What I’m Watching: Orange is the New Black

Orange is the New Black: Season 2, Episode 7 “Comic Sans” (B+)

Things are heating up in prison in more ways than one, and it can’t be long before a boiling point is reached. Caputo’s insistence on a crackdown by the guards would be well-timed with the sudden influx of contraband flowing freely through prison if only he or any of the other guards had the faintest clue. Everyone seemed to be having a great time smoking, though of course that led to unnecessary drama. It was eye-opening to learn Black Cindy’s story, which solidified her guilt due to her compulsive thieving ways. Vee is determined to alienate everyone around her one person at a time, though her endgame does include circling back around to those she excluded, which in this episode was Poussey. I like the intercultural conversations, namely Nicky talking to Poussey about lesbian best friends and everything about the newsletter committee, which includes two relatively intelligent fishes out of water and two sweet-natured but airheaded others. This show is working hard to humanize those who aren’t inmates, including the newly reunited couple, while hardening two of the more kindhearted ones. It’s understandable that John would be frustrated with all the blackmail, and let’s hope that Fischer goes about revealing the news of Daya’s pregnancy in a smart and delicate way. I highly enjoyed Polly coming over to Larry’s to tell him nothing could happen only to talk herself into having sex with him, which was awkward at best but thoroughly amusing throughout. The sad refrain of senile Jimmy the mood considerably, reminding that it’s not all fun and games even when things seem to be going well.