Why Is Blanca in Prison on Orange Is the New Black? POPSUGAR

OITNB: The Untold Truth About Blanca Flores - What Happened?

Why Is Blanca in Prison on Orange Is the New Black? POPSUGAR

By  Maggie Kozey

Did you think Blanca Flores's story ended with her release from Litchfield? Think again. The journey for Blanca, portrayed by the talented Laura Gmez in "Orange is the New Black," took a sharp, unexpected turn, leading her down a path far more complex than a simple return to freedom.

Blanca Raiza Flores, a central figure throughout the series, experiences a rollercoaster of emotions and legal entanglements that ultimately define her fate. Initially presented as a somewhat enigmatic and even unsettling character in the first season, Blanca's backstory gradually unfolds, revealing the circumstances that led to her incarceration and the surprising depth of her relationships, particularly with her boyfriend, Diablo. The show delves into her past, showcasing her role as a caretaker for an elderly woman and the events that transpired, leading to her conviction. While incarcerated at Litchfield Penitentiary, Blanca navigates the complex social dynamics of prison life, evolving from an anti-villain to a more sympathetic character. Her journey takes a dramatic turn when, despite being slated for release, she is instead diverted to an ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) detention center, sparking a poignant exploration of immigration issues and the often-harsh realities faced by non-citizens within the American justice system.

Attribute Details
Full Name Blanca Raiza Flores
Portrayed By Laura Gmez
Series Orange is the New Black
Inmate Status Former Inmate at Litchfield Penitentiary, Detained by ICE
Crime Covering up manslaughter, inciting riot
Relationship Status In a relationship with Diablo
Nationality (Implied to be from a Latin American country, specific nationality not explicitly stated)
Additional Information Orange is the New Black on IMDb

The initial reason for Blanca's imprisonment is tied to her role as a caretaker. She was employed by a rather unpleasant elderly woman. The circumstances surrounding Blanca's crime are somewhat unusual. The elderly woman she cared for was involved in an accident, hitting someone with her car. Blanca, in an act of misguided loyalty or perhaps under duress, helped to cover up the crime. This act of covering up manslaughter led to her conviction and subsequent incarceration at Litchfield.

Initially, Blanca's behavior in prison led others to perceive her as dangerous and mentally unstable. Flashbacks reveal her relationship with Diablo, the gardener, and the old woman's reaction to their intimacy. This past colors her present within Litchfield, contributing to her initial portrayal as a character shrouded in mystery and perhaps a little intimidating. However, as the series progresses, viewers gain a deeper understanding of Blanca, her motivations, and her capacity for loyalty and even friendship.

Season 6 of "Orange is the New Black" sees Blanca Flores (Laura Gmez) anticipating her release. In the finale, as she and Piper Chapman are separated into different lines upon exiting prison, a sense of foreboding arises. Blanca's expected happy ending is abruptly derailed when she is diverted not towards freedom, but onto a bus bound for a PolyCon-run ICE detention center. This sets the stage for a heartbreaking immigration storyline in the final season, highlighting the complexities and injustices within the system. The unexpected diversion underscores the precariousness of Blanca's legal status, despite her having previously held a green card.

The heartbreaking turn of events stems from Blanca's decision to plead guilty to inciting a riot within the prison. Her lawyers, in what turns out to be a grave misjudgment, advised her that pleading guilty would actually reduce her sentence. Blanca, relying on this advice, agreed to the plea. However, she was unaware of the devastating consequences this decision would have on her immigration status. During a visit in season 7, Diablo informs Blanca that her green card has been voided as a result of her guilty plea. This revelation throws her future into jeopardy and highlights the severe repercussions of legal decisions made within the prison system, particularly for non-citizens.

The reason behind Blanca's deportation threat lies in the intricacies of immigration law and the consequences of a criminal record. Blanca had a green card, signifying her legal right to reside in the United States. However, her guilty plea to inciting a riot in prison triggered a review of her immigration status. Unfortunately, this plea, intended to shorten her sentence, had the opposite effect, leading to her being flagged for immigration proceedings. The system, it seemed, was rigged against her, and her former lawyer failed to fully explain the implications of her plea deal. Blanca was unaware that pleading guilty could jeopardize her permanent residency.

The flashback episodes provide crucial context to Blanca's present-day struggles. One such flashback reveals that Blanca obtained her green card well before her arrest. This detail underscores the sense of injustice surrounding her deportation, as she had taken the necessary steps to become a legal resident of the United States. Further, in the present day, she asks Diablo to investigate the status of her permanent residency. These flashbacks serve to humanize Blanca and demonstrate the cruel irony of her situation: a legal resident facing deportation due to circumstances within the prison system.

The relationship between Blanca and the elderly woman she cared for is complex and evolves over time. Initially, the old woman is portrayed as mean and demanding, and Blanca's actions towards her are seen as retaliatory, specifically engaging in sexual activity in front of her as a form of rebellion or revenge. However, as the story unfolds, a different dimension to their relationship emerges. There are suggestions that they reached a different understanding, and Blanca's motivations shifted towards protecting the woman as well as her job. Some viewers felt that the initial portrayal of Blanca's actions was disturbing and difficult to reconcile with her later character development, but others appreciated the nuance and complexity of their relationship. Some viewers were glad that the narrative shifted to show a more amicable relationship between Blanca and the old woman, finding it more palatable and aligning with Blanca's character arc. Others felt that the old woman's behavior warranted Blanca's initial actions. There were contrasting views on the power dynamics between Blanca and the old woman, with some arguing that Blanca's actions constituted an abuse of power, while others saw the old woman's behavior as equally problematic.

There's an episode flashback that shows Blanca and Diablo being intimate, further enriching the backstory. The flashback provides a deeper understanding of their relationship and highlights the motivations behind their actions. It paints a picture of a passionate and devoted couple caught in circumstances that ultimately lead to their downfall. This flashback adds another layer to Blanca's character, humanizing her and making her plight all the more compelling.

The series raises questions about Blanca's intentions regarding Millie. When Blanca chooses the pink suit for Millie and announces, "We're going out today," it prompts speculation about her plans. Some viewers speculated that Blanca intended to take Millie to the bank, force her to withdraw money, and share it with Diablo, who has a history of armed robbery. The intention, as some perceived it, was to have as much fun as possible before Millie's daughter discovered their actions. This interpretation paints Blanca in a more negative light, suggesting a manipulative and opportunistic side to her character.

Conversely, others believe that Blancas connection with the elderly woman changed over time, and Blanca may have wanted to protect her. Blanca did not need a wheelchair, meaning that the elderly woman was able to care for herself and get around without help. It appeared to some that Blanca wanted to protect her job, but that the relationship between the two had evolved into something more. The elderly woman, while difficult, was not completely helpless and capable of making her own decisions.

Ultimately, the circumstances surrounding Blanca's conviction highlight the complexities of the legal system and the potential for injustice, particularly when individuals are not fully aware of the consequences of their actions. Her story serves as a cautionary tale, underscoring the importance of understanding one's legal rights and seeking competent legal counsel. The story of Blanca Flores in "Orange is the New Black" is a stark reminder of the human cost of systemic failures and the enduring power of hope in the face of adversity.

Why Is Blanca in Prison on Orange Is the New Black? POPSUGAR
Why Is Blanca in Prison on Orange Is the New Black? POPSUGAR

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Why Is Blanca in Prison? How Orange Is the New Black Characters Got
Why Is Blanca in Prison? How Orange Is the New Black Characters Got

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Why Is Blanca in Prison on Orange Is the New Black? POPSUGAR
Why Is Blanca in Prison on Orange Is the New Black? POPSUGAR

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