13. Can't Fix Crazy

Complete story — includes the ending

Caputo chooses Gloria Mendoza to replace Red as head cook. To reclaim her position, Red sabotages the kitchen, but the resulting grease fire injures Gina and prompts Norma to end her friendship with Red. Red is subsequently starved out by Gloria and the kitchen staff. Figueroa leans on Bennett to squash the investigation into Neptune's Produce. Piper tells Alex that she is choosing Larry, after which Alex cuts Piper out of her life. Larry confronts Alex in visitation, but Alex informs him that it was Piper who rekindled their sexual relationship; Alex asserts Larry's insecurity stems from Piper's weaknesses and not her machinations. Larry breaks up with Piper, while Alex starts a sexual relationship with Nicky and turns Piper away. Following the success of the prison's Christmas pageant, Piper abruptly leaves during the final song. Pennsatucky follows Piper, which results in a confrontation in the prison yard. Piper appeals to Healy for help, but he walks off and purposely abandons her. Pennsatucky charges at Piper with a shiv fashioned from a wooden cross and says she does not deserve love. This makes Piper finally lose control; she relentlessly beats and punches Pennsatucky.