Orange Is The New Black: A Look Back at Season One's Groundbreaking Finale

As we bid farewell to one of television's most beloved and iconic prison dramas, it feels only fitting to reflect on how it all began – with the unforgettable season-one finale of Orange is the New Black.

The year was 2013 when audiences first met Piper Chapman (played magnificently by Taylor Schilling), a well-to-do woman from an upper-class background who finds herself behind bars after being convicted for her role in transporting $1 million worth of marijuana to her ex-girlfriend. Sentenced to a mere two years at the all-female correctional facility, Danbury Federal Correctional Center (FCI) – much less time than she ever could have imagined given the gravity of her crime.

As we join Piper on this journey into womanhood and self-discovery within these cold prison walls, it becomes clear that life inside is far from easy. From the gruff yet lovable tough-as-nails prison guard, CO 'Red' (played with precision by Kate Mulgrew), to new inmate and fellow fish-stick lover Taystee (portrayed with infectious energy by Danielle Brooks) – each character brings their own unique storylines that slowly begin to unravel throughout the season.

Throughout its 13 episodes, we witness Piper form unbreakable bonds with her cellmates as they navigate everything from love triangles to rivalries within the tight-knit prison community. But most importantly, through these women's stories, Orange is The New Black masterfully tackles some of society's thorniest issues – including racism, homophobia, and social inequality.

In this article, we'll dive deeper into why Season One's season finale remains one of TV history's greatest moments. Spoilers ahead!

The Finale That Shook Us

As the episode comes to a close with Piper finally finding closure after months of emotional rollercoastering – thanks in large part to her loyal friends and newfound love interest, Crazy Eyes (played by Uzo Aduba) – it becomes clear that Orange is The New Black had already cemented its place as television's must-watch drama.

With an ending that left viewers gasping for more while still providing satisfying closure for our beloved characters, this season-one finale set the bar high for future seasons to follow. And boy did they ever deliver!

So grab some tissues and let's reminisce about why Orange is The New Black will always be remembered as one of TV's most iconic prison dramas.

In conclusion:

Orange Is The New Black: Season One Finale was a game-changer in every sense of the word.

With its groundbreaking portrayal of real-life issues, coupled with outstanding performances from an all-star cast – led by Taylor Schilling's tour de force performance as Piper Chapman herself; it truly cemented this show as must-watch TV.

So what do you think? Did Orange is The New Black live up to your expectations throughout its seven seasons on air?

Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Orange is the new black season 1 finale