It has often been named among the most underrated and overlooked television shows of the 2010s but those who have seen Orphan Black can attest to how great it was. The remarkable acting talent of Tatiana Maslany is on full display when she portrays nearly a dozen clones, all with unique personalities and quirks.
While that was certainly a selling point, the series also boasted a strong, twisty storyline that kept audiences guessing over the years. The BBC America show lasted five seasons and though the quality was high throughout, some seasons were clearly superior to others. The TV portion ended in 2017 but the story has since continued in an audiobook series.
Season 3
It seems like even the most diehard of Orphan Black fans agree that season 3 was the worst for the show. That's not to say that it was bad but you could tell that they were trying some things out that weren't working. The game-changer entering this set of episodes was the arrival of the male Castor clones, though they just weren't as interesting as the Leda girls.
The biggest issue was likely that Clone Club was split up after coming together at the end of season 2. By this point, the fans wanted to see more of them together and not have Helena captured in another country or Alison spending time running for school trustee. There were highlights including Clone Club getting back together in the finale and Paul's sacrifice to make amends for his past actions.
Season 5
Sticking the landing is always difficult when you have a high quality show with a passionate fanbase. Some series have missed the mark there in the past (Game of Thrones and Sons of Anarchy are examples) but Orphan Black seemed to mostly get it right. Although splitting the clones up wasn't always a good move, giving each of them individual episodes to shine in this season was a stroke of genius.
As the final season neared wrapping up, the intensity picked up. The race to the finish line was exciting and the show took major risks, including killing off Mrs. S, a key character since the pilot. Everyone got a fitting ending, from Helena naming her babies after Arthur and Donnie to Cosima and Delphine helping the Leda clones to Sarah being with Felix and Kira, it all worked out.
The Next Chapter
Orphan Black: The Next Chapter is an interesting one because it's the only season of the story to not be televised. Two years after the series finale aired, a new audiobook debuted on Serial Box that focused on these beloved characters. It was set eight years in the future, with characters like Charlotte and Kira now in college and the clones working together once again.
It got the young generation in on the action while also giving a peek into the lives of these characters as time has gone on. That included introducing new clones like Vivi Valdez. The true highlight of this series is that Tatiana Maslany acts as narrator, bringing out her iconic voices and stylings for each unique clone. Another season is on the horizon, with the addition of Jordan Gavaris (Felix) and Evelyne Brochu (Delphine) joining the voice cast.
Season 4
Following the somewhat disappointing season 3, it was the job of season 4 to right the ship of sorts. It started with a bang, delivering an entire flashback episode centered around Beth Childs, the pivotal clone who got a lot of the story started only to die right at the beginning. This season also brought in M.K., the brilliant but paranoid clone with information on Neolutionists.
Season 4 also played host to some of the show's most shocking moments and best twists, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. It forged stronger bonds within Clone Club despite driving a wedge between Sarah and Felix for parts of it. Plus, this season managed to turn Rachel Duncan back into the primary antagonist, which was a welcome change.
Season 1
Some shows take a while to get their footing but not Orphan Black. The opening scene where Sarah sees Beth, a woman who looks identical to her, step in front of an oncoming train, is a masterful hook to grab an audience. This season did a great job of introducing the core clones, explaining their various differences, and building those relationships together. Since it was so new, nobody really knew what to expect.
Moments like Sarah finding out that the killer they were hunting was another clone, the reveal that Sarah and Helena were twins, and Kira getting hit by a car were all jaw-dropping. The season was tightly written with everything mattering and introducing the world to some truly incredible characters, mysteries, and lore.
Season 2
While it was gripping to see things get underway and it was also great to experience them wrapping the story up, the show was at its best during season 2. At this point, the clones knew each other well and had bonded. Even Helena, who was a villain in season 1, came to the good side due to her bond with Sarah. The scenes they share in episodes 4-6 of season 2 are among the best in series history.
There's Donnie discovering the truth and accidentally killing Leekie, Cosima dealing with her mortality, the debut of Cal, Alison in rehab, and Rachel as the ultimate villain. It all culminated in Sarah getting revenge on Rachel, saving Kira, and the four main clones meeting up for the first time and having a dance party that was both heartwarming and impressive from a special effects standpoint.