Critic’s Rating: 4 / 5.0
4
The “Printout Posse” is all together now, but if this latest episode of Orphan Black: Echoes proves anything, it’s that together doesn’t mean the same thing as safe.
Audiences took a hit in “The Paradox of Joyce” with the loss of a very well-liked character.
Although, just about everyone on Orphan Black: Echoes feels expendable—everyone except for Kira, Lucy, Jules, and Eleanor.
While that likely wasn’t the writers’ intention, that is how the series is starting to feel.
And I don’t just mean body count-wise, as some of the characters that were present at the start are just about completely missing at this point.
With only one more episode before the finale, it’s time that Orphan Black: Echoes starts answering some questions.
Paul Darros Is Blurring The Lines Between Ally And Enemy With The Possibility Of Leading A One-Man Army
After eight episodes, Orphan Black: Echoes has yet to answer what Paul Darros is up to.
All we know is that he is a tech billionaire interested in selling “Extended Life” to the ultra-rich and powerful.
However, it only scratches the surface. Paul is already rich as hell, so whatever his plan is, it’s not for more money.
“The Paradox of Joyce” was also the first time we saw a crack in Paul’s composure. Long gone are the calm and collected days of Darros.
Whatever it is that Jules, played by Amanda Fix, stole from him has Paul fuming. Supposedly, the Apple Watch-looking device is connected to off-shore accounts.
What might be at stake is the information for all the high-powered clients that Darros is working with.
I think it’s power, not money, that Paul Darros is after.
At least he directed all his frustration and anger at Tom. That man was due for the multiple reality checks he’s finally getting.
Still, it doesn’t seem like the best time for Darros to have his people turning against him. We already know Emily was an unwilling agent.
Now that she’s working with Kira, Tom may jump ship if he can get over losing an ear.
One Of The Central Themes Of Orphan Black: Echoes Is Sacrifice, With Audiences Feeling The Losses
Kira could use all the help she can get right now. The people in her corner barely want to be there, and her family has collapsed around her.
Mrs. Manning really made a mess of things, and the writers of Orphan Black: Echoes were clever in dishing out the details over the course of six or seven episodes.
We always knew Kira, played by Keeley Hawes, was at the core of the cloning. However, I don’t think anyone expected it to be so personal.
I’m still very much rooting for the doctor and scientist because she is doing whatever she can to fix things.
Fans of the original Orphan Black are likely glad to see her childhood trauma and experiences are being put to good use.
She is going to fight tooth and nail to make things right. We just hope it doesn’t cost her life.
As Lucy is finding out, stopping Darros means sacrifice, and apparently, the first thing to go is family.
Luck Does Not Seem To Be On Lucy’s Side As She Struggles To Make Any Semblance Of A Life
If anyone needs a hug right now, it’s Lucy. The poor printout is losing parts of her life by the minute.
It’s been clear for a while that Charlie and Jack are no longer as high on her priorities.
To be fair, the character has been pulled in multiple directions since the first episode.
From the safe house to Jack’s farm, going on the run, and finding out there were multiple copies of her, Lucy has not had a moment to breathe.
Besides Kira, Lucy, played by Krysten Ritter, has done the most to figure out what Paul Darros is up to.
She survived a hitman and being stabbed by a scared Jules, all while avoiding Paul’s people left and right.
The woman has never had a life where she could make her own choices and relax.
Lucy was so close to securing a life for her, Jack, and Charlie. But with Craig’s death, we’re pretty sure Lucy isn’t going anywhere.
She shouldn’t go with Jack and Charlie anyway because danger seems to follow her wherever she goes.
Everyone around the “Printout Posse” seems to end up hurt one way or the other.
Orphan Black: Echoes Is Already Showing Signs Of A Crazy And Chaotic Climax
Lucas is certainly not taking the revelation of his mother’s resurrection very well.
Although, we have to give it up to Rhona. I was not expecting her to be so understanding about the situation.
Maybe she can help Eleanor’s son realize that he should use the extra time with his mom to make more memories.
There’s no guarantee that Kira will be able to find a cure for Elle’s condition.
And with Paul turning the heat up on Kira, it’ll be hard for her to find the time.
Even though this AMC series has had its ups and downs with audiences, the writers try to include old fans with the new ones.
As I said in my previous episode review, it was time for Uncle Felix to return.
Though we only got him for a few scenes, he imparted a good deal of wisdom to Dr. Manning.
Also, Kira said what we were all likely thinking during the conversation between her and Felix when she said, “Please don’t tell my mom!”
Lord, I can only imagine that epically heated conversation.
Orphan Black: Echoes is revving up for a chaotic climax, and I don’t think we’ve seen the last death.
More bodies will hit the floor before Season 1 ends. We just hope it’s losses on Paul’s side.
Xander, played by Vinson Tran (Titans), feels expendable at this point, but he is just a kid. Like Jules, he is seeking some kind of purpose.
Fingers crossed that viewers won’t have to wait until the finale to finally get answers.
Regardless, you already know I will be at the edge of my seat watching every minute of the following two episodes of Orphan Black: Echoes Season 1!
Do you have any theories about what Paul Darros is doing with his indestructible device?
How do you think Lucy will react to Craig’s death?
Drop a comment below to let us know, and join me again when I review the next episode of Orphan Black: Echoes!