Orphan Black is a show that consistently takes risks, and it’s always been able to craft engaging and exciting storylines out of those risks. However, this episode is a bit of a misstep; it’s still enjoyable at times, but it falters in a wide variety of places.

First off, the various stories don’t seem to be as interlocking as the show has been able to make them prior to this. More so than ever before, it’s like we’re watching different shows that conveniently operate in the same universe, and everything’s awkwardly thrown together to accommodate our newest clone, Tony. I like Tony and I like the idea of a trans clone–especially given the show’s prevalent theme of identity in a world that crushes individuality–but the show would’ve probably been better off waiting until next year to introduce him. Jordan Gavaris does excellent work as Felix, as always, but the Felix-Tony relationship is shakily written and seems like it was thrown together at the last minute.

Elsewhere, Alison and Donnie are starting to grow closer again, but interestingly enough, it’s because they both get their respective murders off their chests. Donnie isn’t portrayed so much as a guy caught up in a crazy, twisted game as he is a bumbling idiot now–which is a bit of a problem–but the point is clear: as the two grow closer, they also dig themselves into a deeper hole. It’s like they take each other’s confessions as implicit acceptance of the crimes they’ve committed, and I don’t see this ending well.

The future isn’t looking very up for Cosima now, either, as she ends the episode convulsing on the floor and coughing up blood. It’s a powerful moment, but I can’t help but be disappointed with the handling of her storyline in this episode. What was a powerful moment last week with Cosima telling Delphine off is now brushed aside this week, and a character who needed more moral complexity is now back to who she was before.

Finally, we get to Rachel Duncan, who’s left shattered by the revelation that the clones are supposed to be barren. She realizes that she’s just like everyone else, and her desired sense of superiority is washed away, leading to her explosion in the office (stylistically, a little off, just like the rest of the episode) after Duncan leaves. At one point, she probably wanted a kid. Rachel isn’t the most interesting clone, but they’re starting to shade her in a bit.

All in all, this is a very shaky episode that sets up the final two episodes of the season. The writers cut way too many corners to get to where we are, but that doesn’t mean I’m not excited to see how this all plays out.

GRADE: C+

OTHER THOUGHTS:

For another take:

http://crowdoffullpockets.com/2014/06/08/tv-episode-review-orphan-black-variable-and-full-of-perturbation-05-08-2014/#comments

–The Island of Dr. Moreau has thematic resonance, of course. Moreau’s essentially Dyad, both organizations/people that manipulate and use individuals in the name of science. This theme permeates the episode, whether it’s Kira reading the book at the end or Rachel and Ethan’s relationship or the final shot of the mobile (reminding us of Helena).

– “Holy Tilda Swinton!” Oh, Felix.

-Okay, so the makeup and hair department don’t do so well with Tony.

-Helena’s back next week! Yay! Also, the promo completely negates the cliffhanger.

Photo credit: BBC America, Orphan Black