryan has a disgusted look on his face and even tried to wake him up when Beecher was sleeping off a hang over in season 2. Adebisi even shielded Ryan from Robson twice during Ryan’s little skirmishes with the Aryans in the kitchen.
Then there’s Timmy Kirk, before he went full on insane with his religious fanaticism. They way he introduces Patrick Keenan to Ryan and keeps throwing glances at him makes it seem like he did this as a favor to Ryan, knowing how he felt about Gloria. Introducing the guy and telling him he was the one who raped Dr. Nathan all but guaranteed Patrick’s death.
Beecher seemed pretty friendly with the Italians even before his deal with Pancamo. He was cheerfully playing basket ball with Zanghi and the others before he was told about his children being kidnapped. Beecher in general appeared to be, if not respected, liked by a number of inmates who weren’t with the Bikers and Aryans.
Bob Rebadow had butted heads and disagreed with Kareem Said in almost every conversation they had together, yet he was horrified when he learned of his death. He was also one of the few people who always treated Beecher well and seemed to care about his well being. Well, as much as he could bring himself to, considering how he’s seen so many prisoners come and go. When Beecher returned after his arms and legs were broken, he actually Rebadow actually touches Hill as if to alert him on his return and even says “hello Tobias”.
Vincent D'Arbouze, the poor lad who was Adebisi’s prag always hung around the Christians, probably seeking solace and comfort in Christianity.
Even someone as lame as Glen Shupe was seen hanging around Liam Meaney, Ryan and Cyril in a number of scenes. Cloutier hung around Beecher and Ryan. Busmalis and Rebadow would occasionally sit down with Fiona and Tony Masters etc.
Man, say what you want about Oz and the writing, but it truly was a unique show in the way it was filmed. Everyone had to be consistent and in character regardless if they were the main focus of the scene or not. They had to time everything right wherever a scene took place and sometimes you’d have so much going on in a single shot/take. It’s amazing. No show has done it since, at least to my knowledge.
