Poussey’s Death – A Treatise on Social Injustice

In the gripping and highly acclaimed series “Orange Is the New Black,” the character of Poussey Washington meets a tragic fate in the fourth season. Poussey’s death occurs in Episode 12, and it is a scene that resonates deeply with recent real-life events.

The penultimate episode of the fourth season takes viewers on an emotional roller coaster as tensions rise within the Litchfield Penitentiary. Poussey, portrayed by the talented Samira Wiley, becomes a victim of a peaceful protest gone awry. The demonstration in the prison’s cafeteria is meant to shed light on the unfair treatment of the inmates by Captain Desi Piscatella.

During the protest, the inmates stand on tables, united in their fight for justice. However, chaos erupts when CO Baxter “Gerber” Bayley, played by Alan Aisenberg, accidentally suffocates Poussey. This shocking turn of events draws a striking parallel to the real-life tragedy of Eric Garner, whose death at the hands of a police officer in New York City in 2014 sparked nationwide outrage and became a rallying cry for the Black Lives Matter movement.

Poussey’s death is a poignant reminder of the injustice and systemic issues that plague our society. It serves as a powerful commentary on the mistreatment and disregard for the lives of marginalized individuals, particularly people of color. The scene is a stark reminder of the urgency for change and the need to address the deep-rooted inequalities that persist in our criminal justice system.

The impact of Poussey’s death reverberates throughout the show, affecting not only the inmates but also the viewers. It serves as a catalyst for introspection and sparks conversations about social justice, race, and the power dynamics within the prison system. The loss of Poussey’s character is deeply felt, and her absence leaves a void in the hearts of both the characters and the audience.

The choice to portray Poussey’s death in such a manner is a testament to the show’s commitment to addressing important social issues and raising awareness about the struggles faced by incarcerated individuals. It is a moment that forces us to confront uncomfortable truths and examine our own complicity in perpetuating systemic injustices.

The impact of Poussey’s death is not confined to a single episode or season. It resonates throughout the series, continuing to shape the narrative and the characters’ journeys. Her memory lives on, serving as a reminder of the need for change and the power of unity in the face of adversity.

Poussey’s death in “Orange Is the New Black” is a deeply impactful and thought-provoking moment in the series. It draws parallels to real-life events and serves as a catalyst for important conversations about social justice. The loss of Poussey’s character leaves a lasting impact on both the characters and the audience, reminding us of the urgent need for change in our society.

In What Episode Does Poussey Get Killed?

Poussey Washington, a beloved character on Netflix’s “Orange Is the New Black,” meets her untimely demise in Episode 12 of the show’s fourth season. This particular episode showcases a scene that draws inspiration from recent real-world events.

Poussey Orange 1689324599

What Season Does Poussey Die In?

Poussey, a beloved character in the TV series “Orange is the New Black,” tragically dies in the fourth season of the show. More specifically, her death occurs in the penultimate episode of the fourth season.

During this episode, a peaceful demonstration takes place in the prison cafeteria. The inmates are protesting against Captain Desi Piscatella’s unfair treatment of the prisoners. The protest initially starts in a calm manner, with inmates standing on tables and chanting their grievances.

Unfortunately, the situation takes a devastating turn when CO Baxter “Gerber” Bayley, portrayed by Alan Aisenberg, accidentally suffocates Poussey. This heartbreaking incident occurs during the protest, as the chaos escalates and tensions rise.

Poussey’s death serves as a pivotal moment in the series, highlighting the harsh realities and injustices faced by the inmates within the prison system. It also sparks further conflict and turmoil within the prison, shaping the events that unfold in the subsequent episodes and seasons.

Poussey dies in the fourth season of “Orange is the New Black,” in the penultimate episode during a peaceful demonstration in the cafeteria. CO Baxter Bayley accidentally suffocates her, leading to significant consequences for the characters and storyline.

Who Killed Poussey?

Poussey Washington, a beloved character in the television series “Orange Is the New Black,” was killed by Baxter “Gerber” Bayley. Baxter Bayley is a Corrections Officer at Litchfield Penitentiary, where the show is set. He is portrayed by actor Alan Aisenberg.

In the storyline of the series, Poussey’s death occurs in Season Four. During a peaceful protest led by the inmates, a chaotic situation ensues, and Poussey is accidentally suffocated by Baxter Bayley. Bayley is one of the many correctional officers hired by Caputo due to a staff shortage at the prison.

The tragic incident triggers a series of events and intensifies the already tense atmosphere within the prison. The aftermath of Poussey’s death becomes a central storyline, exploring themes of injustice, racial tension, and the flawed nature of the prison system.

To summarize, Baxter Bayley, a Corrections Officer at Litchfield Penitentiary, is responsible for the death of Poussey Washington in “Orange Is the New Black.” His accidental suffocation of Poussey during a protest leads to significant repercussions throughout the series.

Is Poussey’s Death Based On A True Story?

Poussey’s death in the TV show “Orange is the New Black” is not based on a true story. The character’s death is a fictional event created by the show’s writers for dramatic purposes. However, the circumstances surrounding her death in the show bear a striking similarity to the real-life death of Eric Garner, a black man who died while being restrained by a police officer in New York City in 2014.

In the show, Poussey Washington, a black inmate, is accidentally suffocated by a prison guard during a protest in Litchfield Penitentiary. This tragic event sparks tension and outrage among the inmates, leading to a riot in the following season.

The parallel between Poussey’s death and Eric Garner’s death is intentional and serves as a commentary on the issue of police brutality and the Black Lives Matter movement. Both deaths involve a black individual being suffocated or unable to breathe while in the custody of law enforcement. Poussey’s final words, “I can’t breathe,” echo Garner’s final words, which have become a powerful symbol of the fight against racial injustice.

While Poussey’s death is fictional, it serves as a reminder of the real-life incidents of police violence and the ongoing struggle for racial equality. The show uses this storyline to shed light on the systemic issues faced by marginalized communities and to raise awareness about the need for change.

Conclusion

The death of Poussey Washington in the fourth season of “Orange Is the New Black” is a tragic and highly impactful moment in the show’s storyline. Poussey’s character, portrayed brilliantly by actress Samira Wiley, meets her untimely demise during a peaceful demonstration in the cafeteria, drawing striking parallels to the real-life death of Eric Garner.

Poussey’s death serves as a poignant commentary on the unjust treatment and systemic oppression faced by Black individuals, both within the confines of the prison system and in society at large. The manner in which her character is killed, suffocated by a correctional officer, evokes powerful memories of Garner’s own tragic fate and his final words, “I can’t breathe.”

The show’s decision to incorporate this storyline not only pays homage to the Black Lives Matter movement but also sheds light on the issues of police brutality and racial inequality. By mirroring real-life events, the creators of “Orange Is the New Black” effectively highlight the urgent need for social change and justice.

Poussey’s death also serves as a reminder of the profound impact that fictional characters can have on viewers. Through her portrayal, Samira Wiley brought Poussey to life, creating a beloved and relatable character who was unjustly taken away. This further emphasizes the importance of representation and the need for diverse narratives in television and media.

Ultimately, Poussey’s death in “Orange Is the New Black” serves as a catalyst for reflection and discussion on the systemic issues plaguing our society. It reinforces the power of storytelling to raise awareness, provoke empathy, and inspire action, reminding us of the ongoing struggle for justice and equality.

Photo of author

William Armstrong

William Armstrong is a senior editor with H-O-M-E.org, where he writes on a wide variety of topics. He has also worked as a radio reporter and holds a degree from Moody College of Communication. William was born in Denton, TX and currently resides in Austin.