Orange Is The New Black Season 3 Episodes 10-13 Reviews: Trust No Bitch (Season Finale)

What did you think of season 3 of "Orange Is The New Black"? How did it stack up against the others? I'd have to say season 1 is still my favorite. Probably because it was brand new but also because Piper and Alex's relationship got the most air time then. In season 2 we saw very little of Alex (because she was paroled after ratting on her drug boss). Season 3 didnt have her doing much except being paranoid. Season 1 also had Piper adjusting to prison life with Crazy Eyes attempting to court her, Pennsatucky trying to kill her and Piper being locked in solitary by the evil Mr Healy.

The best part about season 2 was definitely Vee and her attempts to become top dog at the prison. Her manipulations of Crazy Eyes and Tastey were painful to watch. And what a finale! That was a great ending.

Everything Was Going Well Until Angie Got Hungry & Ate Norma Toast

Season 3 was lighter on drama and heavier on comedy. The highlight was the Cult of Norma. Hilarious! The bed bug story line was fun. Crazy Eyes and her prison erotica (Time Hump Saga) was a quirky addition. Black Cindy's struggle to convert to Judaism (and not just for the kosher meals) was both funny and compelling. More Black Cindy please!. I could have done without the prison panty story line. But as a result Piper meets new prisoner and potential love interest Stella (Ruby Rose). Stella doesnt have much to do either except look hot. Piper proves she's nobody's fool when she sets up Stella to be sent to max (instead of being released). You really shouldnt have stolen that money Stella.

Litchfield's Second Hottest Couple

I enjoyed learning about some of the other characters:

We got to see some of Chang's back story.
Pennsatucky became a much more sympathetic character and started a friendship with Big Boo.
Mr Cupto also got a significant amount of air time with a corporate take over of the prison. He's always been a good guy that is dumped on. Looks like he's decided to look out for "number 1" for a while instead. I could have done without his relationship with Fig. It didnt add much to the show.
Daya worries about what to do with her baby. Doesnt it seem like she's been pregnant forever? Her manipulative mother Aleida originally told Pornstache's mother (Mary Steenburgen) the baby was his. Remember Pornstache is in prison for having sex with Daya. It looks like Bennett might help raise the child but he drives away never seen again. I thought he was a good guy...but I guess not. Daya eventually decides to keep the baby (who goes to stay with Aleida's boyfriend). The police raid the house and all of the children are taken into protective custody.
Who would have guessed that Leanne is Amish?
We also see a friendship (and maybe more) forged between Mr Healy and Red. I'm glad he's finally become a more likable character (and gave up on his mail order bride Katya).
Sophia is bashed by some of the inmates (after a disagreement with Gloria regarding their sons). She is then sent to solitary (for her own protection...supposedly). Did everyone forget about her by the end of the season? Cause that's what it seemed like.
Who was have guessed that Leanne is Amish? Not I.
Soso tries to off herself but is finally adopted by the black girls. Will she and Poussey become an item next year? Poussey also struggled with an alcohol problem but is now in recovery.
Lorna eventually proposed to her prison pen pal (after he and his friends beat up Christopher). Christopher as you recall is the poor soul that Lorna was previously obsessed with. Lorna and Vinny are married in a cute prison ceremony (and allowed a quickie conjugal visit). That was funny.
Crazy Eyes finds gets over Vee's death (thanks to help from Tastey). She may also get a turtle tossing girlfriend.
We saw far too little of Nicky as she was sent down the hill after her drug deal goes bad.

Season 3 Cast

Alex's story this season was confined to being paranoid over who might try to kill her. As you recall, Piper is the reason she's back in prison in the first place (but Alex doesnt initially know that). She focuses on Lolly as the hitwoman. But Lolly turns out to be plain old crazy. In the finale we learn that a new guard is the guy who worked for Alex's drug boss. Alex is cornered in the gardening shed while everyone else is frolicking in the lake (since all the guards took the day off to protest Caputo's new job). Will we see Alex next year? If so, I hope they give her something else to do.

Amen!

Grade: 4 Monsters (out of 5). Probably my least favorite of the three seasons but I still enjoyed it. I REALLY hope we get to see more of Black Cindy next year. Love her!