The Biggest Moments Of ‘Orange Is The New Black’ Season 5

Ever since last summer’s big cliffhanger, Orange is the New Black fans have been anxiously awaiting the release of season five.

Well, the release came and went last week, and the new episodes delivered some of the most memorable scenes to-date.

The entire fifth season of Netflix‘s Emmy-winning dramedy takes place during a prison riot, which was brought on by the tragic death of fan-favorite character Poussey at the end of season four.

Throughout this violent and dark season, there have been moments that made audiences laugh, cry, and cringe while staring at the screen. If you’ve binged the entire season already, you know exactly what we’re talking about.

While there were bright spots in each episode, the good folks over at People compiled a list of the five most shocking moments of the season.

It probably goes without saying, but there are major spoilers ahead for the fifth season of Orange is the New Black.

Daya’s Decision

The first major reveal of the season came in the opening minutes of the first episode. 

In the season four finale, Daya had Humphrey on his knees, with a loaded gun pointed at his head. All of her friends stood behind her, cheering her to pull the trigger, thus beginning the Litchfield riot.

As season five begins, Daya considers her options. Instead of taking either of the two major roads in front of her, the character decided to make her own path.

Daya did shoot the guard, but put a bullet in his leg rather than his head. This spared the man, as many would expect Daya to do, but it still became the shot heard ’round the prison.

After that gun was fired, the riot was officially underway.

 

No Resolve For A Killer

As we talked about earlier, the heartbreaking death of Poussey still echoes in the hearts of fans. And it’s talked about quite a bit this season, given the fact that the she was the motivation behind the entire riot.

Bayley killed Poussey in a tragic accident, due to his severe lack of training. When trying to restrain her, he began kneeling heavily on her back, collapsing her lungs in the process.

The CO spent much of the season trying to own up to his crime, but no one seemed to want to do anything about it. 

Eventually, Bayley went to find Poussey’s father, and apologize for what happened. Instead of accepting the apology, the man delivered one of the most gut-wrenching scenes of the series. He told Bayley that he will have to live with the pain of his crime for the rest of his life, and that will be his punishment.

 

Baby #2

The first couple seasons of Orange is the New Black revolved around Daya’s ongoing pregnancy. Now that that’s in the past, there’s a new inmate that’s been outed as pregnant. 

While many of the women thought she was crazy, it turns out Morello was telling the truth all along, She’s definitely having a baby.

To prove her story, Morello revealed a drawer full of positive pregnancy tests. 

She panicked about having the baby in prison, and missing many of her future child’s milestones. Fortunately, Nicky was able to comfort her through it.

 

Major Death

Last season’s death was one that fans continue to mourn over today. However, the major death in season five was met with a loud cheer from every viewer.

Piscatella, the guard who made the life of every woman in Litchfield hell, finally met his end.

After Taystee let Pescatella go, knowing that revenge wouldn’t bring Poussey back, he walked outside. In a major moment of irony, Pescatella was killed by a SWAT member who was severely under-trained.

Talked about karma coming back around.

 

Newly Engaged

The saga of Alex and Piper reached a climax during the riots this season, as both women had different views of the events around them.

However, in a phone call with her mom, Piper realized just how much Alex really meant to her. That conversation was the first time Piper realized that she had something to live for.

“It made me realize that I don’t want to miss out on being with her. I want to stick around because of her.”

With that in mind, Piper marched back to find Alex, and geared up for the happiest moment of Orange is the New Black to date.

“You have taught me that love hurts. You’ve taught me that life, it hurts. And I want to be there for you. I want us to be there for each other so that maybe it hurts a little less,” Piper said. Then, she got down on one knee and finished the job.

“Alex Pearl Vause, will you be my partner through love and through pain and through beauty fish forever?”

To no one’s surprise, Alex said yes, and the two finally seem to be truly happy together.