On July 26, 2019, the fans of ‘Orange is the new black’ finally bid good-bye to the show. However, the memories of the series, more than this, the powerful message that the creators of the show tried to impart is still intact amongst many of us. But can we officially call ‘Orange is the new black’ as the most important show of the decade?
Taylor Schilling and Laura Prepon starrer ‘Orange is the new black’, has been one of the most inspiring and profound TV series of the decade. In the past, we have seen and been a part of many entertaining and superhit shows, but not many shows have had such a life-changing impact upon us. While we were trying to turn our backs on what is going on in the outer world, ‘Orange is the new black’ made us face the reality, which we didn’t want to believe existed.
Highlights —
- Recalling the last episode of ‘Orange is the new black’
- How ‘Orange is the new black’ came under the radar of critics?
- The controversy surrounding ‘Orange is the new black’
- The message that made ‘Orange is the new black’ rule over our hearts
Nevertheless, amongst all the gloominess in the world, this series gave us everlasting faith, that one day all of our selfless deeds will come back to us, which has helped many of us in leading a hopeful and optimistic life. Thinking over all the lessons which this show has taught us, maybe Time Magazine was right in calling this the most interesting show of the decade.
A quick recap of the finale episode of the show
The finale episode of ‘Orange is the new black’ successfully manages to provide an end to all many characters of the show. But the most important of all was the closure provided to Piper’s character which in its all intricacies was completely justified.
Let us refresh your memory about what happened with Piper Chapman at the end. During visitation, Alex tells Piper that she is being transferred to an Ohio penitentiary and it would be better for them to break apart. Even though Alex loves Piper way too much to keep her hanging for the next three years, she tells Piper that things are not working out between them and all of this is for the best. After telling Larry(her ex-fiance) about Alex setting her free, she makes a few decisions about her life and hits the road. Fortunately, we do get to witness Piper’s new life, where she has moved out of Cal and Neri’s apartment and was seen cleaning floors at Starbucks, and not just this she also enrolled in Law school. We also see her reuniting with her wife and trust us, she looked content and happier than ever!
Why were some critics of colour unhappy with the show?
During the initial run of the show, many white critics appreciated the series for its diversity. The story of a white bi-sexual girl going to prison instantly attracted the audience’s attention. Overall, the show had a long-inclusivity of the entire LGBTQ+ community, which made it one of the critically acclaimed shows. However, as more seasons released, it started to receive backlash from the critics of colour. They believed that the show’s portrayal of many tragedies which the people of colour face, merely became a cause for them to showcase their storytelling skills. Not only this, but there were also arguments about the lack of inclusivity in the behind-the-stage cast of the show.
Despite having pure intentions about including a broad spectrum, the lack of diversity in the crew members and the insensitivity toward the marginalized community failed to garner the attention of the critics of colour.
What was the controversy that brought ‘Orange is the new black’ into the limelight?
One of the leading castes of the show, Taryn Manning who was seen in the role of Tiffany took her fans to her Instagram and wrote an entire caption about how ‘OITNB’ had hurt her feelings. In a deleted Instagram post she wrote,
“This show hurt me more than anything has in my life and if this is what I have to do to push what I stand for I will. Not one cast member cares about me. Just watch. No one cares to help so I am dedicated to learning how to make a difference.”
She further added,
“I have to speak out before anything happens to me. F**k fame! This show hurt humans. You will never truly know but many were hurt!”
In her entire post, it was nowhere mentioned how the show hurt her feelings; however, Taryn later came with an explanation saying that she didn’t know who wrote all of these things as her Instagram account got hacked.
“I am back in and I am sorry. “I am sorry for these messages. I am back in now and was able to erase!”
What was the overall message of the show, ’OITNB’?
With every season, came a new ray of lessons that strengthened our beliefs and gave way to a new reality. But what gets overlooked amongst all of these life-lessons is the more intense message that the creators tried to depict through this show.
All of us in life have some or the other time committed a crime; small or a felony, we all can be guilty of a certain misdemeanor. Now, the question arises: If we all are culpable of wrongdoing, does this make us a bad person?
Not really and this is what the show tries to tell us. What this show is trying to imply is that at some level we all are alike; whether you deem yourself as good or bad, it doesn’t qualify you to judge another person. And in life, what goes around comes back to us. You will get penalized for all the bad you do in the world and in some way you will get rewarded for all your selfless deeds. What you need to do is to live a life full of faith and hope; hope that eventually, things will start to fall in your favour.
Keeping aside all the backlash, criticism, and the many controversies the show has been a part of, no one can deny the many life-lessons that the show has taught us, which truly makes it an important and popular show of the decade. Comment down below the advice you are carrying along with you for the lifetime.
