Season four of Netflix Original Series "Orange is the New Black" went live on June 17, with 13 episodes instantly available to stream on the video platform. Much anticipated and eagerly awaited by fans, season four not only lived up to the hype, but it proved to be the hit show's most intense season yet. Much of the reason for this is creator Jenji Kohan's decision to pull inspiration from current events, such as the Black Lives Matter movement. Her desire to inject grit and honesty into this season, not shying away in the least from difficult or uncomfortable topics, payed off, as this will be one season OITNB fans will never forget...
So here are five reasons why season four is the most intense yet. (Warning: Spoilers ahead.)
1. Race gets real.
Race has played a significant role in the series thus far, but not quite on the same level as season four. Seasons one through three showed race as a defense mechanism; a way to form alliances and to protect oneself. The Dominicans were loyal to one another as were the African Americans, the Hispanics, etc. They took care of their own. Season four brings about the concept of racism, of not just feeling pride in one's race, but in believing one's race to be superior to all others. With the emergence of white supremacy groups and the great divide between groups who used to once get alone, race gets real in season four.
2. Prison gangs become real.
After a stunt by Piper increases racial tensions between the whites and the Dominicans, inmate Maria decides it's time for her girls to "go legit," becoming a prison gang that no one should mess with, enforcing their authority with violence and successfully selling drugs to other inmates.
3. Piper gets branded.
In the second most upsetting scene of the season, Maria's gang brands Piper with a swastika, making an example of her after she earned Maria another three to five-years in prison by squealing on her to Piscatella. This scene actually made me sick to my stomach--and it was perhaps the most disturbing television I've seen in a while. It does not top the season as most upsetting, but it comes very, very close.
4. We say goodbye to Poussey.
Poussey's death hits home with current events and the Black Lives Matter movement. She is part of a peaceful protest in the cafeteria that the COs escalate to a dangerous situation. In the panic in confusion, she is accidentally killed by a white CO, Bayley, in the most upsetting scene of the season. It's the kind of scene you need to watch for yourself in order to truly understand all sides. The death was a terrible accident by an innocent 21-year-old kid, and thus, it is a tragedy for all--Poussey who was nothing but a positive light and this kid who will have to live with this for the rest of his life. I still cannot watch this scene without crying.
5. Litchfield is about to be changed forever.
In a riot following the lack of persecution of Bayley for accidentally killing Poussey, a riot erupts in the prison. All of the inmates converge in a hallway, blocking any exit. Daya gets ahold of CO Humps' gun, and the season ends with her clicking the safety off as she points it at the man who caused so much harm and chaos this season in Litchfield. We are left to wonder, "Will she pull the trigger?"
Season four set certain things in motion, and now, there is no going back.
