That really IS a problem I have with this show...one of many, but it is one--
I can't by Piper's predicament. The show doesn't sell it.
Look at her--does she LOOK like she's in prison, suffering at all?
She looks Hollywood-tastic! Every episode, she looks prim and pretty!
...Oh, sorry, she lost a little hair once. Oh, the horror, the horror...
God forbid she actually, you know, have an inmate snap on her and give her a black eye because she accidentally said the wrong thing to the wrong person (which she seems to do every ten minutes, because what better protagonists ARE there, really, than those that never, never, NEVER learn from their mistakes?), or again, let her get really hungry and pale and weak and actually LOOK like she's suffering physical pain...
Maybe that blonde hair doesn't have to be so perfect every episode? Even when they "cut" it, it's a tiny patch, it still comes out like it's combed and shampooed and glossy and nice...maybe have it get matty and shabby and rather ugly? Maybe she has her physical appearance start to go, since, you know...she IS IN PRISON...
WHERE IT'S HARD TO LOOK LIKE A HOLLYWOOD STARLET. >:(
That screwdriver's another thing. Chekhov's Gun--you show me the Fat Angry Lady who's mad that former lover is leaving has the screwdriver...and have someone go to the trouble of saying that screwdriver could be used as a weapon...
Maybe...you know...have someone get stabbed or threatened with that thing, and for a kicker, maybe have Fat Lady lie and say Piper gave it to her, thereby having Piper be at risk for a longer sentence?
Nope! We couldn't do THAT...that'd have consequences, and drama, and *gasp!* actual character growth as a result of severe trial, and who wants that when we can instead make a joke about her looking like Taylor Swift and use the screwdriver for what has to be the most uncomfortable masturbation aid ever.
>:/