Last night I told myself I was only able to watch one new episode from season two of Orange Is The New Black. I didn’t have time to binge watch five episodes in a row, plus I want to make this season last. Season one was over in the blink of an eye for me because I watched literally every episode in less than two days… Don’t judge, it was a long winter in Chicago.
But you can’t just watch only one episode of OITNW. It’s impossible. The end of every episode leaves you wanting more. The creator behind the show, Jenji Kohan, is a pretty smart gal and knows exactly what she’s doing.
And so last night I found myself in the middle of episode three and it was already past midnight and I still had about ten other things I wanted to get done before I went to bed. So I made myself turn it off and walk away. But it was hard. I mean Piper had just got back and Alex was still gone and I need to know if she’s really out for good! I NEED TO KNOW!
I guess you could say I really like this show. In fact, I love this show. Let me give you a few reasons why.
First of all, I love the writing and the dialogue. One minute I am laughing and the next minute I am crying. Each episode lasts about only sixty minutes yet in that short amount of time we’re taken on a roller coaster of all sorts of emotions. The dialogue just feels so damn real and honest to me it makes me wonder why I’ve never seen a show like this before. And did I mention five out of the seven writers are women? That isn’t exactly a normal ratio for television.
And then there’s the cast. Oh, how I love the cast. Have you ever seen a more diverse group of women in one setting? It is comprised of women of all shapes, sizes, colors and backgrounds. And they’re good actresses. They somehow manage to be funny and tragic all at the same time. Crazy Eyes, anyone? I love that woman. And I think we can all use a little more Tarryn Manning in our life. I was sold on that girl when she was Britney Spears’s pregnant friend in Crossroads. And then there was 8 Mile and Hustle and Flow, so I think it’s safe to say Tarryn’s been preparing to play Pennsatucky the meth head her entire life. And God love her for it.
But one of my favorite things about Orange Is The New Black is the fact it’s not just a show about women in prison. The writers don’t just skim over the fact these women are locked up and now we’re going to watch what happens. We get to see the backstory of these people and how they ended up where they are and it’s never a pretty one. In fact, almost every backstory is full of pain and sadness, which I’m assuming is probably the case with most people who are in prison. The childhoods that so many of these women lived through basically just set them up for failure. The show really makes you think of prisoners in a new light, as least that’s what it does for me. Yes, the majority of the inmates are guilty as hell and deserve their sentence, but a lot of times it’s because they’re simply a product of their upbringing. That’s another thing I love about OITNB, it tells a story of these people who have been outcast from society, but tells it in a way that doesn’t cast any judgment.
So basically what I’m saying is that it’s my new life goal to be a writer on this show. And I’m sure this won’t be hard to accomplish. Not at all. Kohan is known for hiring young new writers so I bet I can just send her an email and have her check out my “popular post” tab and she’ll totally hire me. Should I have her check out the post about why I’m the most Indistinguishable Girl In The World or the Letter To Naked Gym Lady? What do you guys think? Which says “hire ME to write for your hit show rather than the millions of others who also want the job” more? Get back to me on this one.
Or if all else fails I could just play Piper’s stand in.
Do you watch? What are your thoughts?
I agree 100% with everything in this post – the writing, dialogue and acting are so spot on. Plus I think the portrayal of the real problems that a lot of people face (that a lot of the show's audience probably never has even considered) is excellent. Of course people who break the law need to see consequences for their actions, but society also needs to think about the consequences that raising children in certain conditions can have.
love this show ! I havent started the second season yet but I just cant wait lol
xo
M
Simply Sutter
I was so hooked during season one, can't wait to start season two!
I love this show and I too just had to put it away for a minute, it's so addicting. A friend of mine says why would that even be interesting, "I don't want to watch a show about women in prison that become lesbians." She has no idea what she's missing.
I think it's safe to say Tarryn's been preparing to play Pennsatucky the meth head her entire life. And God love her for it. LMFAO so so true!
I love this show and I binge watched it all in 2 days #lame
We have held ourselves two 2 episodes a night the past two nights. It's been nothing less than awful to turn it off. I agree, I am loving the back stories this season!
I finished episode 3 last night too. So I'm dying for Philip to come home so we can continue watching it.
I haven't started season 2 yet but I'm so anxious to!
I love that show too! I had no idea that most of the writers are women, but I think that explains the amazing story telling and the heartbreaking back stories.
Love how you put your face on Piper, I didn't even realize it for a second, you could totally pull her off!
Crazy eyes agrees, she luuurves you dandelion!
I totally agree, this is hands down one of the best written shows I have ever watched. I watched an interview this morning with the cast on the Today show, and you should have totally seen "Crazy Eyes" as a non crazy person. She is actually pretty gorgeous!
I absolutely LOVE this show, too, and I didnt know or expect that I would, going into it. My husband and I are watching season two now, and probably the only reason we aren't going totally nuts on it (aka binge watching everything in a matter of days) is because we moved this weekend and only have enough energy/time for one episode a night so far. I'm kinda glad though because, like you, I want the season to last
It IS the best show, and you would be GREAT for that job!! Comedian, Chicagoan, and fantastic blog writer?! Get it!
I LOVE OITNB. I finished the whole season, by staying up all night lol. It was perfectly written, and I'm sure a lot of networks are wanting this show, but its a netflix original, so boom! I can't wait for the 3rd season. I love crazy eyes, and I think you'd do a great job as a body double for Piper. xo
-Darianne | She Wrote Today
I watched 1-3 last night too! It is so addicting! I am LOVING the back stories of the other prisoners, especially Crazy Eyes and Tastee. What an amazing show!
Omg my husband and I are watching this show and LOVE it, we're still on season one so I had to stop reading mid post because I was scared I might read something I dont know yet! haha Girl we are addictedddddddd, literally impossible to only watch 1 show at a time.
I love how you wrote this post about the show because you nailed it. I love learning about each character's backstory and it is so sad indeed. I think they also have a way of explaining where the character is coming from and why they act as they do. I love the entire cast! they are all so talented and it's refreshing to watch a show that actually brings diversity to a whole 'nother level. The fact that we get to watch all 13 episodes, just blows my mind! TV done right 🙂
I find that it has been a trend of people not being able to stop watching this show! It's such an addicting story and the way they go about revealing each character is AMAZING! Love this show.
I'm just really impressed with your photoshop sjills.
i told myself I wouldn't watch so many episodes. I started it Saturday and I'm on episode 7. Great.
I watched the entire season in two days now im just sitting here wanting to spoil the entire season for everyone! 🙁 lol this show is genius and so well thought out! CAN.NOT.WAIT for season 3!
Favorite show in a long time!
Case in point: Most Indistinguishable Girl has my vote. 😉
i love OITNB! i also wrote a post abotu second season in my blog, and i will love your opinion, Tay.
xo
Orly
coffeebeansandhighheels.weebly.com
It's so good. I'm baffled that it's on Netflix only. I like that I don't have a favorite character. Their stories are all so compelling. Except for piper and Larry, oddly. He's the worst.
What ever happened to the comedy pilot?
It is so addicting, but that's why I love it so! Thank goodness I can binge watch until my heart is content. No shame here!
OHHH i needed a new show to watch this summer now that there´s only one episode left of Game of Thrones. Will def check this one out, thanks for this post! 🙂
I am addicted to this show. I just started watching it so I'm still on season one….soooo good! I agree though, cannot just watch one episode. +
I'm so addicted. I actually just caved and watched the first season two weeks ago. So I was lucky that the 2nd season was released a few days later but now that I'm halfway through the last episode, I'm having regrets about binging over the weekend. Darn you Netflix for releasing it all at once. Why can't you cater to those with addictive personalities?!?
I am so addicted to the show! NOw I've even gotten my sister addicted. She watched (and I rewatched season 1) in two days just so we could start season 2 together. Now we've made the decision to only watch one episode a day but it's so hard!!! Most days we end up watched two.