Orange Is The New Black Season 5 Overview: 3 Days Feels Like 3 Years

I FINALLY got through season 5 of "Orange Is The New Black". While I love the show, the riot went on way too long. Why was a three day riot spread over thirteen episodes? The beginning and ending episodes were great but of the middle was unnecessary.

I'm also perplexed by how these people deal with life. Yes, I know "OITNB" is a comedy or a dramedy. These women seem out of touch with reality most of the time. Shouldn't they be alarmed as to what's going to happen after the riot is over? Yes, they're in prison for making questionable decisions but no one has the least bit of self awareness. "Orange" please see "Wentworth" here for how to keep it real. The stakes couldnt be higher on "Wentworth". On "OITNB" I rarely feel any of the core characters are actually in danger.

All in all there were still some great moments though. Daya's fate is sealed after she grabs the gun from sadistic guard Humphrey and shoots him. He later dies. The ladies struggle for power inside the prison. They undress and continually threaten the guards.

Taystee tries to negotiate with the MCC, the governor and whoever else will listen. She has limited success. Taystee wants guard Bailey to be charged with Poussey's murder (which happened at the end of last season). The rest of the women want to negotiate for snacks and other supplies.

After assuming Morello is just her usual cuckoo self, we learn she actually is pregnant. Nicky has an selfless moment and calls her husband who finally gets with the program and decides to stand by her. MCC employee (and Caputo bed buddy) Linda ends up trapped in the prison. That woman sure is adept at surviving. She buddies up to Big Boo for protection and at least one scene of sexy times. Leanne and Angie continue to be meth heads and continually focus on getting high. Leanne gets a finger chopped off. Flaca and Maritza find a phone and become YouTube fashion icons. Gloria desperately tries to get to her son who is having surgery.

Friction between the white supremists and the latina ladies continue but they eventually work together. And don't get me started with the Pennsatucky and Donuts story line. The guy rapes her and now she's swooning over him (and hiding out in his house). Gimme a break. In other news, Chang makes a run for it by slipping through the fence. Run Chang, Run! And remember Sophia? She has been rotting in Max for what seems like an eternity. Outta sight, outta mind I guess.

One of the best parts of this season was my favorite character Frieda finally getting a chance to shine. She has preparing for Armageddon for some time. As the riot sets in, she lets a few chosen women into her secret bunker. Its through a locker into the long abandoned underground pool. Piper proposes to Alex. Wonder how long their happy union will last? Not long since those two thrive on drama.

Piscatella eventually sneaks back into the prison. Does he plan to kill the women? I guess he wants to torture them first. He cuts off chunks of Red's hair. He breaks Alex's arm. The ladies eventually gain control and tie him up.

The SWAT team storms the prison during the finale. Most of the prisoners are moved out to the courtyard but 10 women remain hidden in the basement. They are Red, Flores, Piper, Alex, Frieda, Norma, Taystee, Cindy, Suzanne and Nicky. Red finally lets Piscatella go. He is however shot between the eyes as he startles the riot police. And it's a cliffhanger till next season as to if anyone else dies before it's over.

Grade: 3 3/4 Monsters (out of 5 Monsters total). "Orange" made a brave choice in stretching a three day riot over thirteen episodes. The story arc unfortunately didnt hold up well. The beginning and ending episodes were great but the middle consisted of unnecessary filler. I fear the show lost a number of viewers this season. Let's hope it course corrects in season 6. There are still plenty of compelling stories to tell. And "OITNB" has been renewed for two more seasons so the Litchfield ladies arent going anywhere soon.