Maxine Conway
| Maxine Conway | |
|---|---|
| Wentworth Prison character | |
| First appearance | “The Danger Within” |
| Created by | Lara Radulovich |
| Portrayed by | Socratis Otto |
| Crime | Causing injury intentionally |
| Sentence | 3 years |
| Status | Alive |
| Duration | 2014-current |
| In-universe information | |
| Nickname | Maxine |
| Gender | Male (biologically) Female (via surgery) |
| Affiliation | Bea Smith |
| Nationality | Australian |
Maxine Conway (formerly Max) is a recurring character in Wentworth Prison. Maxine is a transgender character and is portrayed by actor Socratis Otto. Maxine is notable for being Bea’s bodyguard and also for being transgender within the series.
Background
The backstory given by Wentworth’s website states “Maxine is a male-to-female transsexual who, despite having undergone gender reassignment surgery and wearing a wig and make-up, looks unambiguously male. Devastated after being rejected by her boyfriend following her surgery, Maxine responded by stabbing him resulting in her doing time in Wentworth.”[1]
Characterization
Otto said in an interview with Whats On TV? that Maxine was “a totally innocent bird”[2]
Storylines
Maxine is one of the new prisoners transferred to Wentworth. She is seen with Jess Warner and a woman who was planning on killing Bea. In the showers Maxine saved Bea by punching the woman carrying out a hit ordered by the Holts.[3]
In Metamorphosis, Maxine makes an escape attempt but doesn’t get past the gates because she is apprehended by Will Jackson and Vera Bennett. Maxine no longer has her wig after this episode because Vera refuses to give it back to her. [4]
In The Fixer, due to Maxine giving Jess urine for Doreen to use to beat a pregnancy test, Ferguson cuts the hormone medications to Maxine as punishment. Maxine infiltrates Franky’s (Nicole da Silva) gang. [5]
In Into The Night, Maxine helps Bea get a knife but it is then discovered by Franky.[6] In Fear Her, Maxine is briefly seen being quizzed by Ferguson about Bea’s whereabouts due to an escape.[7]
In The Governor’s Pleasure, Maxine follows Bea’s orders to create a riot and make a fire in the yard. Maxine leads the prisoners against the officers until Bea arrives.<Episode 23: The Governor’s Pleasure</ref>
Throughout Season Three, Maxine has helped Bea loyally in the fight against Ferguson.
In Freak Show, when Bea is questioning giving up her role of top dog, Maxine reminds Bea that she promised to take down Ferguson at whatever cost.[8]
Reception
Otto noted in an interview that he didn’t think Wentworth would have gained that much global attention. Otto also noted that he enjoyed playing a transgender character.[9]
Metro noted that Maxine was one of the show’s most liked characters.[10]
References
- ^ cite web|url= http://wentworth.sohotv.com.au/characters/maxine-conway/menu-id-246.html%7Ctitle=Character Profile: Maxine Conway Wentworth Prison|work=Wentworth Prison website|accessdate=4 October 2014}}
- ^ "Wentworth Prison's Socratis Otto: 'Maxine's a totally innocent bird, I tell you!'". What’s On TV?. Retrieved 4 October 2015.
- ^ Episode 14: The Danger Within
- ^ Episode 17: Metamorphosis
- ^ Episode 19: The Fixer
- ^ Episode 21: Into The Night
- ^ Episode 22: Fear Her
- ^ Episode 31: Freak Show
- ^ "'Wentworth' star Socratis Otto talks Maxine, Trans community and the show's cult following". No White Noise. Retrieved 4 October 2015.
- ^ "EXCLUSIVE Wentworth Prison star Socratis Otto discusses playing transgender Maxine and the Caitlyn Jenner effect". Metro. Retrieved 4 October 2015.