Orphan Black Review: “Transitory Sacrifices of Crisis”

Orphan Black gives the Castor Clones more time this week, while Helena learns more about her captors, Sarah faces a dangerous foe, Cal returns, Cosima improves, Alison schemes, Art investigates, and Mark burns to remove his tattoo.

Where are the mangoes?

Title: “Transitory Sacrifices of Crisis”

Cast and Crew
Director: John Fawcett
Writer: Aubrey Nealon

Tatiana Maslany as Sarah Manning/ Cosima Niehaus / Alison Hendrix / Helena / Pupok
Michiel Huisman as Cal Morrison
Jordan Gavaris as Felix Dawkins
Maria Doyle Kennedy as Siobhan Sadler
Skyler Wexler as Kira
Ari Milen as Rudy / Seth / Mark / Castor Clones
Kristian Bruun as Donnie Hendrix
Kevin Hanchard as Art Bell
Dylan Bruce as Paul Dierdan
Josh Vokey as Scott
Zoé De Grand Maison as Grace Johanssen
Alex Ozerov as Ramone
Tom McCamus as Dr. Nealon
Kyra Harper as Dr. Coady
Natalie Krill as Patty

Premise

We’re learning more about the glitch in the clone troopers, as the Castors are busy as beavers trying to find their genetic source. Meanwhile, the Hendrixes continue to enliven suburbia with drug deals (because they’re just thinking about the kids) and last season’s concealed killing.

Sarah, Cal, Rudy, and Mark all make difficult choices.

High Points

The Castor Clones have less to distinguish than the Leda Line, as they share a common, warped background as well as genetics. Nevertheless, we see some differences, and this week, the humanity underlying them, despite their monstrous actions.

I found this episode particularly well-directed– especially those disturbing opening and closing scenes.

Low Point

I still feel my heart when Kira gets placed in danger, but they’re really overusing it as a plot device. Hopefully, her travels with Cal will keep her out of danger for awhile. She is, I note, a remarkable child actress, but they may need to put her aside for now, if only because her growth will be visibly at odds with the show’s time-frame.

The Scores:

Originality: 3/6 The clone tests echo Blade Runner.

Effects: 6/6

Story: 5/6 They’re doing a reasonable job of juggling multiple storylines.

Acting: 6/6

Emotional Response: 6/6

Production: 6/6 Production remains strong, they find excellent locations in unnamed Toronto, and the music remains eerie.

Overall: 5/6

In total, “Transitory Sacrifices of Crisis” receives 37/42