Orphan Black: Echoes - Season 1

Orphan Black: Echoes is an intriguing sequel to the iconic science fiction series. Yet it is less moving than the original. What if you had the ability to just print out a person? Would you try to bring back a lost loved one? This is one of the ethical dilemmas that Orphan Black: Echoes addresses. Just like in its predecessor Orphan Black, futuristic technology and science are used as a catalyst to make us think about moral issues.

Orphan Black: Echoes is a spin-off and sequel to Orphan Black. It takes place several decades after the original. Instead of cloning, Echoes is about creating people by 3D printing tissues and organs. One of those people is Lucy (Krysten Ritter, Jessica Jones). Shortly after being created, she escapes from the laboratory and builds a life for herself in a rural community. But when the company that made her has her in their sights again, her life is no longer safe.

Even though it is a spin-off, not a lot of prior knowledge about the original is required. All relevant information about Orphan Black is neatly woven into the story. Yet there are enough connections with the original to keep it fun for fans of that series. One of the main characters from Echoes is also in the original (played by someone else). Furthermore, two actors from the original have a small but nice guest role.

The quality is less than the original series

But can it also match the parent series? Unfortunately not. Although they have once again found a nice starting point and are doing interesting things with it, the whole thing is less appealing. A lot of research is currently being done into printing organs and Orphan Black: Echoes gives the implication that we will be able to do this with complete people in the near future. But for me it appeals less to the imagination than cloning. It is also revealed in the first few minutes of the first episode that we are dealing with 3D printing of people here, and that actually spoils the surprise a bit.

Furthermore, the pace is quite slow in the first few episodes, which makes it difficult to get into the story at first. Fortunately, this pace steadily increases as the series progresses. Although some twists in the story are quite predictable, it is still an entertaining and entertaining series. This first season ends with a strong cliffhanger that at least leaves me hoping for a second season.

The acting of Krysten Ritter and Keeley Hawes is very strong

What also absolutely deserves praise is the acting. Ritter has proven several times that she is a good actress, and this is no different. Another strong role is given to Keeley Hawes (Ashes to Ashes), who plays a scientist involved in the printing project. Her motivation for participating is beautifully explained and is a good example of how technology and ethical issues sometimes conflict. There are also interesting roles for Amanda Fix (High School), Reed Diamond (Designated Survivor) and James Hiroyuki Liao (Unforgettable).

It may not have the quality of the original, but Orphan Black: Echoes is a fun science fiction series that once again plays with interesting ideas about humanity and technology. The actors also do well and it is exciting enough to want to continue watching. Here's hoping there will be a second season.