The highly anticipated fourth season of the smashing hit Netflix original "Orange is the New Black" has finally been released. I know that all the fans have binge-watched the entire season already and are now (impatiently) waiting another year for the next season to come out. Netflix originals cause so much suffering because they make you wait, but they know that you will because, of course, we're all addicted to our favorite shows (I know I love the Marvel television shows that they have released as well. Have you seen Charlie Cox as Daredevil? The man is perfect.) But anyway, season 4, despite not being my favorite season thus far, was an insane, tear-filled, wild ride. Here are some of my thoughts while watching the new season.
1. Lolly saving Alex was amazing and I supported her actions wholeheartedly.
2. Frieda coming in and saving Lolly, Alex and Red with her decision to chop the body up into pieces and bury it (which honestly, was fairly disturbing).
(Oh, but she did, Frieda cut him up. Yikes.)
3. My poor baby Sophia being irresponsibly placed in the SHU and her suffering breaking my heart piece by piece. (She deserved so much better.)
4. My excitement when Nicky was finally released from SHU and the reunion she had with everyone was so beautiful. I honestly cried a little. I mean, didn't you? Mainly, I just really missed her character though. She's probably one of my favorites.
5. That moment when Piper finally got what was coming to her as a result of (unintentionally?) starting a white power group. Honestly, I felt kind of bad, but then again, karma is never kind.
(Maritza said it best)
6. The insane amount of BS I called whenever Coates apologized to Pennsatucky and she actually forgave him.
Although, she had amazing character development and did not let incident rule her life. For that, honestly, Pennsatucky is my hero. She did something not a lot of people could ever be able to do. It's always funny because I hated her first season, but didn't everyone? (Not to mention the perfection that is her and Boo's friendship)
7. The hilarity that ensued after Cindy and Taystee made desperate attempts to use Taystee's access to the computer to pay off.
So, after Poussey was made aware of the plan (and that they weren't actually just trying to "jump" Judy after learning about her racial-slur filled puppet show), she snapped a photo on an illegal cellphone of Cindy and Judy King kissing, then they all leaked the photo to the press. Then, after this came out to Caputo, he called them into his office and they forced to pretend that this was the "real deal."
9. That horrifying moment when that crazy, psychopathic new guard made Maritza eat the new born baby mouse. What was that even about? I couldn't fathom that entire scene, let alone his character as a whole. These guards were awful and treated the inmates terribly. Like, I get it's prison, but really? That was just unnecessary.
(And not new born babies.)
10. And lastly, the last thing I have to talk about. You know it's coming if you've seen season 4.
The overwhelming sadness and sobbing when Bayley accidentally killed Poussey. My heart broke instantaneously. I sobbed incoherently for quite a while. She had ensured a job with Judy King, she had Brook, she was a kind, sweet, intelligent soul. And if you're anything like me, she was one of my all time favorite characters on the show. Then, that final flashback of her looking right at the camera to end season 4, the waterfall was unleashed yet again.
Furthermore, I'd like to discuss the important real life issues that are addressed in this groundbreaking show. They managed to tackle the issue of police brutality via the new guards that were introduced to the prison after everyone else ditched poor Caputo. It shows the ugly nature of abuse of power by those in a position of authority. The show also manages to shed light on the inherent racism that still exists in society. With the white power movement declaring that "white lives matter," in response to the real life movement "Black Lives Matter." The racism portrayed by the white characters in the show is a very real occurrence in today's society. Black lives matter, but it's not a matter of a higher level of importance. It is simply that black lives are targeted more often than whites, and of course, the obvious presence of white privilege in the United States court systems. I think "Orange is the New Black" excellently tackles all of these issues delicately and in tasteful, thought-provoking fashion. Kudos to the writers of this show because you all are phenomenal. (And I guess I'll forgive you for killing Poussey.)
Happy Netflix binging!
