The countdown has begun for the final season of BBC America's award-winning Orphan Black -the show that explores both the scientifically malevolent, and very human elements of clone technology. Fans have joined the clone 'Sestras' on a tumultuous tumble down an increasingly complex narrative rabbit hole over its last four seasons, so this last investigation into the sordid underbelly of Neolution will hopefully reward viewers with the final answers to the existential questions the characters seek.

The June 2017 premiere is, unfortunately, a few months away, but BBCA have just released some brand new season 5 images and a plot summary to tease the action ahead (see below)

Orphan Black utilizes the Emmy-winning talent of Tatiana Maslany, as she seamlessly metamorphs between the four core clones on the show (Sarah, Alison, Cosima and Helena), and a variety of other cloned women revealed each season. As the primary character, Sarah, strives to uncover the truth about her clone family's scientific purpose, she discovers a range of threats to their existence, including; several sinister factions within the scientific, religious and military communities, a disorder that is wiping out her clone cluster and a group of militarized, male clone 'siblings'. Maslany is joined by Jordan Gavaris (Felix), Kevin Hanchard (Art), Maria Doyle Kennedy (Mrs S.), Kristian Bruun (Donnie) and Evelyne Brochu (Delphine) in central roles.

These tantalizing new images reveal the show's lead characters in several speculation-inducing situations to tease the plot decisions ahead (see below):

[vn_gallery name="Orphan Black Season 5 First Look Images" id="929110"]

In addition to these images, the new plot summary sheds some light on where the new season will find Sarah and her sestras, and the adversity they will face:

"This season, the walls close in on Sarah when nearly all her sestras and their allies are brought to heel by Rachel. Even more harrowing is that her daughter Kira has joined them. With the threat of Neolution having carte blanche access to clone biology, Sarah is desperate to gain control, but realizes she must change tactics to pursue a long game. Protecting both her families, and the host of clones she’s yet to meet, Sarah and those still fighting the fight will uncover the missing pieces of the insidious conspiracy – and finally learn the story behind their origin. Despite the great risk, the fight of her life will either set her and her sestras free, or see them meet their end..."

Orphan Black's success is derived from the juxtaposition of its complex sci-fi elements and the character-driven relationships between the clone sestras and their loved ones. This contrast has occasionally become unbalanced when the show has focused too heavily on either aspect, such as reducing Alison and Donnie's plot lines to farcical comic relief, or overcomplicating the narrative with too many branches of conspiricy.

From the summary's description, it would appear that season 5 will circle back to do justice to the core elements within its long-term narrative, and satisfyingly explore the relationship between Sarah and her clone sestra nemesis -the delightfully nefarious Rachel. Hopefully, the ultimate season will provide the answers fans have been waiting for, and give Maslany many opportunities to showcase her command over her multi-character role for the last time.

Orphan Black returns for its 5th and final season June 10th, 2017 on BBCA.

Source: BBCA, AMC.