Orange is the New Black returned this past weekend, which meant much of the viewing population spent their time indoors partaking in a binge-watching session like no other.
Credit: Netflix
Trying to pace myself this year after perhaps getting binge fatigue during season three, I've watched only the first four episodes of the new season and am happy to report that the series is back on fine form.
I wasn't the biggest fan of season three. In fact, looking back on it I cannot think of a single relevant thing that happened and was resolved in the season. It was a jumbled mess with show bosses trying too hard to make a lasting impact, but instead going overboard and giving the audience way too much rubbish to process.
Now though the charm and humour of the 'old Orange' is back with this fourth season. There may be some truly dark moments - like the chopping up of a body - but it's more than balanced out with the stellar acting ability of each and every member of the cast during some of the funnier moments. The Morello (Yael Stone) and Vinny (John Magaro) visit scene for example is one of the funniest I've seen the show ever present.
Orange is the New Black is truly an ensemble piece with everybody being given the opportunity to shine, and it's a series that isn't afraid to keep adding to its already impressive and weighty roster.
This year, the central storyline running throughout the season is the overpopulation of the prison. With so many new faces behind bars, the characters we've all gotten to know and love will have to adapt to living with more people than they ever have done before. On top of that, there's a new set of guards in the mix and they're not afraid to get heavy-handed if they believe something bad is going down.
How exactly they do deal with the new arrivals differs depending on the inmate. Some just get on with their day. Others plot. And with the arrival of celebrity chef Judy King - who immediately gets special treatment - there's the rumblings of a 'class war' headed their way.
King's story is a great one and something I hope continues to sit in the spotlight. Her relationship with officer Luschek is fantastic and I can't help but hope they'll take it to the next level at some point.
This year my excitement for new episodes has returned. Rather than viewing the series being more of a chore as it was 12 months ago, OITNB has done an incredible job of drawing me back in. I can't wait to see what's next.
Orange is the New Black seasons 1-4 are available now on Netflix.
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