Prison life details a morbid and grim look at humanity; an void of social-delinquents, murders are just some details that can be used those who occupy this space behind bars. Though these "outcasts," as perceived from the general public, seem monstrous in reality they are human. This is obvious, however what Jenji Kohan's Orange is the New Black finds itself doing often is painting light to these hardened criminals and humanizes the dehumanized. This is not a novel concept, but the method through which Kohan's characters interact with one another indirectly fleshes out their respective characteristics', creating a fluid and atmospheric experience.
Though enough with the abstract, considering that this show rarely deals with such subject material. The narrative deals with the story of Piper Chapman, portrayed by Taylor Schillings, who is sentenced to one year in prison for her involvement in a drug smuggling incident with a her former lesbian lover Alex Vause, played by Laura Prepon. Growing up with an adventurous mindset to explore and to pursue a positive mentality, Chapman presents the audience with the archetypal protagonist who finds the silver lining in every situation. However her desire to find the best in everything and everyone presents the inherent twisted nature of her character.
There lies a sick infatuation with her belief that she can heal the social ills of the inmates and to realize their own humanity. However the show is smart enough to point out that as the show progresses the inmates come to terms with themselves, rather than Chapman instilling those values. Instead what the audience perceives from Chapman is her twisted state of mind, which propagates her further to insanity; this is further amplified in a key scene where is begins speaking to a apparition across from her while she is in solitary confinement. Without detailing specific points within the plot itself, Chapman begins as an innocent "dandelion," as coined by several inmates, however she title is simply something she blindly adheres to; and as the plot further progresses we can see her true mental outlook unfold rather than radically change.
However that is not to say that Taylor Shillings outperforms the rest of the cast. The performances given by the side characters of the show are just as important to reflect both prison life, and how humans choose to define their existences. Notably Ms. Claudette, portrayed by Michelle Hurst, is introduced to the audience in the same manner as the prisoners/inmates view her. Rumors lurk on the prison grounds that she was sentenced for 1st degree murder, however perceptions change as characters develop. But Kohan does portray a bliss admiration for these characters after we learn that she had well intentions, showing that the prisoners initial reception of her are not well-forgotten and consequences will occur, particularly for Chapman. Additionally the prison guards also have a valuble presence on the show. Whether they seek to romantic endeavors with inmates, seek to assert dominance through sex, or retain a superiority complex through their own necessary means. Though like with the prisoners these characters retain the same humanity as the inmates, which provides for an interesting juxtaposition between those who are and are not behind bars.
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| Even characters like "Pornstache" Mendez do not exhibit archetypical behavior |
Settling in on just thirteen episodes under Netflix's originals program, Orange is the New Black is a show that is well worth watching. However the real value of this shows is the pay off as characters develop and as you further delve onto the catalog of characters and story lines that Kohan conveys to the audience.
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