A Review of ‘Orphan Black: Echoes’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Krysten Ritter as Lucy in Season 1 of ‘Orphan Black: Echoes’. (Photo Courtesy of Sophie Giraud/AMC.)

One thing that fans of science fiction can agree upon, is that the hit series, Orphan Black, was quite revolutionary in nature. After all, it was one of the first stories to ask quite the ‘what if?’ question. In that, what would happen if cloning were a thing? Which brought forth multiple seasons of powerful storytelling that managed to use that question to not only ponder deeply upon the status and standing of science in our modern world, but also pondered upon science’s ability to move quicker than we can process and of course… the need for humanity to use it responsibly. Not to mention, the show also used Tatiana Maslany’s endless skills as an actor to explore so much about the human condition. For the show also pondered upon how we become who we become in life.
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All of which made for fine science fiction, the kind that really was revolutionary in its depth, and it was one that we as fans, wondered if it would continue or not. For Pandora’s Box was indeed opened in that tale and there was the chance that more clones could join the Clone Club but clearly, a fast follow up was not the way to do this. It needed time to percolate, and the right story needed to be told and well, it just so happens that the right one has arrived. For Sunday will see the arrival of Orphan Black: Echoes on AMC and AMC+, and this follow-up is indeed the second chapter we’ve been eagerly waiting for. One that stays true to what the original put forth while forging an incredible new path for the franchise, and one way that it accomplishes that is through a refreshing plot.

One that takes place decades after the original show to introduce us to a world where mankind is still chugging along, and where organs are now being printed on a regular and cellular basis and of course… where a woman named Lucy awakens with no memory of her former life. And to complicate matters further, she has come to in a facility far from the city. One that is home to another iteration of her, which informs her that trouble surrounds her, and she quickly makes her way out into the world to forge her own path. One that is of course, disturbed by individuals that have been looking for her, and well, that puts her on quite the collision course with all kinds of unsettling truths. Especially after she discovers that she’s not the only Lucy, active in the world, and that motivates her to do whatever it takes to learn why she was brought into this world and learn of the past she cannot recall.

Which is the perfect plot to reintroduce us into this world, one that really is quite engaging. For Lucy is indeed a deeply different and deeply dynamic character who has her own unique path and intriguing wants, and there’s a lot to be said from a writing standpoint regarding a character that is eager to find themselves. In fact, the writing is indeed top notch here, allowing for the episodes to be filled with layers and commentary regarding science and the human condition, and of course… it gives life to a mystery that is compelling and powerful and keeps you engaged. Not to mention, those aforementioned echoes are important since there is connective tissue between Orphan Black and this series. Which is a real treat to see play out and will definitely, please fans of the original show, no problem.

However, while all of those elements are enough to carry this series, it still has more wonders to share with us. For it also features a magnificent cast and some utterly incredible acting. With Krysten Ritter (Lucy) leading the charge in such matters, courtesy of a performance that truly helps to immerse us in Lucy’s plight and this brave new world and well, all of these elements combine to bring us, a fantastic science fiction series. For this one hits all the right notes and gives us a compelling story that holds a bright flame to the show that came before it, and thankfully we don’t have to wait all that much longer to enjoy this intelligent and engaging series. For Sunday, June 23rd will see Orphan Black: Echoes premiere after Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire, and we here at NTG cannot wait for you to return to the Clone Club and enjoy this thrilling new chapter in the saga.

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