it wasn't until 2000 that robert glen koe became the first inmate to be put to death at tennessee ino what is it like when an inmate faces his final days? it begins and ends with a process known as death watch. >> i've been on tennessee's death row 23 1/2 years. >> the execution chamber looms within walking distance from the inmates' block. it's also known as death watch. >> riverbend has the only execution chamber in tennessee to carry out executions. it was constructed with a death penalty in mind. >> i've had five execution dates. i went to death watch three times and i received a stay of execution. >> death watch is the area where the condemned inmate is housed three days prior to his execution. >> it was really hectic. because, number one, they come and get you, shock you. they take all your belongings, inventory and give you a receipt for everything that you have. and they put it away for family members to pick up. >> i've had several execution dates. i came close to execution i think in the year of 2002. i was actually up on death watch. >> he has been on death row for 18 year