- Orange Is The New Black
Courtesy of Netflix
The show is already a bonafide hit after two seasons. Piper, played by Taylor Schilling, is technically the lead of the show, but she isn’t necessarily one of its breakout stars. Those titles belong to Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren, played by Uzo Aduba; Sophia Burset, played by Laverne Cox; Poussey Washington, played by Samira Wiley; and Tasha “Taystee Washington” Jefferson, played by Danielle Brooks. In this list of women, we have one suffering from mental illness, a trans woman, a lesbian, and a smart, sexual, full-figured woman.
There’s a reason that this show has struck such a chord with all audiences. Laverne Cox has done an impeccable job in terms of visibility for trans woman in the spotlight. Cox achieved this simply by being unapologetically herself and working to raise awareness about the deaths of both trans women and men. Samira Wiley has shown a black lesbian in a positive light, which is rare for a show that reaches wide audiences. Poussey is loved and given affection by her best friend. Unfortunately for her, this friend doesn’t feel the same way and instead of casting her aside, Taystee treats her like she does everyone else. Poussey is trusted, accepted, and is a completely three-dimensional character. In fact, all of the women are, and that’s what makes them so great.
Uzo Aduba recently won a SAG Award for her performance as Suzanne, and the entire cast won a SAG for ensemble cast as well. If that’s not enough of an incentive to tune in to Netflix and catch up before season 3 premieres on June 6, I don’t know what would be.
