Review: Orphan Black Season 1

Characters Come First

Credit: BBC America

The character development is constant, propelled by the ever-moving storyline.  In both their individual character arcs and as a part of the larger story arc, each character is given opportunities to make choices that define and deepen them as fully realized portrayals. There are highs and lows and the characters learn and adapt in ways that follow seamlessly with who they have been stablished to be.

The entire series starts by posing many questions to the audience and the characters. The creators take their time to reveal the answers, some of which are still hanging by the end of season 3. We are treated to well developed and carefully considered characters whose journey we can follow easily.

The shows real strength is that is does not patronize the audience. Viewers are allowed to learn about each individual character from their actions and reactions. Other characters only point out personality traits of others in a very organic way: a brother making fun of his sister, a mother worrying about her child.