New Black Is BACK: OITNB S5 Review

The popular Netflix comedy-drama Orange is the New Black is back for season 5. The season was released on Friday June 9th. The season took place over a three-day span continuing the season four ending with the prison riot after the tragic death of beloved character Poussey Washington (Samira Wiley). The season left watchers with so many burning questions for season six.

Season four ended with the inmates outraged that they down played the death of Washington saying she was an aggressive inmate and the officer had no other choice. The prison broke out in a riot and Daya (Dascha Polanco) got a hold of a cocky officer’s gun, which he wasn’t supposed to have in the first place. So much happens in these three days that could be life altering for the series. First off, watchers are wondering if this is the last they will see of Litchfield. The season ended with the inmates being bussed to different prisons. It has watchers wondering if this will be the end of some characters. One in particular being Sophia (Lavern Cox). We see her do her stint in the infirmary and then she purposely gets sent to Max to look for Sister Ingalls. But, viewers find it hard to believe they would give her such a low-key goodbye, so their hopeful.

There was some romance as per usual with the series. Piper (Taylor Schilling) and Alex (Laura Prepon) got engaged so there’s a possibilities of a wedding next season. The worst romantic decision made this season was the relationship between Pensatucky (Taryn Manning) and her rapist Coates (James McMenamin). We spent part of the season trying to get back at him for raping her and we thought she was mad at him but low and behold, they start a relationship.

The most heart wrenching moment was when Daya decided to give up her baby. This was an interesting season where Daya was concerned. It makes a view realize how much her mom being in the prison really did make a difference to how she acted. Daya shot an officer who ended up dying; she now realizes she will more than likely face trial for the murder. There’s a chance we won’t be seeing her a lot next season also. Another emotional ping, was Taystee (Danielle Brooks) and her attempt to redeem Poussey’s death. It was technically Taystee’s fault that the prison was gassed and raided leading to the reassignment because MCC wouldn’t arrest Bayley for Poussey’s murder.

All and all these new season was crazy intense and is going to take the watcher on a roller coaster ride of emotions.

Orange is the New Black season five is now streaming on Netflix.