Ok, this review is 4 years behind but I could not let pass my urge to put into words how wonderful 'Thirsty Bird' is. It is by far my favourite episode that I can watch time after time.
I have just started watching Season 4, but there will be no spoilers here.
First off, I'm a huge Taylor Schilling fan, especially her talent for comedy. Schillings way with her super expressive face and body language coupled with perfect timing and voice acting, pitched perfect for each scene and encounter makes a wonderful Piper Chapmen, my favourite character in OITNB.
Chapmans self-delusional nature makes her think she's a murderer about to be put on trial. How stressful is that for anyone plus the nature of the American justice system in treating inmates like cattle. No wonder she broke down on the plane.
This episode is directed by Jodie Foster and you can tell with great camera angles allowing Schillings facial expressions, especially the crying scene, to give massive empathy with her character. Foster may also have overseen the writing and helped to determine the direction of the script.
I was as relieved as Chapman when she finally found out from Alex she had not murdered Pennsatucky . That's the thing about OITNB, it really throws your emotions around.
Other highlights include Chapmans bus journey from the airport to Chicago Max with a soundtrack of 'Pulaski at Night' by Andrew Bird. So emotional, spot on for the moment.
Thinking the male prisoner on board the plane who turned around and called her 'First Class' (look at Chapmans expression, brilliant) was a rapist when negotiating with him in Max to get a message to Alex. "What do you want, a kiss", I couldn't stop laughing long after leaving my house.
Oh there's just too many highlights and I remember thinking at the time there's no way that the team at OITNB can keep up this level of perfection for every episode in the future.
Graham. UK.
