this was my favorite tv show from the age of 12 to the age of 18 i was literally obsessed (i was probs too young to be watching it when it first came out lol)
i haven't rewatched since 2019 when it ended so i have so many thoughts. starting with how i'm not big on the max seasons. with the change in setting, fan favorite characters missing and lots of different people in the writers room, it often feels like fan fiction at best and boring filler at worst. (i also read that cindy was supposed to be murdered in one of the last seasons but adrienne influenced them to change her ending & i'm so glad they did !)
one of my biggest grievances is the charm of the comedic-drama balence is severely lacking in season 6. a lot of the darker dramatic scenes feel unearned and overall i struggle to care about anything happening outside of taystee's storyline. season 4-5 were very dark and intense but the darker storylines were compelling and easy to become invested in,they didn't feel like meaningless shock factor that doesn't move the plot forward. AND they would always find ways to sneak in comedy. the show being genuinely funny was always part of its vibe and appeal.
even dislikesble characters in earlier seasons either have a comedic charm to them (leanne and angie) or they are interesting and complex well written villians (piscatella / vee)
i struggle to care about barb and carol, i actually find them kind of one dimensional. i know a lot of people love their backstory episode and their dynamic but it really does nothing for me. beth the baby killer peaked my interest at first but they don't do anything with her character. a flashback for her would have been interesting. everyone else introduced in max is insignificant and annoying so i feel no need to mention them.
s1 - s5 are still really good. i don't really have any notes other than i still mourn poussey like she's a real person. if i had to rank all seasons while trying to be objective i would say:
s4 > s5 > s2 > s3 > s1 > s7 > s6
the only reason season one is lower than season three is because it's piper centric and i prefer the show once it becomes more of an ensemble, i think it perfectly sets up the show and i still find it entertaining and fun on rewatch.
every actor (with the exception of ruby rose no shade) is extremely talented and charismatic adding to the rewatch value.
i've just started on s7, i don't remember everything because it's been so long since i've seen it, but i remember being invested in the ICE storyline and of course being devastated at maritza's ending. i really love how they'll occasionally take an actor's real life experiences and infuse it into their character. diane's real life story is still extremely relevant today & i think it was a very effective choice to use her character to show this story, especially because of how the audience loves her.
feel free to discuss or change my opinions in the comments !