Orange is the New Black's second episode 'Titpunch' successfully sets an entertaining and fascinating opening for the rest of the season as vulnerable protagonist Chapman discovers the malicious intentions of her fellow inmates while we discover more about the plight of mysterious Russian character Red. Despite the generally negative and aggressive representation of female prisons and jails in documentary 'The Jail: 60 days in', Orange is the New Black humorously presents the environment as one of malicious intent which ends in comical and unpredictable consequences. It is without a doubt that Orange is the New Black casts a charming mist over the bleak realities of prison life which makes for enjoyable light entertainment.
'Titpunch' explores a range of themes and dominant ideologies and presents them in a comical manner - often mocking common stereotypes.Its representation of the naïve American housewife through pitied protagonist Chapman depicts how her naivety to her inmate's lack of morals in jail lands her in awkward and unforeseen circumstances. Although Chapman wants to fight back, she is hysterically ignorant on how to do so in the prison environment, and she contemplates whether getting intimate with her nemesis Red or fighting her will resolve the conflict she is in. Therefore,'Titpunch' also represents the stereotypes of lesbians, with Chapman's ex-lesbian partner preying on her weakness in desperation to get her back and destroy her current relationship with her husband.
Flashbacks are skilfully and intelligently used throughout this episode - showing the crucial development of the inmates before they were sent to prison and after. This fantastic utilization of the flashback technique shows how the prison environment drives the characters beyond the common characteristics of their stereotypes and into the aggressive and power hungry stereotype of a female inmate in an American jail.
Overall, 'Titpunch' provides an interesting and entertaining narrative for protagonist Chapman and her antagonistic Red.
'Titpunch' explores a range of themes and dominant ideologies and presents them in a comical manner - often mocking common stereotypes.Its representation of the naïve American housewife through pitied protagonist Chapman depicts how her naivety to her inmate's lack of morals in jail lands her in awkward and unforeseen circumstances. Although Chapman wants to fight back, she is hysterically ignorant on how to do so in the prison environment, and she contemplates whether getting intimate with her nemesis Red or fighting her will resolve the conflict she is in. Therefore,'Titpunch' also represents the stereotypes of lesbians, with Chapman's ex-lesbian partner preying on her weakness in desperation to get her back and destroy her current relationship with her husband.
Flashbacks are skilfully and intelligently used throughout this episode - showing the crucial development of the inmates before they were sent to prison and after. This fantastic utilization of the flashback technique shows how the prison environment drives the characters beyond the common characteristics of their stereotypes and into the aggressive and power hungry stereotype of a female inmate in an American jail.
Overall, 'Titpunch' provides an interesting and entertaining narrative for protagonist Chapman and her antagonistic Red.