Ep 1. Who Knows Better Than I
- TV-MA
- July 27, 2018
- 54 min
In season 6 episode 1 of Orange is the New Black, titled "Who Knows Better Than I," the aftermath of the prison riot and the unprecedented turmoil it caused reverberates through Litchfield Penitentiary. Piper, Alex, and the rest of the gang are transported to a maximum security prison where they face new challenges, dangerous inmates, and corrupt, power-hungry guards.
As the episode opens, viewers are introduced to the new setting—a bleak, grey, fortress-like prison that could not be further from the familiar, somewhat cozy confines of Litchfield. The inmates, all of whom are visibly shaken by the riot and its consequences, are thrown into a chaotic and unpredictable new world where they must adapt quickly in order to survive.
Piper, who is still grappling with the guilt of her role in the riot and the subsequent death of her friend Poussey, finds herself separated from Alex and most of the other women she knows. Because of her status as a white-collar criminal, she is placed in a group of other "soft" inmates, some of whom seem unlikely to pose a genuine threat to anyone. However, Piper soon discovers that even in the low-security wing of the prison, the potential for violence and danger is never far away.
Meanwhile, Alex is assigned to a different block with some of the more notorious and dangerous inmates at the prison. She quickly realizes that she will need to use all of her wits and skills to stay alive and navigate the complex web of alliances and rivalries that dictate life behind bars.
As the episode unfolds, we get glimpses into the backstories and struggles of some of the new characters introduced in this season. We meet Badison, a brash and intimidating inmate who quickly makes her presence known in Alex's block. We also meet Daddy, a drug-smuggling queenpin with a penchant for manipulation and seduction. Both characters appear to be poised to play major roles in the coming episodes.
Despite the uncertainty and fear that permeates the prison, some semblance of normalcy begins to assert itself. Old routines and habits begin to reemerge, and friendships (and rivalries) between the inmates start to take shape. However, it is clear that things will never be the same as they were before. The stakes have been raised, the dangers magnified, and the consequences of missteps and mistakes are higher than ever.
By the end of the episode, we are left with a sense of foreboding and uncertainty. The lingering aftermath of the riot, combined with the challenges presented by the new prison and its inhabitants, point to a season full of tension, drama, and unexpected twists and turns. As always, the characters of OITNB are facing difficult and often heart-wrenching decisions, and it remains to be seen who will rise to the occasion and who will falter under the pressure.
Overall, "Who Knows Better Than I" is a gripping, intense, and emotional season opener that sets the stage for what promises to be another thrilling and unforgettable season of Orange is the New Black.