The website notes that Piper’s role has continuously been getting smaller through the years and has shifted to an ensemble of characters and other plot themes.
Schilling herself agreed that Piper’s outside appearance is becoming less and less important as the show progresses. Taylor adds that the character herself is moving away from the concept of herself and becoming more practical.
The actress says that in Season 4, Piper’s main goal is to survive, which hints a potential death for the character. Schilling did not divulge whether there was truth to such rumors or not but she said that it will be a tough year for Ms. Chapman and admits that she doesn’t know if Piper will still be okay by the end of Season 4.
She adds that this season will be full of rising and growing tension that fans will surely enjoy watching. The 31-year-old actress did say that Piper’s new hairstyle for the upcoming season is indeed a symbol of the gradual changes in the character’s life.
Fans argue that since the series is loosely based on Piper Kerman’s life in prison, then it could indicate that Piper will live through the whole series’ run.
“Orange is the New Black” will return on Netflix on June 17. It will consist of 13 episodes just like its previous three seasons.