When Netflix original series Orange is the New Black debuted, the story followed the journey of Piper (Taylor Schilling). During the first three seasons, the characters in the ensemble cast have become fan favorites in their own right and season 4 will see Piper less in the center, according to show creator Jenji Kohan.
Piper’s character has been going through some changes, which may shift her role as the show’s protagonist. According to Kohan, Piper is “on a journey” and will be going through “vicissitudes of likability.”
As for how Piper’s actions will impact her relationship with Alex (Laura Prepon), time will tell.
“That’s their relationship, and that’s what’s so interesting about them,” Prepon said to Entertainment Weekly. “They love each other and they hate each other, and it’s frustrating and passionate, but there’s definitely some vindication there, for sure. Piper thought she was crazy all season, but she wasn’t.”
When the show returns for its fourth season, it will pick up exactly where it left off, with Alex’s life in danger and more inmates entering the facility.
"We start with political agendas, the corporatization of the prison, the stratification of people into their little mosaic groups,” said Kohan at the 2016 Winter TCA Press Tour. “We want it to be a surprise, but [you can expect] all the fun stuff like race and hate and some things from current events that we wanted to filter through our lens."
Orange is The New Black debuts on Netflix on June 17.
