"Orange is the New Black" is safe for another season so fans can now prepare for a fourth season that is reportedly going to be so much darker than the previous seasons.

Season three of "OITNB" has been described by Vox editor Todd VanDerWerff as a "perfect breather between the frantic first two seasons."  News publications have reviewed the last season as easier on the emotions as the spotlight was more on the characters' relationships than on the tumultuous and seemingly never-ending fights among the inmates.

But it seems putting the focus on the inmates' relationships did not sit well with viewers who preferred the show's crazier side. Fortunately, the showrunners appear to be keen on returning to "Orange is the New Black's" darker and more disturbing beginnings.  

That seems to be reinforced by the rumors swirling around the show's fourth season. Some publications have forwarded the premise that John Bennett staged his own disappearance as a way to ensure the safety of his baby and that of the other children living with Aleida, Daya's (Dascha Polanco) mom.

Bennett, who is portrayed by actor Matt McGorry, was last seen visiting his fiancée's mother. But his visit was not a happy one as he saw how Aleida's boyfriend, the drug dealing Cesar, treated his own children. The prison guard disappeared shortly after that, prompting fans to assume that he is running away from his responsibilities. However, some have speculated that his disappearance is just a set-up, one that authorities will blame on Cesar and lead to them taking him away, thereby freeing the children from an abusive environment.

New inmates are also set to be introduced next season as shown by the busload of new arrivals. And putting new blood into the mix more or less guarantees new drama.

Season four will allegedly put more emphasis on the stories of other inmates like Flaca (Jackie Cruz) and Big Boo (Lea DeLaria) as well. Plus, if Laura Prepon's Instagram post is to be believed, then Alex might still be alive — news that fans of "Orange is the New Black" will undoubtedly rejoice over.