Dissecting Orange is the New Black’s Most Disturbing Storyline
Now that a suitable amount of time has passed since the premiere of the fifth season of Netflix’s “Orange is the New Black” on June 9, it’s time to discuss the series’ most controversial story arc. WARNING: SPOILERS FOLLOW.
On paper, Orange is the New Black’s fifth season was a triumph — the series successfully capitalized on the cliffhanger of its previous entry, as well as set the stage for what promises to be a game-changing sixth season. However, the season was not without its faults — the condensed pace stunted character development, screen time was not effectively balanced amid the enormous cast and there was a lack of payoff for many long-running story arcs. And yet, the biggest issue with this fifth entry involves inmate Tiffany “Pennsatucky” Dogget (Taryn Manning) and her bourgeoning romance with the man who raped her.
A bit of context — in its third season, OITNB turned heads with its brutally introspective look at sexual assault when Pennsatucky was raped by her Correctional Officer Charlie Cates (James McMenamin) while the two were doing errands outside the prison. The act was horrific, but the show was commending for focusing on Pennsatucky’s perspective of the disturbing assault by zooming in on the actress’ face. By focusing on Pennsatucky’s dead facial expression, the assault became about the character’s trauma, rather than the actions of her CO. In an age where rape is increasingly being utilized as a plot device (looking at you, Game of Thrones), it is refreshing to see depictions that effectively transmit the atrocity of the act to millions of viewers.
For the remainder of that season, OITNB explored the aftermath of the incident from Pennsatucky’s standpoint. Viewers felt her rage, sorrow and, above all, confusion over what had transpired. Crucially, the show revealed that Pennsatucky possessed a history of sexual abuse, which manifested in low self-worth and a previous indifference to rape.
Then, in its politically-charged fourth season (which accentuated themes related to the Black Lives Matter movement), the show once again stirred controversy by humanizing Coates as an inevitable product of the flawed prison system, as well as by allowing Pennsatucky to forgive her rapist. It was a move that, while provocative, displayed a reaction to rape that is not traditionally depicted on television. Is it possible to forgive a person that committed such a despicable crime? Is forgiveness a healthy or irrational response to depict on such a wildly popular television series? These questions became increasingly vital as OITNB ventured into uncharted television territory.
The fourth season ended with a particularly divisive sequence. In the kitchen of Litchfield Penitentiary, Pennsatucky and Coates kissed passionately until the latter pulled himself away and menacingly stated “It’s taking everything I got not to throw you down and fuck you right now.” It was a tense, troubling moment that foreshadowed the uneasiness to come.
The latest season finds Pennsatucky and Coates in a flirty and romantic place during a prison riot. The CO is hiding in the ceiling and vents to avoid being captured by the other inmates as Pennsatucky enjoys the relative freedom caused by the riot. But in a particularly uncomfortable scene, Pennsatucky masturbates on her bed as Coates watches from the ceiling above. They lock eyes as she continues to pleasure herself until climax. And, whereas the infamous rape scene zoomed in on the face of the inmate, this scene focuses on the CO’s percepton.
In the season finale, Pennsatucky escapes Litchfield and flees to Coates’ house, which is located on the prison grounds. When he returns, they cuddle on his couch while watching news coverage of the conclusion of the riot.
Did OITNB take its most upsetting storyline too far? On a show that prides itself on respectfully portraying women’s struggles and fiercely advocating empowerment, it is alarming for a female inmate to willingly fall into the arms of the man who violated her.
Aside from spreading a potentially harmful message to an immense television following, my biggest qualm with this story arc is that, quite frankly, I don’t see the point of it. I understand the value of depicting an unorthodox response to rape. But for now, I do not ultimately understand the purpose of turning Pennsatucky and Coates into an item. Are we meant to root for them? Surely not. Are we meant to wait until Coates’ aggressive behavior inevitably resurfaces, thereby demonstrating that Pennsatucky was foolish to think their relationship could find a semblance of normalcy? Hopefully not.
On the hand, perhaps Pennsatucky’s arc this season is not meant to have a point — perhaps it is meant to be a lesson. During the riot, Pennsatucky found herself surrounded by people who intentionally or unwittingly ostracized her. This is not a recent occurrence — for the past few seasons, Pennsatucky has gradually lost her support network. It began with her meth-head companions and continued to the point where all she had left was Carrie “Boo” Black (Lea DeLaria). Eventually, that friendship dissipated when Boo found herself preoccupied and enamored with Warden Caputo’s girlfriend. When Pennsatucky eventually frees Coates from the riot, she is further ostracized by being sentenced to staying in a decrepit portable toilet by her fellow inmates.
In short, Coates was the only person that paid attention to Pennsatucky this season. He was the only person to provide the affection she needed. As a result, it is no surprise that she ventured to his house in the final episode. Exiled from her sisters, she turned to the only person who seemed to care; her rapist.
It is a distressing situation, but one with a simple moral — we must be kinder to each other. Pennsatucky did not believe she deserved far more than the man who sexually assaulted her, as she has only experienced aggression, hostility and banishment from her companions and authority figures. Suddenly, the inmate’s story arc is no longer a muddled mess — it is a cry for compassion, empathy and solidarity.
In the end, Pennsatucky’s story arc remains up to interpretation. Is it an unhealthy depiction of post-rape trauma? Is it a lesson on the importance of displaying unity and kindness to ensure that we all deserve more than what we are getting? Regardless of the answer, OITNB’s greatest virtue continues to be its ability to ask vital questions that challenge our conception of pertinent topics.
As a white male, I recognize that I have absolutely no authority on topics like the harrowing effects of sexual assault. I simply noticed that this topic was not being discussed in reviews of OITNB’s fifth season and wanted to start a conversation. For more coverage on the show’s depictions of rape from previous seasons, please consult these well-written pieces from authoritative sources such as Amy Roberts, Jada Yuan, Mehera Bonner and Anne Cohen.
To access resources for sexual assault victims, visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) at rainn.org. For a 24-hour crisis hotline, call (800) 656–4673.
Modus Vivendi is a lifestyle column written by Daniel Sucar published every Friday in The Pitchwriter. Follow us to receive our stories every day in your inbox.
