ORANGE IS THE NEW SMASH HIT
by Janet J. Lawler
New York
June 24, 2014
I just finished binging on Season 2 of Orange is the New Black. All I can say is, Wow!
It's like doing time in the best sense of the word.
Who new going to prison could be this much fun? What can I say, except the characters on Orange is the New Black are some of the most riveting, deranged, hilarious people you'll ever see on TV/online.
Who can beat Piper Chapman (Taylor Schilling) at her calm, shrewd demeanor? Her nickname may be Dandelion, but she's no blushing flower.
What about Crazy Eyes' antics and threats?
Red's Russian revenge?
Vee's vindictiveness?
Pennsatucky's raunchy putdowns and preachy rants?
How about Nicky's sexcapades and constant craving for heroin?
Who can forget Morello's stalker tendencies and tender heart? The scene when her stalkee comes to the prison to confront her is one of the best scenes I've seen on TV -- when her delusional love fantasy is shattered, not only for herself, but in front of her prison mate/friend Nicky (Natasha Lyonne).
And the actors who play the correction officers? Pornstache? Caputo? Healy and his support group? Each so convincing, scary and compassionate on some level. Each trying to find a place to belong, even if it's inside a drab prison.
The writing is sharp, clever and witty. Some lines make you wince and stick with you long after the episode dissolves to orange. This isn't your mother's prison movie. It ain't Charlie's Angels going to jail for one episode. This show is as down and dirty as it can be... with lots of nudity and sex... and in your face reality... it both repulses and captivates us to keep watching.
What caused these women to be locked up? Season 2 gives us snippets of their back stories and what landed them behind bars. We disover Morello (Yael Stone) isn't engaged to "Christifer"... but that she tormented the poor guy after only one date and got locked up for it. We find out that Vee (Lorraine Touissaint) had one of her own "kids" shot down for double crossing her on drug runs. We learn that Red (Kate Mulgrew) will do anything to protect her family, inside the prison and out. She can run a kitchen and a greenhouse like no other mother.
There are too many wonderful characters to all mention here.
If you haven't watched the show on NetFlix, get busy and start watching. Season 1 lays the groundwork for a kick-ass Season 2. NetFlix pulls out all the stops recruiting top acting, writing and directing. You'll notice a few famous names behind the scenes (Jodie Foster directs).
Season 3 can't come fast enough for me. What will happen when Alex (Laura Prepon) returns to prison and is reunited with ex-love Piper? Will Red learn her lesson from her beat-down and hospital stay? Will Daya have her baby? Will her C.O. boyfriend pay a price for being the baby daddy? What happens now that Caputo is the new assistant warden?
Season 3 will let us know.
Until then, we're all on furlough. Enjoy your time away from Litchfield.
Follow The NY Screenwriting Life at Facebook. Janet J. Lawler is a published author and playwright. Her first novel From the Ground Up is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble online. http://www.amazon.com/From-Ground-Up-Janet-Lawler-ebook/dp/B00F3CYSU8 Or visit www.janetjlawler.com
by Janet J. Lawler
New York
June 24, 2014
 |
| Cast of Orange is the New Black |
It's like doing time in the best sense of the word.
Who new going to prison could be this much fun? What can I say, except the characters on Orange is the New Black are some of the most riveting, deranged, hilarious people you'll ever see on TV/online.
Who can beat Piper Chapman (Taylor Schilling) at her calm, shrewd demeanor? Her nickname may be Dandelion, but she's no blushing flower.
 |
| Chapman/Schilling |
Red's Russian revenge?
Vee's vindictiveness?
Pennsatucky's raunchy putdowns and preachy rants?
How about Nicky's sexcapades and constant craving for heroin?
Who can forget Morello's stalker tendencies and tender heart? The scene when her stalkee comes to the prison to confront her is one of the best scenes I've seen on TV -- when her delusional love fantasy is shattered, not only for herself, but in front of her prison mate/friend Nicky (Natasha Lyonne).
And the actors who play the correction officers? Pornstache? Caputo? Healy and his support group? Each so convincing, scary and compassionate on some level. Each trying to find a place to belong, even if it's inside a drab prison.
The writing is sharp, clever and witty. Some lines make you wince and stick with you long after the episode dissolves to orange. This isn't your mother's prison movie. It ain't Charlie's Angels going to jail for one episode. This show is as down and dirty as it can be... with lots of nudity and sex... and in your face reality... it both repulses and captivates us to keep watching.
What caused these women to be locked up? Season 2 gives us snippets of their back stories and what landed them behind bars. We disover Morello (Yael Stone) isn't engaged to "Christifer"... but that she tormented the poor guy after only one date and got locked up for it. We find out that Vee (Lorraine Touissaint) had one of her own "kids" shot down for double crossing her on drug runs. We learn that Red (Kate Mulgrew) will do anything to protect her family, inside the prison and out. She can run a kitchen and a greenhouse like no other mother.
There are too many wonderful characters to all mention here.
 |
| Alex Returns |
Season 3 can't come fast enough for me. What will happen when Alex (Laura Prepon) returns to prison and is reunited with ex-love Piper? Will Red learn her lesson from her beat-down and hospital stay? Will Daya have her baby? Will her C.O. boyfriend pay a price for being the baby daddy? What happens now that Caputo is the new assistant warden?
Season 3 will let us know.
Until then, we're all on furlough. Enjoy your time away from Litchfield.
Follow The NY Screenwriting Life at Facebook. Janet J. Lawler is a published author and playwright. Her first novel From the Ground Up is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble online. http://www.amazon.com/From-Ground-Up-Janet-Lawler-ebook/dp/B00F3CYSU8 Or visit www.janetjlawler.com
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