‘Orphan Black: Echoes’ Recap – ‘Unless You Trusted Someone’

7/29/2024

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Keeley Hawes and Krysten Ritter as Dr. Kira Manning and Lucy in Episode 106 of ‘Orphan Black: Echoes’ – ‘Unless You Trusted Someone’. (Photo Courtesy of Sophie Giraud/AMC.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Six of ‘Orphan Black: Echoes’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.

It is definitely safe to say that last week’s episode of Orphan Black: Echoes on AMC, AMC+, and BBC America, was nothing short of a game changer. Simply because… we came to learn that the crux of this story was grounded in the power of grief. Since Lucy exists because of the fact that Dr. Kira Manning could not handle the death of her beloved Eleanor Miller and well, that not only changes perspective for the audience regarding the tone of the story… but it opens up the opportunity for this story to explore so much more. Such as ponder upon the fallout of such a revelation and it just so happens, that last night’s episode had no problem exploring just that.

A feat that ‘Unless You Trusted Someone’ accomplished by way of two key storylines, one of which focused upon Lucy. Since her journey here took the time to explore, how someone would reconcile the horrifying truth that they are a clone of someone that passed away from a horrible disease that they now carry genetically and well, this episode realistically informed us… that all one can do at that point… is do one’s best to process the gravity of such revelations and live in the moment. Because really… what else can one do when their fate is in front of them? Which allowed for Lucy to find a little calm over this news, and it motivated her to really work to solidify her relationship with Jack. To own the moment and own the beauty of memories that might fade.

Which made, for a positive exploration of what could happen with such a truth, one that was also empowering since Lucy made it clear that her path and her wants were her own. But of course, every positive exploration harbors a negative one for the world is double sided in that manner and Kira’s journey here spoke to that. Because we came to learn the devastation that grief provided her very soul with, prompted her to make another poor choice. In that, she cloned an adult Eleanor, with Josh’s pressing, in the hopes of being able to recreate her love for the ages and have the second chance she craved. But alas, that move from grief only brought about more trouble and sorrow for Kira, since this revelation led to the most important lessons of all.

Vinson Tran and Amanda Fix as Xander and Jules in Episode 106 of ‘Orphan Black: Echoes’ – ‘Unless You Trusted Someone’. (Photo Courtesy of Sophie Giraud/AMC.)

In that, we cannot recreate the past, and if we could pull this kind of feat off, nothing would ever be the same. For we know how the story ends and that will hang over us and that… made life miserable for this once joyous couple. Since Kira hammered Eleanor often to take medication to stave off the inevitable and her knowledge of forthcoming doom prompted her to put a wall up emotionally between the woman she loved so deeply. Giving rise to a divide, and even infidelity, instead of unity and thus proving the message at hand and giving rise to a sorrowful next chapter for Kira. One that truly showcased unique dangers related to grief, since it has in many ways created an outright hell for Kira to live through, one from which there is no escape.

Yet while it was fascinating to explore such incredible fallout in this story, it did still make sure to advance the plot and move us toward some answers. Such as why Jules was printed by Darros and what he’s up to. Which the show hinted at here through many surprises. One of which involved Jules being kidnapped and taken to the Darros compound, which harbored incredible technology to keep Jules there against her wishes and was designed… to prepare the world for a unique future. One where Darros could live for another generation since he had a clone of himself printed and where clearly, he has plans for Jules. The kind that he will pay any price for and compromise any soul. Since the reveal that Darros paid Josh jillions of dollars to get the tech back up, brought about Josh’s sorrowful end.

All of which made, for a powerhouse story. One that truly showcased something we don’t see all that often in science fiction. Specifically, consequences for irresponsible actions with technology. For all too often, sci-fi just dives into the moment and reacts accordingly. But here, we were able to see what kind of fallout could arise from this kind of technology and it is grim to say the least. In fact, it is likely safe to say that the back half of season one will dabble in dark territory as everyone reckons with the fallout of grief, of vanity and of the truth about the future, and it will be fascinating to see what lessons come out of all of that as this brilliant story continues along. Until next time.

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