What I’m Watching: Orange is the New Black

Orange is the New Black: Season 3, Episode 7 “Tongue-Tied” (B+)

I love the present-set plotline of this show, but there’s something about the episodic flashbacks that can just completely redefine a character in the most fascinating way. It happened before with Lorna, and now Norma gets her turn. Parts of her flashback felt like scenes from “The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” but I think that’s the point – she was swept up completely by the allure of being accepted for who she was with absolutely no questions asked, and more importantly with her not having to speak. In fact, she’s a lot like our friend the nun who got on a power trip, but it’s more about making everyone feel good with a simple touch. It’s a shame that Red had to be the first one she took down, though she did take over the kitchen with an iron fist and treat her loyal former friend especially poorly. Gloria’s situation is also lamentable, but she too got too angry and let her emotions get the best of her. Watching the new trainees, especially one particular screwup, is both frightening and entertaining, and Alex marking him for seduction is a risky plan. I love how excited Piper is about her new worn underwear business, and the fact that her brother was all too willing to assist. Poussey enjoying Crazy Eyes’ violent erotica enables them to have a fun connection that they don’t usually have, which is nice. Caputo comprehending that Danny is essentially the new warden was an interesting realization that should help to frame things in a new light for both of them.