So the last episode of the first season of Orphan Black airs in a little less than an hour here and I can honestly say it’s been the biggest entertainment surprise of 2013 so far. Indeed, BBC America knew what they were doing when they came up with Supernatural Saturday. I can’t even believe I am writing this right now, but by the fourth week of their regularly scheduled sci-fi spree, I started looking forward to seeing Sarah, Felix and the clone crew a bit more than the Doctor. I know. I know. But it’s true.
Here’s five very good reasons why:
1. Tatiana Moslany: I know I am not the only person making this prediction, but Moslany is on the verge of being absolutely huge. She manages to bring out the most subtle emotions in each of the clones she plays and the way she uses her eyes as a central identifier between characters is so delicate and genius that I want to scream “Emmy! Emmy! Emmy!” every time I see that right eyebrow arch for Sarah or those lids blink rapidly for Alison. She truly makes the show what it is.
2. The Soundtrack: Science fiction dramas on television can tend to veer into some really bizarre territory when it comes to music and sound effects. As iconic as X-Files was, everything beyond that intro music was truly hokey. On Orphan Black, we get dark music that plays with the narrative and adds to the feverish pace, but it manages to never give away the punch.
3. Karen Walton: As the sole female writer on the show and a co-producer, she has scribed my two favorite episodes thus far: Entangled Bank and Effects of External Conditions. If I had to make bets, I would wager that Walton is a major reason this show has such positive representations of women.
4. Felix: The comic relief. The warm smile. The truly genuine friend. He is officially on my list of fictional characters I want to have a drink with.
5. The Clones: The primary reason I and so many others have become obsessed with Orphan Black is the clones. Despite the fact that they are genetically identical, each adds a tremendous amount through their own unique character roles. One by one the plot moves forward, but they’re all also embroiled in their own distinct narratives. And it’s those stories - the personal ones - that end up being the real draw. Week after week, new light is shed on each of these women and as a result, they start to feel like a family. Instead of just wanting closure for Sarah, the first clone we meet and our primary character, I have come to long for resolution for each of these wonderful women. Even the deceased Beth Childs. And Helena too.
But must of all, I think this show deserves more attention and more praise because it’s the representation of something we desperately need more of in our media: shows featuring and starring women. This is a female-led show, with distinct female characters who ALL represent some part of being a woman that is real and non-stereotypical. Whether it’s the lesbian scientist, the strong police officer or the bold and out-spoken stay at home mom, all of them have a role to play and something to contribute. This is not a common narrative on television today and we can make this show a success by turning out in large numbers of Season 2. Best of all, I will be damned if you’re not entertained.