June 17, 2016
Season 4 of 'Orange Is the New Black' Kicks Off Today
Winnie McCroy READ TIME: 2 MIN.
After months of waiting, fans rejoiced on June 17 as the hit Netflix show "Orange Is the New Black" released Season 4 for streaming and/or compulsive, unbridled binge-watching.
For a quick recap on Season 3, Litchfield prison has now become privatized, and the prison company is replacing the guards with inexperienced newbie screws, all as more and more prisoners are sent there. What could go wrong?
"We start with political agendas, the corporatization of the prison, the stratification of people into their little mosaic groups," said showrunner Jenji Kohan at the 2016 Winter TCA Press Tour. "We want it to be a surprise, but [you can expect] all the fun stuff like race and hate and some things from current events that we wanted to filter through our lens."
Alex dumped Piper, who started a clandestine 'dirty prison panty' business. After her Aussie romance Stella double-crossed her, Alex got all Walter White on her ass, planting drugs on the girl so her parole was denied.
In straight news, Morello married Vince inside the clink; and Red put the kibosh on Healy, who released his Russian bride from their marriage. Coates raped Doggett, so Boo drugged and raped him back. Daya had her baby, but her prison guard baby daddy Bennett hit the road.
"I love secrets," Red quips, while Piper gets threatened by Maria. "I am going to bury you," she warns.
Transgender character Sophia was attack by the other inmates after hate-mongering about her sex change by Gloria and Aleida. Now Sophia's in the SHU, rotting away with no hormones.
Nicky's also locked up in maximum security, after Luschek blamed her for his discovered heroin stash.
Fans of the show will be glad to know that Season 4 isn't the last; the show has already been renewed for three more seasons.
"Three more years! Not quite a political term, but still plenty of time to do some interesting things. In some cultures, 'May you lead an interesting life,' is a curse, but I don't live in those cultures," said Kohan in a statement. "Here's to keeping it interesting. Thanks, Netflix! Both thanks and you're welcome Lionsgate! And kudos and gratitude to the stellar cast and crew and writers and producers and editors and musicians and mixers and shleppers ... with whom I have the pride and honor of crafting this show. Three more years! Three more years!"
Winnie McCroy is the Women on the EDGE Editor, HIV/Health Editor, and Assistant Entertainment Editor for EDGE Media Network, handling all women's news, HIV health stories and theater reviews throughout the U.S. She has contributed to other publications, including The Village Voice, Gay City News, Chelsea Now and The Advocate, and lives in Brooklyn, New York.
