There is not a doubt that all ‘Orange is the New Black’ fans will have watched season 3 of the prison drama by now, and they will probably have completed the season in 2 days. There is something about Piper, Alex, Red, Crazy Eyes, and co that pulls us in and we can’t seem to be able to get enough of these feisty girls.
I’ve been waiting for June 12 since season 2 was released and naturally when the date did finally arrive, I binged watched it all.
Season 2 was a whirlwind of a season and so much happen that it was hard for OITNB to compete with that level of drama in season 3. Did they succeed? No, I don’t think they did. Season 3 had some great comedy moments and it got me to laugh on several occasions but at the same time, I didn’t feel like a whole lot of stuff happened this season. It felt like a filler season to move the storyline along without a great deal actually happening.
We did get to see a bit more of a back story about the characters but it was no where near as in depth as it was in season 2. And I felt that there was no single main plot for the season but instead there were many small sub-plots instead. Yes, it moved the story along and at times created many laughs but after the intensity of the Vee driven plot last season, I would have thought Netflix would have wanted to keep it at that same level of entertainment for the fans. This season lacked shape and as a result, as a fan of the programme, I was left disappointed as a whole. It kills me to say that as it is one of my favourite TV programmes but I expected to see the characters develop and grow and I didn’t really see it happening this season.
One of the things I was happy to see however was Red claiming the kitchen back for herself. For me, Red belongs in the kitchen and its great to see her claim her power back.
And Alex returns back to Litchfield prison! She spends most of the season moping around though, devastated that she has landed herself back in prison. And you probably will have noticed everyone talking about newcomer Ruby Rose who plays Stella Carlin. Move over Alex, Piper has a new love interest!
Overall, after the intensity of last season, OITNB has taken an entirely different route, opting for a light comedy drama for the main focus of season 3. Nothing entirely gripping happens but instead, this is the season to make us laugh. Lots of things happen but at the same time, it feels like nothing really happens at all. And I felt like the ending of season 3 left us on a bum note and unlike many season endings, we were not left devastated that we had reached the end of the season already.
As much as I love OITNB, I think season 3 is the worst season yet. That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy it but I wasn’t as gripped to the programme as I usually am.
Overall Rating: 4/5
Paradise Spice 