I watched season four of Netflix's biggest and best original series, "Orange is the New Black" in its 13-episode entirety within the weekend of its release. And judging from the array of spoilers and reactions on Twitter, thousands of other fans did exactly the same. Even critics are calling this season one of the best, a game-changer. So what is it about this show that makes it so powerful and well-loved in this generation? Perhaps it's because "Orange" goes where other shows won't when it comes to harsh realities.
Most notably, it shows the extreme reality of the prison system
Corrupt guards, horrible treatment, too much contraband to track, and even more are all hard truths of the correctional system. "Orange" doesn't shy away from the horrors of prison, telling an important, relevant story about what inmates can go through and making fans think twice about ever committing a crime.
"Orange" also shows the harsh reality of relationships.
People cheat. People break up and get back together, sometimes multiple times, with disastrous results. People who are supposed to be together forever change too much to stay intact. Your "soulmate" might actually be totally insane. Longtime best friends grow apart and fall out, but true friends reunite no matter what. All of the show's incredibly messy relationships and friendships, as lovable or disgusting as they are, contribute to the truthfulness of the show.
The strong female ensemble cast reminds us how incredible and relevant female actors can (and should) be.
Constantly winning awards and staying busy with all kind of projects, the women of "Orange" have really impacted the feminism of television for the better. Executive producer Piper Kerman has even said "no" to adding more male roles in the past. You go, ladies.
The character development is amazing and really makes you think twice.
The tagline "Every sentence is a story" honestly couldn't be truer. No matter how intolerable a person may be, they are still a person, and you never know what they've been through, which is something that "Orange" taught me through its incredible development and backstories. I've felt things for fictional characters I didn't even think I could feel.
And probably most importantly, No show running currently has better-handled issues of racism, transgender rights, rape, and other tough topics.
Season four especially took amazing approaches towards Black Lives Matter, racism, white supremacy, a rough tale on transgender rights with Sophia's journey and troubles with the law and Pennsatucky's feelings toward her rapist, Officer Coates. This season, but the entire series as well, has told the truth about important issues in a way that touches hearts and informs at the same time. As often as tears are shed, lessons are taught, and that's what really makes "Orange" so amazing and a true standout for this generation and many to come.
