The OA's Controversial Scene is Uproar-inducing
Netflix's hit series, The OA, has sparked intense controversy with its highly unsettling school shooting scene As the show gains renewed attention, fans and critics alike are left in shock and eager to see how the story unfolds
The Netflix mystery-drama series The OA has returned to the spotlight after a popular scene from the show went viral on social media. Launched in 2016, the series was created by Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij, and features Marling as Prarie/The OA, a young woman with apparent supernatural powers.
Marling and Batmanglij had planned out a five-season arc for The OA, but Netflix decided to cancel the series after just two seasons in 2019. Despite ongoing efforts from fans to bring the show back, no revival project has been announced.
Nevertheless, the lack of new OA content hasn't deterred new viewers from discovering the show, particularly its most famous scene.
School shooting scene in The OA is freaking people out
The notorious school shooting scene from The OA Season 1 is what we’re referring to. It's the climax of the Season 1 finale, "Chapter 8: Invisible Self," where the OA and her followers thwart a gunman's assault in a school cafeteria by utilizing interpretive dance-like movements.
y’all PLEASE come get me off this floor cause what is this??? pic.twitter.com/nTTFDLQamB
— 𝕛𝕒𝕟𝕖𝕒 (@heyyitsjanea) January 10, 2024
The scene from 2016 was controversial, but it made sense in the show's context. However, when a re-scored TikTok clip of the scene was shared on X, it left those unfamiliar with The OA bewildered to say the least.
"Y'all PLEASE come get me off this floor cause what is this??" wrote one user in response to the scene. "I thought they were gonna rush the shooter because *power* in numbers and I–" added another. "I NEED to know what this is. Please," chimed in a third.
Netflix teases the return of one of its biggest shows
Fortunately, the loyal fans of the OA were there to clarify things. "Not gonna lie, when taken out of context this clip had me laughing," commented one of the show's followers. "It's from a Netflix series called the OA, which I personally thought was pretty good."
No matter your opinion on The OA’s depiction of a school shooting, it serves as evidence of the show’s lasting impact. As it nears its conclusion in 2024 or 2025, Netflix is hopeful that Stranger Things will enjoy similar success. The streaming platform has already released a teaser image for the fifth and final season in January 2024, generating buzz. While details about the story are scarce, the Duffer Brothers have assured fans that it will provide closure for all the characters.
Editor's P/S
As a passionate fan of "The OA," I am thrilled to see the renewed attention the show is receiving, particularly due to its controversial school shooting scene. This scene, which serves as the climax of Season 1's finale, is a powerful and thought-provoking moment that encapsulates the show's unique blend of mystery, drama, and supernatural elements. While it may seem bizarre or even comical when viewed out of context, within the show's narrative, it makes perfect sense and serves as a testament to the creators' bold and unconventional storytelling.
The scene's virality on social media platforms like TikTok demonstrates the show's enduring impact and ability to generate discussion and debate. Despite its cancellation after two seasons, "The OA" continues to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression. I am hopeful that the show's loyal fan base will continue to advocate for its revival and that we may one day witness the completion of the five-season arc that Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij envisioned.
