Nicky and Maritza's backstory is one of those gritty, raw arcs that sneaks up on you in 'Orange Is the New Black'. Nicky, played by Natasha Lyonne, is this sarcastic, quick-witted lesbian with a heart of gold buried under layers of addiction and self-destructive tendencies. Her backstory reveals how she grew up in a wealthy but emotionally cold family, with a mother who was more concerned about appearances than her daughter's well-being. That privilege didn’t shield her from spiraling into drug abuse, which eventually lands her in Litchfield.
Maritza, on the other hand, is this vibrant, flirtatious character who seems to glide through life on charm alone. But her flashbacks show a much tougher reality—she was a homeless teen in New York, surviving by her wits and occasional scams. Her friendship with Flaca is one of the few genuine connections she has, and it’s heartbreaking to see how her past shaped her into someone who uses humor and sexuality as armor. Their dynamic in the prison is fascinating because Nicky’s cynicism clashes with Maritza’s carefree facade, but deep down, they both understand what it’s like to be underestimated.