The Revolution Has Begun !

Orange Is The New Black

Summer has finally arrived, but the summer months not only offer us luscious sunshine, bronzed skin and joy, they give us the return of our beloved shows! When May begins, I prepare myself for the return of my favourite shows that keep me awake at night, or hiding in my home while everyone is out enjoying the sun.I often find myself wondering, what is it about certain shows that attract the viewers, leaving them hungry for more and more. Without a doubt, Orange is the New Black is a show that I have loved for years, not only has it made me laugh uncontrollably; it has also affected me on a deeper level.

So what has season 5 got to offer to the dedicated fan base... well what hasn’t it got to offer. I can honestly say, that season 5, is in fact the best season of the series yet; it simply is outstanding. Arguably, with each season, Orange is the New Black never fails to keep us entertained, and of course wanting more, each season is unique in the style, and in the conflicts that arise in the Litchfield prison. However, season 5 has outdone all the seasons that we have been able to watch. The previous season of the epic series ended on a major cliff-hanger, the prison environment changed dramatically and the atmosphere became sour. The most striking change, that we have been able to witness, is the shift from the ongoing conflicts among the inmates based on race, social status or beliefs, to a conflict between the inmates and the prison guards. 

The most striking feature of the series, and arguably its most powerful weapon, is the ability to shift moods from an idyllic setting to a traumatic tragedy. Throughout the whole series, the audience were befriended by the inmates, each episode offered a background story of a certain character; this enabled the audience to understand the character on a deeper level. Therefore, with the arrival of the latest season, we simply know the inmates like our own friends, their struggles, or indeed their joys, affect our emotions.There are many reasons as to why season 5 stands out; one of them is the fact that the 12 episodes that we are able to view cover the events that occur within the space of only 3 days! Before I began watching season 5, I asked myself, what could possibly happen in 3 days... well things really do happen... I certainly found myself speechless, helpless, moved and saddened during this season.

Season 5 covers the events during the prison riot, where the inmates rise to fight the unfair treatment, unlawfulness, and misogyny faced by them on daily basis. The rules no longer apply and its now the time to show the guards what it means to be an inmate at Litchfield prison. However, it is important to highlight the initial cause of the riot, which of course was the tragic and unexpected death (or murder) of the beloved Poussey Washington. 

The main theme in season 5 is dignity, the dignity that the inmates are stripped off once they enter the prison. This season, shows the audience how unity is the most powerful weapon, during this season we are able to see inmates from different backgrounds, which normally do not mix, unite and join their powers, in order to fight for justice and dignity! Although the purpose of a TV show, or a film is to entertain, Orange is the New Black certainly focuses on the exposure of the truth, the dark truth of the corrupt justice system and the torturous treatment of people, as after all, inmates are still people no matter what they have done. The makers of the show, allow the audience to observe the justice system from the perspective of the victim, the ones in power are desperately trying to cover up their horrendous mistakes. The inmates are perceived as objects, and a crime committed against them, is nowhere near a ‘crime’, even if the one guilty admits to his wrong doing, he is not prosecuted.

Aside from all the seriousness, emotion and hurt portrayed in season 5, the show does not fail to make us laugh. Like always, the humour accompanies the tears of sorrow. I certainly did find myself laughing in tears during this season, also the show has something special for the ladies (and of course some gents)... it certainly is something we have not witnessed on the show, yet! 

So is Season 5 worth the time? Without a doubt it is a must see! Orange is the New Black is by far the most exposing and eye-opening series that I have had the pleasure of watching. Season 5 is breathtaking, simply beautiful, urging women to rise against inequality, unlawfulness and patriarchy that not only inmates face, but we all experience on day to day basis. Watching this season has made me proud, proud to be a woman, proud to see strong women uniting despite their difference to fight in what they believe in.In addition, each of the ladies involved in the show, simply deserve a standing ovation for their magnificent, heartfelt performances, hard work and dedication! While the season ended on, yet another cliff hanger, the revolution has begun, the world has finally heard their scream and there is no way that people will stand by while tragedy happens.

Anna Gaszkowska