Tyler Krenzin
Lantern Staff
Season six of Orange is the New Black brings back something we got a taste of in the beginning of season two: maximum security (Max).
Of course, there had to be overlaying consequences for every character, for their involvement in the riot that took place over the course season five.
However, I was afraid that the writers of the series were not prepared to dole out the harsh punishment of “Max” to everyone. We could have had a split season with half the population still at Litchfield, while the others suffered in “Max.” I am extremely happy that the writers place our well known characters into a situation where they would have no control.
As it turns out, maximum is split into four blocks: A-block, B-block (also known as “Florida”), C-block and D-block. D-block and C-block have had a rivalry for an unknown amount of time, but rivalry turned into a feud after two sisters (Carol and Barbara Denning), in prison for murdering their little sister, gain control of both of the blocks. This brings a much needed connection to our known characters, because as it turns out, Frieda Berlin (Dale Soules) sold out Carol Denning (Henny Russell) for the ability to be moved from “Max” to minimum security. Now with all the inmates being transferred to “Max,” Frieda is terrified of retaliation from the sisters, and it is by far the best story line in this season.
Other storylines include the selling out of previous allies by most of the characters to avoid harsher sentences, and the “feds” searching for the murderer of Correctional Officer Desi Piscatella (Brad William Henke). Of course we have the continuance of the Piper Chapman (Taylor Schilling) and Alex Vause (Laura Prepon) storyline, and nothing is really different with them. Chapman is still an annoyance to everyone around her, and Vause can’t seem to avoid her drug running past.
Overall, the change from the minimum security to a maximum security facility, put a lot of the characters out of their comfort zone. This was a well needed change after spending the last three seasons with only a few major conflicts. It’s nice to see that they are going to continue down a more serious path
Everything about this season surprised me, leaving me excited for what could come in season seven. 7.8/10
