Orange Is The New Black | REVIEW

What an awesome show!

I finished Orange is the new Black (OITNB) last week and, let me just say it now: Phenomenal.

At first glance: Ugh... Well, it's something to do when I'm bored.
Upon hearing that it was created by the makers of Weeds: Whoa, whoa... hey, HEY! Fucking Weeds producer? Ayooooooo, I'm watching this shit dudeeeeeeeeeeee
First Episode: Eh... slow start but I'm gonna keep watching.
Last Episode: *Jaw drop/Cries* When is moar coming? Is there MOAR? Is there a book? Season 2?!

Yea. It was that serious.

Anywho... here's my review [ Possible Spoilers Ahead... not really ]

STORY

This show revolves around Piper Chapman, a middle class white woman from Connecticut who lives in New York City with her fiance, Larry. All is normal until she gets thrown into a Litchfield, NY federal prison. Why? Well... 10 years prior to her almost tamed lifestyle, she was a young, experimental, lesbian who, out of love for her former girlfriend, Alex, transported a suitcase full of drug money internationally - how's that for a wild past? Sentenced to 15 months; this show is mostly the trials and tribulations Piper endures while trying to find her place and adjust to the prison life which, to her surprise, puts a stress on her friends, family, and fellow inmates alike.


CHARACTERS

I'm only mentioning the "Main Characters" IMO

Piper Chapman - Don't let her innocent face and culture shock as she enters the penal system fool ya.
Alex Vause - The tall, dark, and sexy reason Piper is even in this fucked up mess.
Larry Bloom - Classic "nice guy", struggling writer, and Piper's fiance. Trust me when I say that Nice Guy's have a Breaking Point.
Sam Healy - Correctional Officer and Counselor who manages Piper's case. Passive Aggressive & annoying. He has the biggest fucking chip on his shoulder when it comes to lesbians but I think I know why...
Galina 'Red' Reznikov - The most brutal Russian woman you will come across. Head of kitchen but most importantly: She basically controls the entire prison right underneath the prison guards

All of these characters, including the side characters that I haven't mentioned, feel real and developed. They all have a story with arcs and a motivation that drives them beyond the prison walls.

THE QUALITY 
Length - I appreciate each episode being a full hour of nonstop storytelling without the interruption of stupid ass advertisements or commercials [cough, cough - how it would have been if Hulu was the host]. I didn't feel like I was left hanging at the end of each episode, but I still felt like I was left at a point where I was curious enough and entertained enough to go forward.

Setting - Despite being a show about prison, I like how they didn't have the entire show stuck inside of a box. They explored each part of the prison and how each of these little places tied into the story from the cafeteria, to their rooms, closets [both a place of love and despair] and even hidden places in the fields. Also, they demonstrated how the outside world was changing no matter how static it was for Piper. The stages of her best friend's pregnancy, the seasonal changes/wardrobe changes, each holiday and how it was for her inside versus her family and friends on the outside. They even showed the outside world through flashbacks that demonstrated how some of the girls became incarcerated.

Element of Surprise - There are many scenes in this show that just leave you with your jaw on the floor because it escalates so quickly and unexpectedly but it fits; it's not like they just insert some random bullshit to make it interesting, no. There is a build up to each moment where you think they are gonna take it "there" but boy, do they take it there and push the limits. Half the time I feel like I'm watching something on HBO (it gets that real). Also, I was pretty shocked by the amount of diversity that's packed into this show. Gay, Straight, Transgendered, White, Black, Latina, Old, Yound, Hillbilly, Middle-Class - there's something for everybody to relate to.

Music - I don't know who the hell picks their opening music but "You've Got Time" by Regina Spektor is about as addicting as Weeds opening music, "Little Boxes" by Malvina Reynolds

OVERALL
I thourouly enjoyed this show. I felt extremely connected to the characters. There were times when I'd be sitting around with my family and watching this with headphones on speaking to my tablet or bursting out with laughter. There was even a few times when I cried real tears because I could feel the terror, disappointment, or shear sorrow of an inmate. Not only does this show tell the story of Piper Chapman, but it gives an interesting insight and background to the side characters, making them more than just a TV show extra. There is some seriousness and drama with a sprinkle of violence but there is also heartfelt, emotional moments with the perfect dose of comedy. Above all - it's REAL. You have people of all different races and walks of life shoved into one place, forced to coexist - homosexuality, racism, and even officers abusing their power are shown. To top it all of, this show has some recognizable faces in the cast! 

I completely recommend this.

You should watch this show if you like: Oz, Lost, or Law & Order: SVU... also Weeds.
A second season was confirmed on June 27, 2013 and is currently in production.
Fun Fact: This show is based off the memoirs of Piper Kerman under the same title.

Click the pic!