When the hit Netflix series returns June 17, we might not recognize the prison. Writer and producer Jenji Kohan has more twists in store for the Litchfield inmates, who have to mingle with a wave of new prisoners and inexperienced guards overseeing things. The overpopulation theme will result in unprecedented racial and economic tensions between the characters.
Season 4 introduces two new series regular: Lea DeLaria's butch lesbian 'Big Boo' and Jackie Cruz's eyeliner addict Flaca. Both are still a mystery to us, and we can expect more details on their respective backstory. From the looks of it, the two may have been hanging out since we've never seen Big Boo so well-groomed before.
Meanwhile, she also got closer to Pennsatucky, helping her get revenge from Coates, one of the new guards. We think the idea of a Christian extremist and a die-hard feminist hanging out will certainly lead to interesting situations.
According to the show's producer, Lichfield "undergoes an unprecedented culture war" as new inmates and guards are joining the prison. Muslim prisoners will have to share an overcrowded dorm with newfound Jew 'Black Cindy' (Adrienne C. Moore) and the spiritual Susan 'Crazy Eyes' Warren (played by Uzo Aduba, who returns to the show after a second Emmy win).
Last year, Uzo 'Crazy Eyes' Aduba became the first woman in TV history to win both Comedy and Drama Emmys for playing the same character. We're guessing she's going to keep ruling most of season 4, as she finds herself more confident, and possibly all loved up again. She found a new romantic interest in Maureen, the cute blonde who got friendly with her in the lake scene at the end of season 3. Let's see if that vanilla and chocolate swirl romance makes it through spring.
Red (Kate Mulgrew) has won her kitchen back and she's growing a vegetable garden. She's also made peace with Norma, the mute spiritual leader, and has to learn to work with the latina women in order to clean up her reputation. But Gloria (Selenis Leyva) will have to face her demons after indirectly causing a violent hate crime on Sofia (Laverne Cox).
After surviving a transphobic hate crime, Sofia (Laverne Cox) is locked up in the SHU, and from the looks of the latest promo pictures, she's spent quite a bit of time in there. Exit the nice weaves and Beyoncé bobs: Sofia has to go natural, and deal with the consequences of her forced isolation. We're guessing her hairdressing business is also pretty much over, so it will be a new beginning for this series favorite.
The future of Alex (Laura Prepon) was uncertain where we left her off, as Kubra's men manage to track her down and threaten to shoot her. It seems she made it through, unless the writers decided to bring Prepon back for a flashback? Now that Piper (Taylor Schilling) has ruined any chance of being in a relationship with Stella (Ruby Rose, unconfirmed this season), there might be another round of shady shenanigans between the two ex-lovers.
Me! It's the Martha Stewart-esque newcomer, Judy King (Blair Brown), a culinary show hosts who gets locked up for tax evasion at the end of season 3. Sounds familiar? With a name like that, we're guessing Judy is going to be a prime-time Cee-U-Next-Tuesday with the other inmates, who notoriously enjoy giving a hard time to rich white ladies.
Poussey (Out cover star Samira Wiley) has taken bi-curious Soso under her wing. New romance?
Speaking of blondes, Piper (Taylor Schilling) is turning into a badass tatted-up gangster, running an underground used panties business on the side. This screenshot hints at an abrupt turn of events for Dandelion, who has drawn the ire of the Latinas. Will she lose a finger?
Netflix will launch Orange is the New Black season 4 on Friday, June 17 at 12:01 a.m. PT, and announced that the show got renewed for seasons 5, 6 and 7, with creator Jenji Kohan confirmed in each. So be ready for many more cliffhangers and catfights at Lichfield. Watch the trailer for season 4, below:
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