Just a little data, discussion and analysis from the backstage area of the Autostraddle Gay Emmys!

“This was the point in this episode, and there were points like this in almost every episode, where I went cold and just thought ‘Why am I still watching this fucking show?'”

“Tied To The Tracks” is a slow burn compared to the season’s first six episodes of Orange Is the New Black that mostly boasted a crowded ensemble acting out cruelly in the name of justice for Poussey.

After an episode of literal torture, OITNB focuses on the stories it tells best: the ones about family.

I’m not going to lie, there was something oddly cathartic about seeing a pile of Cheetos burst into flames.

Never before have my distaste for a show and love for its cast been so at odds.

This is the show that I fell in love with. Women, helping each other through their pain. Women, finding family. Women, finding support from one another while in the pits of the darkest places they can imagine.

“I can be very unchecked in my opinions. And I don’t regret it. I’ve told casting directors in the room that parts are problematic or that projects shouldn’t get made.”

Topics include the new Veep trailer, Alicia Witt on “Orange is the New Black,” casting P-Valley, a lot of Lena Waithe related projects, how “Dating Around” found its cast (including lesbians!), a lot of shows with lesbian characters getting cancelled and more!

Angie announces, “I’m the jefe now!” with one of the harshest American “j” sounds ever and decides there will be a talent show and the guard/hostages will perform. So, we know where this is going.

Really, Linda? Really?

Hey did y’all know white guys have feelings too?

Spectacles rely on spectators, and I for one am not going to be pulled into this show anymore just to watch violence for the sake of violence. I can watch the news and do that, thanks.

“Thirteen hours of television later, and season five’s cliffhanger ends nearly exactly as season four: with women, many of whom are queer, many of whom are of color, in peril and facing an unknown future. Instead of grounding this season in a fight for social justice, they gleefully reveled in unnecessary violence and humiliation.”

After four episodes of chaos and lack of direction both within Litchfield and the overall arc of the season, Orange Is the New Black finally managed to pull it together enough to produce an episode worth watching (save for one MAJOR issue).

Plus: Viola Davis is going to play black queer legend Ma Rainey, Tig Notaro and Reese Witherspoon, 25 Years of My So-Called Life, so much bisexuality on TV, Meryl Streep is going to Prom, and more!

Yellowjackets and Euphoria’s music supervisor only chooses “fucking bangers,” a Niecy Nash spin-off of The Rookie, and a new thriller from Cara Delevingne.

“It’s a world filled with wonderful, kind, queer people.”

Here are some things I turn to when I have a big day ahead of me and I want to look Extremely Awake.

“You’re gonna want a quick, catchy clickbait. Something to really grab the liberal market — that’s who you wanna appeal to.”