Ep 5. Sing It, White Effie

In Orange Is the New Black season 5 episode 5 titled "Sing It, White Effie," the inmates of Litchfield Penitentiary are still reeling from the death of one of their own. Tensions are running high, and alliances are being formed as the inmates struggle with their grief and anger.

The focus of this episode is on Suzanne (played by Uzo Aduba), a.k.a. Crazy Eyes, as she tries to come to terms with Poussey's death. Suzanne is devastated by the loss of her friend, and she struggles to cope with her emotions. In an attempt to deal with her grief, she becomes obsessed with the idea of putting on a tribute for Poussey.

Suzanne's plan is to create a musical production inspired by the Broadway show Dreamgirls, with Poussey as the lead character, Effie White. Suzanne enlists the help of several other inmates, including Cindy (played by Adrienne C. Moore) and Janae (played by Vicky Jeudy), who are skeptical at first but eventually agree to participate.

As the inmates work on their production, they must navigate the complex dynamics of life in prison. Many of them are deeply affected by Poussey's death, and they struggle with their own feelings of guilt and sadness. Meanwhile, the tension between the white and black inmates continues to escalate, with both groups trying to assert their dominance.

Despite the challenges they face, the inmates are determined to put on a show that will honor Poussey's memory. They rehearse tirelessly, working on their singing and dancing, and even building their own costumes and sets.

As the day of the performance approaches, the inmates are excited but nervous. They know that their tribute to Poussey will be a powerful statement, but they also worry about what could happen if things go wrong.

When the time comes for the performance, the inmates are ready. They take to the stage with confidence and conviction, pouring their hearts and souls into their tribute to Poussey. The result is a moving and powerful production that brings many of the inmates to tears.

Through their tribute to Poussey, the inmates of Litchfield Penitentiary come together to express their grief and honor the memory of their friend and fellow inmate. Despite the violence and tension that surrounds them, they are able to find a sense of community and hope, showing that even in the darkest of places, there is always room for love and connection.