Article first published as ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK Review on Seat42F.
Grade: 97%
Grade: 97%
Netflix’s latest original series, the
first season of which is now available, is called ORANGE IS THE NEW
BLACK. From Weeds creator Jenji Kohan, the hour-long dramedy (much more
drama than comedy, though it has its moments) follows Piper Chapman
(Taylor Schilling, Mercy), who made a bad decision ten years ago while
in an ill-fitting relationship, and now faces fifteen months in prison.
For those expecting another version of
Weeds, a la Nancy Behind Bars, this is not that show. Instead, it’s an
(I’m told) realistic look at life behind bars, the various personalities
in such a place, and the pressures and stresses of the situation.
Chapman is dropped, out of her element, into a motley crew, and must
find her place while trying to keep her wits about her.
The story is told non-linearly, with
pieces of the puzzle falling into place throughout the hour. We see
Chapman’s first twenty-four hours in lockup. We see her previous tryst
with Alex Vause (Laura Prepon, That ‘70s Show), and how she gets
involved in the drug business, albeit barely. We see how Chapman’s
current fiancé, then boyfriend, Larry Bloom (Jason Biggs, American Pie),
handles the revelations about Chapman’s past, and vows to stick by her
side.
I like that we get all of this out of
order. Somehow, it flows, from an emotional stand point, and it’s not
confusing if one is paying attention. Obviously, in this situation,
Chapman has a lot going through her mind, so it’s understandable that
other scenes are replaying for her and for us.
Like Chapman, prison is a place that
seems harmless enough to the viewer, until it suddenly isn’t. It’s a
foreign land full of strange, unwritten rules. Chapman thinks she is
bonding with Red (Kate Mulgrew, Star Trek: Voyager), until an
inadvertent comment means Chapman will be going hungry. She gets
kindness from others, too, but it’s hard to tell if any of it is
genuine, or if she is being set up or used or put in debt.
Chapman has a lot of time ahead of her,
and we know she will likely eventually find her place. That, or go mad,
but how likely is that for the protagonist of a series? Then again, this
is Netflix, not broadcast television, so predictable rules may be
thrown out.
Schilling is perfect in this role, the
kind of part she proved she deserved on her last ill-fated series. She
can handle the ups and downs, making us think she has it together, but
being completely sympathetic and authentic when she suddenly shows her
vulnerability. She is tough, but scared. She is capable, but out of her
element. The actress slays the part.
The cast is stocked with other amazing
performers. Among those that stand out in the first episode are Natasha
Lyonne (American Pie) as a drugged-out cellmate and Yael Stone
(Spirited) as a wise, kind-hearted mentor. We also see Weeds alumni
Michael Harney and Pablo Schreiber. But more amazing are the numerous
faces that aren’t well-known, yet still convey a power and an allure
that promise we will grow to like and respect them. Great care has been
made to fill the place with women who look like they belong, and are
also wonderful actors, painting a varied landscape.
The story itself is an interesting
premise. While ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK will follow Chapman, obviously,
it will also explore a number of other inmates, and in them lies
countless other tales to be told. This is a world few venture into by
choice, and when the nature of the place is exposed so plainly like
this, and with such talent in putting it together, eyes are sure to be
opened.
Is prison a cruel place? Undoubtedly.
But it may also be the place in which some women find themselves and
what they are capable of.
What will be most intriguing is how
Chapman can possibly go back to her happy life with Larry after the
experience. She is sure to be changed to her core, and readjusting to
the civilian world afterwards cannot be easy. She is warned to view this
experience as something to build up, and then wipe away. Will she be
able to do that? It seems like it would take a special person.
The surprise ending to the first episode
leaves the door open for a couple of possibilities. Is what we see
real, or is it in Piper’s head, since she has been pushed to the
breaking point? Both are intriguing paths, and so the only thing known
at this point is that the installment ends well.
All thirteen episodes of season one of ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK are available on Netflix now.
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