What I’m Watching: Orange is the New Black

Orange is the New Black: Season 6, Episode 4 “I’m the Talking Ass” (B)

We’re starting to settle into a new normal here, and there are elements of it that I just don’t like. Badison is the ultimate example, mainly because we’ve gotten to know these characters over the years, and while there have been a few new additions, largely it’s worked well with the same people. It’s understandable that, after an entire season devoted to a riot, this one would be devoted to its aftermath. What we’re seeing is the discrepancy in representation and, as a result, the future prospects of a handful of the inmates. Flashing back to Nicky’s childhood and how she transformed her Bat Mitzvah speech into a biting takedown of the two parents that didn’t have any interest in taking responsibility for her was informative of how she’s developed loyalty over the years and why she felt so bad for what’s going to happen to Red, who truly doesn’t deserve her fate. Taystee was also horrified to learn the charges that she was facing, and calling Caputo was a smart idea since he can vouch for her to a degree. It was nice to see some old familiar faces like Aleida, who was so annoyed that the shake saleswoman used one of the selling techniques on her, which she proceeded to do to the guard that stepped in to pacify her when things nearly got very bad following her shortened conversation with Daya. Luschek isn’t nearly as endearing, and of course he’s going to be the one to make this whole “Fantasy Inmate” thing implode. Though Badison is still there to ruin things, it’s great to see Piper back with a spring in her step now that Alex has been safely found and reunited with her fiancée. The most enjoyable part of the hour was definitely watching Pennsatucky, Donuts, and Dixon having a blast at the theme park, with Dixon stepping in to defend his allegedly gay friends, something that may very well lead to their being caught. 4