Orphan Black “Variation Under Nature”

“Orphan Black” continues to find creative ways to keep the mystery going through entire episodes.  The twists and turns of the show expertly compound the tension while holding off reveals keeping the mystery alive while pushing the pace forward at neck breaking speeds.  Every episode feels packed with information and reveals, but the story itself moves forward slowly.  Sarah’s goal from the first episode was to obtain Elizabeth’s money to run away with Kira.  Up until this point she has been working toward this goal, but obstacles have gotten in her way.  First, she had to give a statement about shooting a civilian, then Art wouldn’t give her the money until she’s returned to service.  This postponing of success keeps the shows pace moving forward without using all of the plot points too quickly. 

This week, Sarah gets pulled off probation to work a case.  This has been her goal since last episode when Art held onto the money, but this isn’t success for Sarah.  Just when she thinks she’s won, Art tells her he isn’t forking over the dough just yet, he wants to make sure she’s okay.  On top of that, the crime scene Sarah is assigned to is Katja’s grave.  Sarah buried her too close to a quarry and a back-hoe dug up her body, doing a lot of damage in the process.  Not only did Sarah not achieve her goal as expected, her situation just got worse.  If Katja’s a clone, her fingerprints will match not only Elizabeth Childs’ but also Sarah Manning’s fingerprints.  How is she supposed to convince the police department she is a clone? 

“Orphan Black” gets better every episode.  Every clone that is revealed also reveals more of Tatiana’s bottomless talent.  Every role she takes has not only a different voice and look, but different movements and feels.  I don’t know how she does it, but from the bubbliness of  Cosima to the stick-up-the-ass nervous aura of Alison, Tatiana imbibes all of the clones so far with their own different character in subtle effective ways that never cease to amaze.  “Orphan Black” is easily in my top five favorite shows right now and every episode proves why.

4.5/5