Netflix's Orange Is the New Black - Episode 2.04 "A Whole Other Hole"
Sophia gives the women a much-needed lesson in the female anatomy. Morello takes a detour. Larry makes some life changes.
How well do you truly know someone? In prison, connections and friendships form. But are those just what humans need to survive in the place? Who were these women before they landed in prison? Who are they here? And what will they be when they get out? Will any of these people still be friends once they are released? Or is this connection something shared during this period of time in their lives? Each one of them has their own life outside the prison walls. And yet, they can't leave the compound because of the choices they made outside.Up until this point, we all figured Morello clinging onto planning her wedding was what was keeping her sane while she was in prison. But in all actuality, no. The truth is so much more tragic. Her obsession with Christopher, who she only went on one real date with, is what landed her in prison in the first place. It's a wonderful case of misdirection. The show has been stringing us along for 16 episodes before it reveals this facet that makes us completely reexamine everything about Morello. And yet, it is so genius. The show has examined mental instability before with both Suzanne and Pennsatucky. And yet, neither of them are anywhere close to the issues Morello has. She has created this whole fantasy in her head. To her fellow inmates, her obsession comes across as sympathetic and harmless. What other response would they have to her crying over missing her fiancé than comforting her? She's sucked all them into her world and they don't even know the true side of her.
Sophia can't pull out a chart and explain things when it comes to a situation like Morello. The inmates learn much more than they ever did before about their vaginas. And yet, the same kind of lesson can't be easily translated when it comes to fully understanding another person and the struggles that they are going through. It's a slow moving tragedy for Morello. One that comes crashing brutally when Christopher takes the stand to discuss all the stalking things she has done. But the tragedy is still in motion. She's still holding onto that sliver of hope that she and Christopher will get married. Breaking into his house and taking a bath with his real fiancée's veil on doesn't change anything. It just recommits her to the fantasy. It also takes that character on a very tragic trajectory.
Human connection really is the examination of "A Whole Other Hole." Taystee and Poussey's friendship has been one of the most genuine (and fan favorite) pairings. And yet, it has also been completely platonic. They love being in the others' lives but their closeness also does bring about an awkwardness. During a tickling match, Poussey goes in for that kiss and Taystee pulls away because that's not what she wants. She's not gay but she's comfortable giving Poussey - and herself - the most platonic connection they can have - some cuddling. It's a tender moment but one that Vee is sure to swoop in and manipulate. She knew Taystee on the outside. So she understands in a much larger way than Poussey does. She knows what Taystee will need when she gets out again and even states that Poussey won't be there for what she needs then. The show is pulling apart one of its best couples. It's devastating. And yet, this riff will also likely help them grow closer as we examine who each of these women are and what they ultimately need out of life.
Some more thoughts:
- "A Whole Other Hole" was written by Sian Heder and directed by Phil Abraham.
- Red and Piper as bunk mates should prove to be very interesting. They started the series as enemies but have found some common ground. They're both against it at first but they do have that moment of honesty later on.
- Also, the sewer gate Red finds should prove to be very important later on.
- But I kinda am loving prison Piper right now. Her interactions with Big Boo, Red, Soso, Sister Ingalls and Yoga Jones were all wonderful. Can the melodrama with Larry and Alex on the horizon just not ever come?
- So, Larry and Polly are just playing house? Come on and just kiss already! That's where this is heading and I don't care for it one bit.
- Rosa's trip to chemotherapy really could have just been a means to an end to get Morello out of the prison. And yet, it also become a wonderful examination about human connection and the shared experience of cancer.
