Orphan Black is the best series to show up in 2012-2013 season. When I wrote "Clone War" encouraging people to watch I didn't know the season finale would actually set one in motion. More on that in a minute. Be forewarned this review will eventually provide spoilers because there is no way to talk about this action packed episode without them.
As I touched upon in my prior blog post this show soars on the widespread wings of Tatiana Maslany. Her ability in a ten episode arc to create depth and differentiation between Alison, Cosima, Helena, Sarah and Beth is nothing short of breathtaking. That Rachel has been added to this clone clan in the finale and she has a clear voice in this genetic chorus speaks to Maslany’s expert handling of this complex series. At no point does she short change a performance and each character benefits from Maslany's nuanced physicality. Of all the clones, Alison best represents this fact. She has served as the comic relief among the clones and her scenes with Felix have been priceless. Yet it was her shifting of emotions and actions particularly in the last three episodes that was a revelation, unexpected and completely believable. If I have a criticism of this finale it was the lack of screen time for Felix and Paul, the two men flanking Sarah's life and probably the only people she can really trust. Given how much happened it was a forgivable offense. This season finale did what a great show should. It answered some key questions, drew clear lines of alliance, set up next season's central questions while cleaning house on concepts that weren't fleshed out this season. I would say the biggest question going into next season is whether the creators can maintain this delicate balance of thriller and sci-fi along with the shows kinetic pace. What's most striking about the show is that it is utterly fearless. When I think about the opening scene to the closing episode there is an entire family tree that has emerged and how those tree branches link together still left unresolved. It was a season finale with cliffhangers and while I was left eager for more, I certainly wasn't disappointed with where we landed.
Orphan Black has leaned into its storytelling all season. This final 60 minutes made the prior nine episodes look like they were moving at a snails pace in comparison.
What Worked:
Death was the big winner this episode. The single best decision the show made was to kill Helena. Learning she was Sarah’s twin was an interesting twist, but given all that has happened there was no redeeming her character. She also wasn’t a very good messenger for the anti-science movement that turned her into a psychotic killer. Ultimately her purpose was to propel the other clones together and with that plot need served keeping her would have led to dead end storytelling. The twist of having her pose as Sarah to kill their birth mother Amelia was a great jump from your seat moment. Introducing Rachel Duncan hit just right, giving viewers a proclone working for the establishment with motives no less devious then Helena’s. I am assuming this was to establish key opposition for Sarah in season 2. Alison’s descent to the dark side this episode was completed when she watched Ainsley’s life literally go down the drain. This passive murder reminded viewers about Alison’s violent capabilities. Speaking of Alison, her husband being her monitor was well played. Not until Ainsley was dead was it truly obvious that he was not a red herring.
What Missed:
One thing that Orphan Black barely touched upon was the battle between science (Neolutionists) and anti-science (Prolethians). I assume this battle that resulted in Helena’s serial assassinations of fellow clones will be better explored come season 2. Helena’s death paves the way for them to do so in a clear, fresh manner. Cosima was my biggest disappointment. She discovers two key pieces of information, she’s sick and the clones are all patented property. Yet this storyline fell flat for me. It was important information but felt like it served the larger plot to Cosima’s detriment. And finally once Sarah is released from police custody there is no real purpose to Art and his partner’s pursuit to figure out Sarah’s story. In an episode that had a lot to do I don’t know why they chose to pursue it.
Open Questions to mull for the 11 months until the Season 2 premiere
Kiera – Who took her? Was it Mrs. S working for Rachel? Speaking of Kiera what super human healing power does she have and how does it tie back to being a child of a clone?
Rachel – How is she the only clone in on everything that is happening and apparently running a great deal of it, even beyond Dr. Leekie?
Who is Mrs. S? How does she factor into the cloning?
How was it possible for Sarah to have Kiera and who is Kiera’s father?
Will Alison’s murder open up a violent streak like her fellow clone Helena?
What are the consequences for her signing the disclosure?
What role is Art going to play next season?
How will the Neolutionists vs. Prolethians back history evolve?
Will Cosima survive?
How many clones will show up next season? Is there a parallel study of a set of male clones on the horizon?
The clone war has come. Sadly we will have to wait a year for it to begin.
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