Sunday, June 21, 2015

Orange is the New Black 3x03 “Empathy is a Boner Killer” (In a Perfect World) [Contributor: Rae Nudson]


“Empathy is a Boner Killer”

There are many reasons why a person would choose to panic, according to Caputo. Like bed bugs, for example, or the prospect of losing your job. Or if a junkie with a business plan takes some drugs for herself and then faces time in max. Or if your secret fiancé stops showing up for work. Or if your books were burned, or your wife is going to leave you, or, apparently, if you are associated with Litchfield in any way whatsoever. Yes, Caputo, there are many reasons to panic.

Right now, though, Nicky may have the biggest reason to panic after she stole the heroin she was trying to sell and is now on her way to a maximum security prison down the road. Nicky’s flashbacks reveal a history of addiction and self-destruction, and her conversation with her mother when she realizes she might be facing 10 years in jail was devastating. Her mother may have made the wrong decisions sometimes, but when you are struggling with addiction, or watching someone you love struggle with addiction, the right decisions can seem impossible as every choice leads to more pain. Nicky knows this all too well, now, and she tells Pennsatucky that she wouldn’t wish being her mother on anyone.

Nicky’s story this episode is a microcosm that could reflect the whole world of Litchfield. Nicky can’t count on the programs in prison that are supposed to “rehabilitate” her, so she creates a support system with Red and does her best to survive. Ultimately, though, Nicky gets trapped inside with what could kill her, and a system of corruption helps bury her. Luscheck, who is part of the system in power, takes advantage of Nicky and not only helps her get further involved with drugs, but also demands 80% of the profits. Luscheck holds all the power, even if Nicky has the product and the idea. Luscheck doesn’t hesitate to use his power to gain access to the drugs and then to throw Nicky under the bus as soon as the drugs are found by Caputo. All Luscheck has to do is say that he suspected Nicky for a while, and they take her away without another word. Nicky can’t seem to save herself, and the corruption and oppressive system of Litchfield keeps her from getting the help she needs, just as it traps everyone and everything it touches. And when the prison finds the drugs, it immediately chooses the option that will get rid of the problem the quickest, and whether it actually helps or whether Nicky actually did it don’t matter at all. (I know that it really was her, but it shocked me how little they investigated the situation or cared about the truth before throwing Nicky’s life away.) Natasha Lyonne does a wonderful job portraying all the sides of Nicky, and her fear and devastation at going to max were heartbreaking to watch.

Even though most of the inmates and guards are dealing with one crisis after another, two people definitely not panicking any more are Alex and Piper. Unfortunately for them (I guess?), they aren’t having hate sex any more either. Piper and Alex’s exercise in drama class allowed them to work out some of their feelings, and Piper delivered the ultimate #sorrynotsorry. (Sorry I took away your freedom and put you back in jail so you’d hang out with me! Not really that sorry though because it worked!) Piper is still the worst — admitting you are manipulative and terrible does not mean you can keep being manipulative and terrible — but even I have to admit her delivery was very cute. The improv at drama class was a much-needed, funny break from Nicky’s story.

The structure this episode returned to focusing on one person’s flashbacks, even as we checked in on many other inmates, and it moved the plot along at a faster clip than the previous two episodes, which felt more like catching up and checking in. I hope that is not the last we see of Nicky, and I hope that Pennsatucky is right when she says things can’t get worse. But I’ve seen too much of Litchfield to believe that.

Other notes:
  • Inmate of the episode is Morello, who gave it her all in drama class and led a spirited discussion on the history of blow jobs. This episode was quite funny, and every time Morello was on screen it was a delight.
  • “I like reading more than I like living my actual life.” – Blanca. Girl, I get it. The memorial service for the books was such a great part of this episode.
  • LOL at Healy’s utter befuddlement as he watches Berdie connect with the inmates in a way he will never be able to. I still don’t quite trust Berdie, but it was fun to see some of the inmates are reacting so positively toward her.
  • “What are we going to do now if we can’t have hate sex?” “Hate snuggle?” “I don’t really think that that’s a thing.”
  • How does everyone’s eyebrows in prison look SO good?

2 comments:

  1. For all of Season 3's problems (mostly too much Piper, that is the main problem), I keep getting pulled back in as the other inmates continue to be developed and have these great scenes. Agreed, Morello has been wonderful to watch, as has Poussey and Flaca and Maritza, who I could probably just watch an hour of on their own.

    Maybe Sophia does their eyebrows? But surely she couldn't do everybody's.

    Also, just watched Episode 10 and it gets worse. It gets so much worse. Nice job on these recaps, Rae!

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  2. Thanks, Lindsay! I would 100% watch the Flaca and Maritza show

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