The first season of Orphan Black: Echoes came to an end this evening with a new generation of Clone Club coming together learning that they have sisters out there. Though the series was entertaining, much like our first impressions of the series premiere, it can’t quite live up to the original.
Early on, the show does a good job of drawing the viewer in with its intriguing mysteries and suspenseful thrills. Things move at a good pace gradually providing answers while introducing shocking moments and bigger questions, Unfortunately, Orphan Black: Echoes is unable to maintain the momentum in the back half. The reveals aren’t as impactful, and as the bigger picture becomes clearer, it’s difficult to be invested in the big nefarious plan.
Part of that is due to a very one note villain. James Hiroyuki Liao plays Paul Darros as cold and calculated, but there isn’t much substance after that. There is only a brief picture via flashback to paint a more sympathetic figure. However, it’s ineffective and unable to overcome his dark deeds in the present. In addition, as much as his plan involves ethical concerns, there isn’t a clear threat posed so it’s difficult to buy into the urgency.
Surprisingly, although Krysten Ritter receives top billing as Lucy, the story is more about the evolution of Jules Lee, the younger version we meet. She’s most in the dark out of the other versions, and it’s through her eyes that we discover everything going on. Amanda Fix exhibits her versatility being everything from attitude filled teen, street smart tough that can finagle her way out of hostile situations, and person with a big heart that has to fight for what’s right. Jules is more heir to Sarah Manning than Lucy.
Orphan Black: Echoes adds a clever generational slant to the Clone Club that makes the show feel unique. The times we have them all together are fun and playful with how they interact and tease each other. There’s a good chemistry between Ritter, Fix, and later, Rya Kihlstedt. There’s no arguing that Fix’s Jules is the heart and soul of the team, that’s why the season finale is very frustrating and unexpected.
The show could have benefitted if it didn’t carry the Orphan Black name and its expectations from a passionate fanbase. A big part of the narrative revolves around an adult Kira, Manning’s daughter from the original. Knowing her backstory adds some context to her actions, but in the end, she does what she does out of love. If that’s the reason, she could have been any brilliant scientist, and there are probably more people interested in what happened to her mom than her.
That doesn’t even include the glorified cameos of Jordan Gavaris and Evelyne Brooch who reprise their roles of Felix and Delphine respectively. Their use seems more forced than organic in order to pay fan service to the franchise. Gavaris in particular seems uncomfortable in his aged up make up and facial hair that Felix is far from the flamboyant artist we first met all those years ago, even if we are supposed to become more mellow with age.
The first season starts off strong but is unable to maintain the momentum in the back half. Although there is a fun twist on the newest version of Clone Club, its ties to the original do more harm than good, and the series could have benefitted on standing on its own.
Watch Orphan Black: Echoes on AMC.
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