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Watch Orange Is The New Black Season 2 with Mumsnet: Join in the discussion and win a £250 John Lewis voucher

209 replies

AliceMumsnet · 06/06/2014 17:47

Back in December, Mumsnetters got stuck into season 1 of Netflix original series Orange is the New Black, starring Taylor Schilling and Jason Biggs. After a lot of exciting discussion and anticipation on the thread, we can reveal that our next Watch with Mumsnet will be Orange is the New Black season 2, available to watch only on Netflix.

"I’m scared that I’m not myself in here and I’m scared that I am."

Based on the acclaimed memoir of the same name, the series follows Brooklynite Piper Chapman, who is sentenced to 15 months in prison for a crime she committed 10 years ago.

The show tracks Piper’s journey as she adapts to her new life and tries to stay out of trouble. Despite her best efforts to fit in, things don’t quite go according to plan and Piper gets mixed up in all sorts of sticky situations, from her many social blunders with fellow inmates, to run-ins with the corrupt prison guards, as well as an expected encounter from her past.

Along the way we are introduced to the hilarious cast of characters, from one of the most impressive (almost) all-female ensembles in recent years. As Piper struggles to adjust to her new reality, she finds unexpected laughter, tears, conflict and camaraderie amidst an eccentric and outspoken group of inmates.

Now back for a new season, we can’t wait to see what’s in store of the inmates of Litchfield Prison. Here’s what Mumsnetters said about the first series:

• “I loved this! I decided to watch it a couple of weeks ago and ended up watching the whole series in two days, I can't wait for series two.”

• “When my husband told me about this epic series, I was nonplussed. However, when I saw that it was from a seemingly sane and intelligent woman's perspective, my interest definitely changed. My parents brought me up to appreciate strong female (and male) characters and 'Orange is the new Black' has these aplenty.”

• “It is very addictive, I watched them all in about 2 weeks and now I'm gagging for more. Can't wait to see what happens in the next series after that ending”

We’d love to find out what you think of the new series, and what your favourite moments have been so far. Watch and join in the discussion on this thread, and you’ll be entered into a prize draw to win a £250 John Lewis voucher.

You can watch the whole series instantly on Netflix here, and if you subscribe to Netflix now, you get the first month free. Whether you’ve seen the first series or you’re new to Orange is the New Black, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Don’t forget, you can also join the conversation on Twitter now using the hashtag #OITNB

Note on spoilers: We want to hear your thoughts on everything, from plot twists to season finales and more - but if you’re talking about anything that could reveal important plot details then please put Spoiler at the beginning of your post to warn others who may not have seen it.

By the way, you can also get the new OITNB app on iTunes and the Google Store and you could give your photos an OITNB makeover.

Happy Watching,
MNHQ x

Watch with Mumsnet is sponsored by Netflix.

Click here to return to the Netflix hub

Terms and Conditions:

• Should this product be unavailable at the time of purchase for the winner, Unmissable (The Prize Company) reserve the right to substitute with an alternative of equal or greater value.

• Specifications are subject to change from the manufacturer without notice.

• All prizes will be delivered to the winner within 28 working days from the date of our initial correspondence with them

Watch Orange Is The New Black Season 2 with Mumsnet: Join in the discussion and win a £250 John Lewis voucher
OP posts:
GatoradeMeBitch · 07/06/2014 01:02

I said I would pace myself, one episode a night. I just finished episode five and I was supposed to be asleep two hours ago...

It's great to see my favourites Suzanne and Pennsatucky again (I like the 'eccentrics'!) and the Morello episode was just a mindblower! I won't give spoilers, but wow I see her completely differently now!

GatoradeMeBitch · 07/06/2014 01:34

SPOILER! Actually I think I shouldn't have described Suzanne and Pennsatucky the same way. Pennsatucky is a lunatic, whereas Suzanne (I am glad the show is moving away from calling her Crazy Eyes) is a good hearted woman, but was very let down. It seemed like her parents wanted to do right by her, but they didn't even learn how to do her hair!

Now I think about it more I see why the writers didn't show us Morello's backstory last season. We've been led to believe that she is the most level headed inmate, she is even trusted to drive a vehicle outside the prison, but now we find out she must actually be the craziest! Now I'm wondering whether she's in there because of the fraud or because she broke her retraining order?

GatoradeMeBitch · 07/06/2014 01:35

*restraining

Suzanne73 · 07/06/2014 08:33

I am loving the fact my new born wants to feed all the time it means I have the perfect excuse to sit on the sofa and watch the new series. I am only in episode 3 as I wanted to savour it and make it last. I am enjoying that it's not just all about Piper and gives the other characters time to shine.

PlentyOfPubeGardens · 07/06/2014 08:50

I watched episode 1 last night. The court scene where they keep referring to the criminal boss guy ... is his name really Mr Bollock or do my ears need cleaning?

MTWTFSS · 07/06/2014 09:46

I loved the ending of Season 1!!!!! Go Piper!!!

sj73 · 07/06/2014 09:51

It's Kubra. Don't know how you got Bollock!

Oh it's so so good. I love this season even more than the last. I'm really glad they are 'Crazy Eye's' is moving away form being a caricature to a developed character. Her story is just heartbreaking. The birthday party. The hair. The fact her parents are really trying but don't know how to handle her.

That scene where Morello heard about Christopher on the phone. The acting is just superb. I wanted to snack on this but I'm now just binging.

sj73 · 07/06/2014 09:55

I'm still not sure about Piper though. It's as if her character is acting in a sitcom. Her response at the end of episode one when Laura was lead out was almost as if she were trying to be comical. The wide 'crazy'eyes. She doesn't seem very convincing unlike all the other characters who are so brilliantly nuanced and credible.

Lioninthesun · 07/06/2014 09:56

Started it last night and looking forward to episode 5 tonight! It doesn't seem to have lost momentum at all. I thought it was a good idea to get her out and give the Healey thing a rest for a bit as that could get stale quite fast if it had carried over.
I love this show. I really don't know why, but it reminds me a lot of boarding school Blush

Lioninthesun · 07/06/2014 09:57

The characters are so deep and varied - from stalking obsessives to the nun and the drunk lady who shot a child thinking it was a deer. I love the fact it makes you question the justice system for so many reasons, and puts a face to crimes so that you can see what may lie behind them.

aftereight · 07/06/2014 10:09

Started Season 2 last night, only allowed ourselves to watch one episode (it was late), but thought the series had a strong start.
Looking forward to watching another few couple of episodes tonight.
The characters around Piper are well written, although I find Piper herself to be quite 2 dimensional. That's maybe intentional though to underscore her 'naive rich girl' background?

sj73 · 07/06/2014 10:41

Yes her character is really 2d but I blame the acting rather than the writing. The big eyed, faux naïveté at the beginning and then when she 'toughens up' it's just as unsubtle.

sj73 · 07/06/2014 10:41

None of the other characters seem as stereotyped.

YoureBeingASillyBilly · 07/06/2014 11:17

Actually i think piper's outside of prison friend with the baby is awful and infuriatingly stereotyped. I dont want to post spoilers but second or third episode (cant remember which) was very cringey and such a cop out for the writers TBH. Very lazy.

PlentyOfPubeGardens · 07/06/2014 12:15

sj73 yes his first name is Kubra, his last name sounds a lot like Bollock!

YoureBeingASillyBilly · 07/06/2014 12:17

Yes i noticed the bollock/ ballack/ballache name too Grin

GatoradeMeBitch · 07/06/2014 12:24

sj73 I agree with you. SPOILER! The scene where she's trying to threaten Soso didn't seem convincing. But maybe it wasn't supposed to? I don't think they want her to truly lose her way. But she definitely has lost some control over her moral compass if she was willing to trade her to Big Boo for that blanket. It didn't even look that warm!

I think I'm going to watch the Morello episode again before I move on. It is chilling that she is so trusted in the prison that she can go awol for hours without anyone checking on her, when she has tried to kill the girlfriend of the man she once went on one date with! The scene where she is distraught that the 'slut' stole her wedding date... Shock She is seriously unhinged! Lorna Morello was my favourite character right from episode one, I love her look and her accent. I was thrown by her blatant racism when she seemed so nice in every other way. Maybe that was a red flag to show that there was something wrong with her underneath. But I am so impressed by her backstory episode, I would never have guessed that she was an insane stalker!

GatoradeMeBitch · 07/06/2014 12:30

Did you all notice Piper's ugly crying? I've never seen anything like it Grin

Fairylea · 07/06/2014 12:33

I've just skimmed the comments as I don't want to spoil it for myself :) I absolutely love this series and have waited with great anticipation for the second season. I watched episode 1 yesterday and it didn't disappoint. Pensatucky is my favourite character. :),

YoureBeingASillyBilly · 07/06/2014 12:44

Gatorade i think morello's racism to Vee (is that the part you are talking about) is very much staying true to the dynamic in US prisons. I watch those 'hard time' type shows (US prison documentary things) and there is complete division between different ethnicities. To the point where in some prisons invisible lines exist on the floor that each group cannot cross.

Penguin666 · 07/06/2014 13:03

I really need to start watching this. I think i will buy the box set and watch it over the summer. Thanks mumsnet for the recommendation!

GatoradeMeBitch · 07/06/2014 13:22

Yes to Vee, also in the first season. I may be wrong but I think she was the first inmate to say something properly racist, instead of 'banter'? Then in the episode where they were electing inmates to some kind of council they were all at it! It is uncomfortable to watch, but yes I can see that they are staying true to how things would really be. But Morello seemed like she had a role in the prison where she interacted with everybody, so it threw me when she said hateful things. Only now it doesn't! I have to rewatch season one soon, knowing what I know now!

mrsronswanson · 07/06/2014 14:24

I've really been looking forward to season 2. I stared watching season 1 after I finished Breaking Bad and I appreciated the change of pace! Trying not to read any spoilers in this thread, but I'm glad I'm going to find out more about their backgrounds.

Lioninthesun · 07/06/2014 14:44

SPOILER!
Is anyone else thinking Piper's ex is going to have an affair with her friend Polly on the outside? They seem to be hamming up to it in episodes 4/5...
Also can't wait for the kick off with the silly cow who's hubby is running for Senate - surely her embezzling and that reporter must all come up trumps and bite her on the bum? Best bit of episode 5 was Healy in the bar saying "There she is. Behind every strong man is a strong cunt-faced-witch-monster." Grin

YoureBeingASillyBilly · 07/06/2014 14:58

Lion- im a few episodes on and you might be onto something with that prediction Wink