Summary
Orphan Black: Echoesexpands on the rich sci-fi world established in the original show, with a talented cast leading the project. In a technologically advanced world where the cutting edge of science pushes the boundaries of what is morally acceptable, cloning has long been prohibited. However, with the possibility of cloning already proven, those with enough scientific knowledge are capable of bending the rules, and learning first hand why it was banned in the first place.
Cast
Echoesis set almost 40 years after the originalOrphan Blackseries ended. Now, fully grown, Kira Manning, the only child of a clone in existence, has established a successful career as a renowned scientist whose research has contributed to numerous life-saving treatments. However, when her wife dies of early-onset Alzheimer’s, Kira struggles to move on as she looks to her past to solve her present-day problems.
Orphan Black: Echoes Trailer Introduces Another Murderous, Clone-Filled Conspiracy
The trailer for Orphan Black: Echoes reveals the spinoff led by Jessica Jones star Krysten Ritter, previewing a creepy and murderous mystery.
Orphan Black: Echoes Cleverly & Expertly Expands The World Of Orphan Black
Orphan Black: Echoesslots perfectly into the world of the original series, while moving further ahead in time. The original characters exist, and are referenced throughout, but with decades between them, it makes sense forEchoesto follow a new path. Using Kira as the anchor between the shows is a perfect way to join them together without being completely weighed down by an already established rule book.
Echoesdeserves to be analyzed in its own right as a distinct new story with a compelling narrative and intriguing characters.
Echoescould even stand on its own as a stand-alone series, set in a futuristic world where cloning is illegal, but the connection does provide a slight boost to fans ofOrphan Black. Regardless of the connection,Echoesis a distinct new story with a compelling narrative and intriguing characters. And while Kira remains an important character, the main focus shifts quickly to characters likeLucy (Krysten Ritter) and Jules (Amanda Fix).
As a series about clones, and the mysteries regarding their identity, their purpose, and the intentions of the people involved in bringing them into the world,Echoesestablishes a dark and clever tone from very early on in season 1. The show wastes no time in revealing the intense and complex premise at its core, before zooming out to take a broader look at the story. With unique and well-defined characters, season 1 is an exciting journey from start to finish.
Echoes Stands Apart From Orphan Black
Despite trying to shoehorn in the connections, Echoes is a solid spin-off
While the show is clearly finding itself throughout season 1, introducing the characters and themes that could be explored in future seasons, its biggest problem is, in fact, its connection to its parent series. EstablishingEchoesas a spin-off fromOrphan Blackimmediately provides context, and an opportunity to have fun cameos with the original cast. But it can also be a burden for the creatives tying the show in with an older series that has long since ended.
There’s no real need to tie the shows together, and some of the references between them feel shoehorned in.
It isn’t necessary to tie every idea to an already existing IP, and it could alienate potential new audiences who never saw the original show. WithEchoes, cloning is not a new original concept, and Kira’s character is an entirely different person after 40 years of lived experience. There’s no real need to tie the shows together, and some of the references between them feel shoehorned in.
Despite this, the show is captivating and entertaining throughout. From the writing to the acting by the incredible core cast — especially Amanda Fix, who delivers a standout performance —Orphan Black: Echoesis thrilling, engaging, and evenly paced. Season 1 is an incredible first chapter in what promises to be a thrilling new sci-fi series.
All 10 episodes ofOrphan Black: EchoesSeason 1 will be available to stream on June 23 on AMC, AMC+, and BBC America.
Orphan Black: Echoes
Orphan Black: Echoes is a continuation of the Orphan Black universe set in the near future. The series follows a group of women as they entangle themselves in a complex journey, unraveling the mystery of their identities while exposing a tale of love and betrayal.
