Warning: this post will contain spoilers from season 1 and the first two episodes of season 2 of Orphan Black. Read at your own risk.
Season two of BBC America’s Orphan Black started back up last week and the first two episodes have not disappointed.
Image taken from BBC America website
Orphan Black is about Sarah Manning who, after watching a woman who looks just like her jump into the path of a train (from season one), comes to find out she is a clone, and there are several people out there who look like her. Sarah, forges an at first tenuous relationship with fellow clones Alison, the happy homemaker with a mild drinking problem, and Cosima, the brainy scientist whose been researching all the clones. Then there’s Helena – the Ukrainian clone who is sadistic, a fundamentalist, seemingly crazy, and murderous.
Season one focused on the reveal of all the clones and the back stories of the characters. Felix, also known as Fe is Sarah’s “brother” (I believe foster kids together), played a large part in helping Sarah and the clones become real friends. There was a lot of comments online about how Fe was a stereo-typical gay guy, but I’d have to disagree. He’s very edgy and a bit on the kinky side, I think Modern Family has the much more stereo-typical gay guys (but I do enjoy that show as well). There were two or three big reveals that played out in season one: Sarah is the only clone who is able to have children (Alison’s are adopted); Helena and Sarah are actually twin sisters (I guess that makes them clone twins? seems a bit redundant, ha!); and the Dyad Institute is actively tracking the clones and wants them all to sign an agreement to participate in the studies. And, oh yeah, Helena was shot and assumed dead.
Season two starts up right at the end of season one – Kira, Sarah’s daughter has been kidnapped and Sarah is desparate to find her. Cosmia is getting sicker and still does not know why, and Helena makes a surprising comeback. Although I wasn’t that shocked, she played such an integral part I can’t imagine how the show could continue without her.
The first season of this show was really good – so many revals of the clones and it kept you wondering how many more there were. Sarah started out as a really unlikable person, but after getting to know her fellow clones, she became much more tolerable. Her relationship with her daughter also helped to sway viewers on Sarah’s likability.
Tatiana Maslany just KILLS IT in this series. Her portrayal of each clone is distinct and different. This is most evident when she plays one clone pretending to be another – Sarah as Cosmia, Alison as Sarah, etc. The supporting cast does a great job as well, especially when a clone is pretending to be a clone. It almost makes me wonder if I’m hypnotized by Tatinan’a work and can’t really tell if there is a good story with this show. Doesn’t really matter because I’m going to keep watching this show. It’s enjoyable, full of good acting, and has a good pace. This is why I love BBC America programming, they provide something different and they tend to do a good job at casting.
What are your thoughts on Orphan Black?
thedailyopine 
I’m glad I recently caught up on Season 1 in time for the new season. I think I binged watched the season 1 over 5 days. So addicting. I’m surprised by how much I like Alison, she’s an uptight soccer mom but she’s hilarious at times. Her chemistry with Fe is also a lot fun, very different from his relationship Sara. The writing is top notch but without Tatiana Maslany the show wouldn’t be what it is. She’s a very talented actress. Some of favorite moments are also when a clone is pretending to be another clone. I thought Helena died but I should have known better. Plus there’s a lot more to explore with her character. Great to know you’re a fan too!
I feel the same about Alison – her uptightness has provided some good scenes. Seems like Fe pretends to not like her, but I think he really does. The clone acting like another one are definitely some of the better scenes. Happy you binge watched and are on board too! Let’s hope the 2nd season continues to impress.