Orphan Black Review: “The Weight of this Combination”

Ferdinand: Do you remember our safe word?
Sarah as Rachel: No.

Black is back, with Helena’s captivity, Rachel’s surgery, Dyad’s duplicity, and clone multiplicity. Can the show bear the weight of this combination?

Title: “The Weight of this Combination”

Cast and Crew
Director: David Frazee
Writer: Graeme Manson et al.

Tatiana Maslany as Sarah Manning/ Cosima Niehaus / Alison Hendrix / Rachel Duncan / Helena
Jordan Gavaris as Felix Dawkins
Maria Doyle Kennedy as Siobhan Sadler
Skyler Wexler as Kira
Evelyne Brochu as Delphine
Ari Milen as Rudy / Castor Clones
Kristian Bruun as Donnie Hendrix
Kevin Hanchard as Art Bell
Amanda Brugel as Marci Coates
James Frain as the Ferdinand the Cleaner
Tom McCamus as Dr. Nealon
Dylan Bruce as Paul Dierdan
Josh Vokey as Scott

Premise

Helena awakes in captivity, but she holds onto the bond with her sisters and has the help of a talking animal companion. (Note: Helena is also slightly crazy). Topside investigates Dyad, and Sarah has to play Rachel, as the actual Rachel is in recovery after her pencilectomy.

The Castor Clones begin to integrate themselves with the story, as danger stalks the Leda Clones, with Allison in imminent danger.

High Points

Tatiana Maslany once again proves her mettle in multiple roles. This week, Sarah must pass as Rachel, and she does so with nuance too-infrequently seen on television.

Ari Millen, in his limited appearances, seems to be keeping up.

Low Point

Given the dangers they face, it seems odd Sarah and company would stay at their known addresses. Sarah, in particular, has been an adept runner in the past.

The Scores:

Originality: 4/6

Effects: 6/6 Let me get that pencil for you.

Story: 5/6 The story runs all over the place; you really have to watch Orphan Black from the very start.

Acting: 6/6 We have here the strongest cast on television—though I’m not completely sold yet on Ferdinand the Creeper.

Emotional Response: 5/6

Production: 6/6

Overall: 5/6

In total, “The Weight of this Combination” receives 37/42