Orange Is The New Black Season 6 Episodes 1-3 Review: If The Ladies Thought They Had It Bad Before...

I must confess to barely getting through season five of "OITNB" (see my previous reviews here). Making 13 episodes about a three day riot was a mistake IMHO. I dont have a problem with the riot itself. The ladies had been pushed as far as they could go--with the murder of Poussey (for which no one was held responsible) and the inhumane conditions they were held under. I do have an issue with it taking so long to play out. Everything moved in slooooow motion. After watching three episodes of season 6 though, I'm happy to report that the pacing is much improved.

Many of the women from Litchfield are now in Max (which is just down the hill). They include: Suzanne (my absolute favorite), Piper, Red, Taystee, Cindy, Gloria, Maria, Freida, Nicky, Flores, Flaca, a still pregnant Lorna and Daya (who has suffered multiple beatings from the guards). Hopefully Alex and Sophia will be back soon as well.

Big Boo and several others are apparently in Cleveland. Linda is released when they determine she is not an inmate. Too bad her head was shaved (lice, ya know) before they came to that realization. Linda gives her boss an ultimatum. Either he gives her several million million dollars or he makes her a Senior VP at MCC. Remember she was previously the head of purchasing. Senior VP it is.

Life in Max is not as warm and fuzzy as Litchfield. These women mean business. There are stabbings, beatdowns and missing digits. Several of the prominent new characters include: feuding sisters Barb (yes that is Mackenzie Phillips) and Carol Denning, Badison (Red's new roommate) and Daddy (played by Vicci Martinez). Frieda is very afraid of the Dennings because she double crossed them some 30 years ago. The guards in Max may also be worse (but its a little early to tell). A few of the Litchfield guards have transferred over as well. Looks like at least one has PTSD from being held hostage during the riot.

The prison is divided into several wards: Block C (controlled by Carol), Block D (controlled by Barb), and Block B (where the "grannies, trannies, and loonies" live). C and D are continually at war. Freida manages to con her way into B (where she's safe for a little while). Suzanne is there as well.

The Feds are determined to bring the killers of Piscatella and Humphries to justice. Only problem is the police team that entered the prison after the riot accidentally killed Piscatella and then framed the women. They went so far as to put a few bullets into his already dead body. Humphrey died from a gunshot to the leg from Daya and a stroke that followed. The Feds are told they need to lock up two women for life and another five for 10+ years. It doesnt matter if they are innocent or not. With the ladies all turning on each other, it's impossible to tell who will go down.

Grade: 4 1/2 Monsters (out of 5). Season 6 is off to a good start with a new locale, new characters and new dynamics. Let's hope the show keeps it up. I fear for Red though. I'm afraid she may never get out of prison if everyone turns on her. "OITNB" has already been renewed for a season seven so there's definitely more story to be told.