10 Things To Love About ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK
1. They name drop "Oz" in the first episode. Before OITNB came into my life, I was binge watching episodes of HBO's Oz, a one-hour dramatic television series set in the (fictional) Oswald State Correctional Facility, a maximum security prison. Though there are obvious parallels, I was pleased to find that OITNB is really unique-- not just Ladies in Oz-- so I had a nice giggle when the warden welcomes Piper (Taylor Shilling) by barking: "This isn't Oz!"
In fact, I really appreciate OITNB for just that reason: It isn't Oz. The inmates are not maximum security offenders, they are (in almost every case) a three-dimensional character who made (a) mistake/s. Also, there seems to be much more of a sense of camaraderie-- not just among the women on screen, but in the way I find I can relate to them as a viewer. Granted, I am, myself, a woman-- so I'm sure that helps. But it's been a uniquely different experience to find myself relating to these women-- knowingly they made bad decisions but are not beyond hope or help. But I suppose I'm not quick to admit the parallels that may exist between myself and those crude, violent "lifers" locked up in Oz.
2. Morello (Yael Stone), World's Most Endearing Brooklynite. Who is this woman?! Why have we never seen her adorable face on television before? That lil 1930's gangster accent! That red lipstick she takes the time to sport, even in prison! And she's Australian in real life? (God, she's the best!)
3. Just when you thought Taryn Manning would never top her role in Hustle and Flow...SHE DOES! I'm a huge fan of Taryn Manning's work and OISNB is no exception. She has a way of transporting me-- just catapulting me into a story in a way that makes me want to shower afterward in order to escape its visceral affect. As Kimberly Dogget (AKA "Pennsatucky") I find her simultaneously horrifying and sympathetic. As for Manning-- what a beautiful woman who isn't afraid to get her hands (and her teeth) dirty for the sake of an amazing performance!
4. Just when you thought Taryn Manning's hair would never top her hair in Hustle and Flow...IT DOES! Let's compare weaves...
And look how beautiful she is:
5. Laverne Cox -- the real thing! It excites me to know that this endearing and complex depiction of a transgender woman in prison is actually performed by a transgender actor! Laverne Cox brings such sensitivity and heart to the character of Sophia Burset. And she's a total fox.
6. It's okay to not like the main character. As I've continued, ravenously, to consume episodes of OITNB, I've warmed to Piper more and more. In fact, my opinion of her kind of mirrors how I felt, in the wake of my Weeds watching days, about Nancy Botwin (Mary Louise Parker.) Writor/Creator Jenji Kohan seems to have a way of making me expect better of these central females. I want them to know how they come off to the people around them--and to me. But in the end, I'm glad to have seem them floundering, making big mistakes, seriously misjudging people, acting without a moral compass...
Also, respect to Kohan for her answers to some tough questions here.
7. Re-defining the TV lesbian. Lea DeLaria ("Big Boo" in OITNB) has some great quotes about the portrayal of lesbian characters on television (see article posted below.) There are a handful of empowering examples of lesbian characters in OITNB, but DeLaria's portrayal, in particular, rings as refreshing in its authenticity. Big Boo is not the kind of lesbian character only on TV for the demographic of boys aged 16-24 and their ratings, ya know?
8. Jodie Foster's TV directorial debut! HELLLLOOOOOO!!!! What a nice bonus! Foster helmed the third episode "Lesbian Request Denied." I liked this episode very much, but was particularly intrigued by the exploration of the awkward and heart-wrenching "relationship" with Piper and Suzanne Warren AKA Crazy Eyes. (How GREAT is Uzo Aduba in this role, by the way-- and the writing for her character, for that matter?! It's scary, sad, unexpected, affecting...) Great episode, Jodie!
9. Regina. Spektor. The internet is already all a-buzz with praise for Regina Spektor's amazing theme music for the show. Usually, my favorite thing about watching a show on Netflix is skipping over the title sequences... because I'm addicted to TV shows and I can't wait through 30 seconds of opening credits. In this case, however, I find myself looking forward to watching the montage of beautiful faces coupled with Spektor's music and lyrics (THOSE LYRICS!) Listen to the whole thing here.
10. Strong Women on TV! I know this seems like a no-brainer, but when you watch hours and hours of television like I do (for better or worse), you really start to appreciate appearances from well-rounded, smart women who are written with respect and acted with respect.
Also read this from The Advocate's Diane Anderson-Minshall because it's great. "Why You Should Watch Orange Is the New Black."
And we didn't even talk about Tastee and Poussey, Miss Claudette, Little Tricia or the cute yoga lady with a scandalous past!!
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