Orphan Black Review: “Scarred by Many Past Frustrations”

“My sestra. She tears my heart.”

Mad Men broadcast its final episode last night. Orphan Black is now the most intelligent drama on television.

Title: “Scarred by Many Past Frustrations”

Cast and Crew
Director: David Frazee
Writer: Alex Levine

Tatiana Maslany as Sarah Manning/ Cosima Niehaus / Helena / Pupok
Jordan Gavaris as Felix Dawkins
Ari Milen as Mark Rollins / Rudy / Parsons / Castor Clones
Zoé De Grand Maison as Grace Johanssen
Kyra Harper as Dr. Virginia Coady
Dylan Bru Kevin Hanchard as Art Bell
Maria Doyle Kennedy as Siobhan Sadler
Ksenia Solo as Shay
Dylan Bruce as Paul Dierdan
Natalie Krill as Patty

Premise

Sarah and Helena plot to escape their captors, Siobhan and Felix take in a newly (and awkwardly) liberated Grace Johanssen, Cosima goes on a suspicious first date, and Art Bell has something in the works.

High Points

The interactions and plotting between Helena and Sarah, now both captives, creates much of the tension and suspense in this episode. Maslaney’s ability to make us forget she portrays both characters remains remarkable.

Low Point

The online streaming in Canada has been sponsored by tires, the Royal Bank, and McCain Deep ‘n’ Delicious. I guess I get the markets here, but does anyone else find those kids-eating-like-animals ads slightly repulsive?

The Scores:

Originality: 4/6

Effects: 6/6

Story: 5/6 I’m interested to see where the new developments head—however unwieldy the plotting has become. Shay clearly isn’t just a date, but does she know that? And if she’s in on the plotting, who is she? And what are we about to learn regarding Art Bell? Will we have to say goodnight to Gracie? The show could retain its brilliance, or collapse like a jenga-pile or a character with as-yet inexplicable red eyes.*

Acting: 6/6 I recognize that the “Acting” section of these reviews frequently consists of me praising Tatiana Maslaney, but if anyone doubts her worthiness of winning a major acting award, watch this episode. We entirely relate to her different roles as different people.

We also learn more about Siobhan and Gracie, and the performers handles these scenes well. Felix remains in a support role, but Jordan Gavaris still gets great lines, and knows how to deliver them.

Emotional Response: 6/6

Production: 6/6

Overall: 6/6 This episode features some impressive direction and camera work.

In total, “Scarred by Many Past Frustrations” receives 39/42

Notes

*It appears a Castor Clone glitch has spread to others, virus-like, but we do not yet know if this is the case.