Orange Is The New Black nimbly blends light-hearted slapstick comedy with poignant backstories and heavyweight topical and political concerns such as penal reform, the Black Lives Matter movement, guard brutality and the drugs trade.
Is this the end for Alex and Piper, nominally the lead character in this beautifully acted, frequently absurd slice of drama?
Taystee, the chief negotiator during the riot who overplayed her hand, does look to be in particularly hot water.
In the thrilling last episode of series five of Jenji Kohan’s exquisite comedy-drama set in a women’s prison, Alex – played by the excellent Laura prepon – lightens the mood.