Reviewer Rating: 4.5/5.0
4.5
Once again, the writers stepped up and canceled another episode of Orphan Black: Echoes .
The stakes were always high for this classic adaptation of a beloved Canadian series.
Considering its certified freshness, we can say that Orphan Black: Echoes was a huge success.
With its talented cast, the show continues to be sci-fi thriller gold.
The story has managed to separate itself from its origins enough to feel like a new beginning.
Unfortunately, Orphan Black: Echoes didn’t win over much goodwill from fans of the original series.
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‘Orphan Black’: ‘Echoes’ Paves the Way for Audiences to Advance
At TV Fanatic, we completely understand the loyalty to previously aired shows that we still cherish.
Many networks thought they could reboot the entire show and fans of the originals would flock to it.
If shows like Charmed , Charlie’s Angels , or Melrose Place have taught us anything, it’s that new doesn’t always mean everything is better.
However, Orphan Black: Echoes is not a reboot.
The show continues the previous series, with some original characters appearing.
The change of setting, bigger budget and less familiar storyline may be unsettling for many original fans.
Many viewers believe that Orphan Black: Echoes will be a prequel to Orphan Black.
Regardless of how viewers feel, however, AMC did the right thing by moving the story into the future.
While a prequel series is a great way to introduce the series, it still presents the same problems.
Settings will still change, budgets will increase, storylines will be less familiar, and there will be fewer franchise faces.
By taking the Orphan Black story into the future with new characters, new audiences can enter the series with a seed of interest.
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Slowly integrating viewers into the story can help them develop a love for the original show, even if they’ve never seen it.
Orphan Black: Echoes creates an interest in going back to the beginning and in doing so creates continuity for new fans to enjoy.
Change can be scary, but time has proven that not liking something now doesn’t mean it won’t become a hit or even a cult classic.
Like I said, we TV fanatics understand this, as some of us won’t watch Orphan Black: Echoes out of loyalty.
But if you love Orphan Black , don’t you want as many people as possible to love it too?
With enough people on board, the series could grow to cinematic heights.
Think it through before replying to me.
Even if Kira is the cause of the chaos, don’t underestimate her
Now, let’s talk about Kira’s ongoing chaos, because Orphan Black: Echoes Season 1 Episode 7 was a blast.
First, I called it in my review of the previous episode.
Kira can’t keep printing without Eleanor finding out.
Interestingly, I also assumed that Eleanor met her younger self, but I was referring to Jules.
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Close enough, though, because Kira walks in and sees Lucy and Eleanor in awe.
When Kira realizes this, the tension rises dramatically.
I don’t know about you, but my eyes are popping out of my head.
Time seems to slow down for a second, allowing the audience to directly enter Kira’s thinking mode.
My first thought was, “Oh, Kira is so screwed.”
The craziest thing is, it’s easy to understand what Kira was thinking when she brought her wife back from the dead.
Her wife is played by the wonderful Rya Kihlstedt (Heroes Reborn), so we get it.
Kira is sad, and because she didn’t tell Lucas that Eleanor has Alzheimer’s, she’s alone.
Still, her actions were selfish, and through them, the lives of three people are now in danger.
Personally, I’m a fan of Kira, but she’s right, everything she’s been through has made her a different person.
Now, she needs to find her way back.
The printing team is taking back their freedom
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However, if there’s one character who won’t go back to her old self, it’s Lucy.
Ever since the fifth episode of Orphan Black: Echoes Season 1, Krysten Ritter’s leading role has been increasingly absent.
However, she was back in action and ready to get to work.
Still, it begs the question, what about Jack and Charlie?
It seems like they were introduced to explain what Lucy had been doing for two years.
Nowadays, these characters are almost never seen again.
At the very least, it would be nice to know if Charlie has gotten over the trauma of shooting the man.
The only way the writers can keep Jack in Lucy’s life is if he has a purpose.
I’m not talking about filling a romantic void either.
At this point in the story, there is no time for holding hands and looking at each other with longing.
If you don’t believe me just ask Kira.
No, because Krysten Ritter is fully embracing her Jessica Jones past.
RELATED: Orphan Black: Echoes Season 1 Episode 4 Review: It’s All Back
The scene with Pam holding the gun was Lucy’s “I’ve had enough” moment.
So, Paul Dallos better buckle up, because the Print Team is taking back their freedom.
Daros is like a dog with bones, or if you’re Tom, ears
Speaking of AMC’s most chilling villains, D’Aros fulfills the role of a billionaire with mysterious motivations.
Now, it’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty and answer some questions.
Why print “Lucy”?
Is she part of a printout project to create a team of the world’s scientific wizards?
Is she going to mate with one of Paul’s clones?
Because you know this person probably has multiple backups.
Daros is still too vague as a villain, coming across as more annoying than sinister.
Whatever the man is doing, at least viewers get a special treat from The Honest Truth About Dogs.
Lucy and Eleanor nailed Tom with that truck!
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God, they messed him up.
His damn ears fell off and the dogs ate them!
every dog has his day.
But with Kira’s Organ Printing Company, he could have new ears before lunch.
Just in time to see the printout putting their plan into action.
As Jules said, they were done running.
But fans aren’t going anywhere, as we plan to capture every epic moment of the Krysten Ritter-led series!
Were you as shocked as I was at the beginning of this episode?
RELATED: Orphan Black: Echoes Season 1 Episode 6: Unless You Trust Someone
What do you think Lucy, Jules and Eleanor will do to Paul Dallos?
Let us know in the comments below, and join me again as I review the next episode of Orphan Black: Echoes!
