Fans of Orange Is the New Black were thrilled to see the return of Alex Vause in Season 3 after her absence in much of Season 2. Her comeback definitely stirred up drama and excitement at Litchfield Penitentiary. But when exactly does Alex reappear, and why is she back behind bars? Let’s delve into the details of Alex’s return and the circumstances that led her back to OITNB.
Alex’s Freedom and Parole in Season 2
To understand Alex’s return, we need to rewind to the beginning of Season 2. Remember Piper and Alex in Chicago? They were there to testify against Alex’s former drug kingpin boss. This pivotal moment led to Alex’s initial release from prison. In a tense courtroom scene, Alex made a calculated decision to lie on the stand, securing her freedom in exchange. Piper, choosing honesty, told the truth and watched Alex walk free while she was sent back to Litchfield. This created a significant rift between them, leaving Piper feeling betrayed and alone.
Alt text: Alex Vause, portrayed by Laura Prepon, looking determined while testifying in court during Orange Is the New Black Season 2, highlighting the legal drama surrounding her initial release.
Piper’s Misguided Revenge and Alex’s Parole Violation
Fast forward to the end of Season 2, and Piper is dealing with the emotional fallout of Larry and Polly’s affair. Feeling lost and betrayed, Piper makes a rash decision fueled by anger and a desire to lash out. In a moment of misguided revenge, Piper contacts Polly and asks her to call Alex’s parole officer. Piper’s intention wasn’t necessarily to send Alex back to prison, but rather to scare her and disrupt her newfound freedom.
Alt text: Piper Chapman, played by Taylor Schilling, looking anxious and holding a phone, depicting the moment she makes the call that inadvertently leads to Alex Vause’s parole violation in Orange Is the New Black.
However, Piper’s plan backfires spectacularly. Unbeknownst to Piper, Alex was in possession of a gun when her parole officer conducted a surprise visit. This act was a direct violation of her parole terms. As a result, Alex is sent back to prison. Piper’s impulsive act, intended as a minor scare, ironically becomes the catalyst for Alex’s return to Litchfield.
Season 3 Premiere: The Big Alex Reveal
The premiere of Season 3 delivers the reveal of Alex’s return. We see her back in Litchfield, and the circumstances of her re-incarceration are gradually unveiled. The narrative cleverly withholds the immediate aftermath of Piper’s phone call until the new season begins, creating suspense and anticipation for viewers.
Alt text: Laura Prepon as Alex Vause wearing the orange prison uniform in Orange Is the New Black Season 3, signifying her unexpected return to Litchfield Penitentiary and the unfolding drama.
Alex’s return in Season 3 happens due to Piper’s actions, albeit unintentionally. The irony is palpable: Piper, initially imprisoned partly due to Alex’s past actions, becomes the reason for Alex’s re-incarceration. This sets the stage for complex dynamics and unresolved tensions between Piper and Alex as Season 3 unfolds. The question then becomes, will Piper confess her role in Alex’s return, and how will Alex react to this revelation? Season 3 promises to explore these questions and the ensuing fallout.
In conclusion, Alex Vause returns to OITNB at the beginning of Season 3 because of Piper’s impulsive decision to have Alex’s parole officer contacted, leading to the discovery of Alex’s parole violation. This plot twist reignites the Piper-Alex dynamic and injects fresh drama into the unfolding season.
