Ep 9. The Tightening

The Tightening is the ninth episode of the fifth season of Orange Is the New Black. Set at the Litchfield Penitentiary, this prison drama unfolds in the aftermath of the tragic event that transpired in the previous episode.

As a result of the violent confrontation where an officer was shot, tension runs high in the prison, as both the inmates and the guards are on edge. In this episode, the situation boils over as the inmates take an officer hostage and demand justice for Poussey, who was killed in the previous season.

The episode is fraught with tension and uncertainty, as everyone in the prison - staff, inmates, and hostages - is forced to confront the ramifications of recent events. It highlights the conflicts between the inmates as various factions wrestle for power and control during this stressful time.

Several characters take center stage in this episode, and their motivations and actions take on greater depth. Some characters from earlier episodes are revisited, and insights into their backstories are revealed in illuminating flashbacks. Their struggles and challenges, including overcoming adversity, are a key theme throughout the episode.

One of the highlights of the episode is the portrayal of the complex and often fraught relationships between the inmates and the guards. The power dynamics between them are challenged as the inmates take charge, and the guards struggle to regain control. The episode explores what happens when positions of power shift and marginalized voices become amplified.

Another crucial theme is the psychological toll that the prison environment takes on both inmates and staff. Over the course of the episode, the viewer is shown glimpses into the inner workings and emotional states of various characters, highlighting the effects of trauma and violence on individuals.

As the episode unfolds, it becomes increasingly clear that the events of the last few days have taken a tremendous toll on everyone in the prison. Characters grapple with feelings of guilt, shame, and fear, and their coping mechanisms range from isolation to aggressive posturing.

The Tightening is a tense and heart-wrenching episode that successfully advances the ongoing storyline, while also highlighting crucial themes and issues related to the prison industrial complex. It is a nuanced portrayal of power dynamics and the consequences of exclusion, and it challenges viewers to confront their own assumptions about incarcerated individuals and the criminal justice system.

Overall, The Tightening is a must-watch for anyone invested in the Orange Is the New Black series, as it continues to build on previous narrative arcs while exploring new and exciting territory. It is a fitting entry in a show that continues to captivate audiences with its complex characters, intricate plot lines, and powerful messages.