Trust is hard to come by in this Orphan Black universe, and misplaced trust is ubiquitous. That idea extends into tonight’s “Governed By Sound Reason and True Religion”, an exciting episode that–although it tones the proceedings down a bit following the premiere–is still very enjoyable to watch unfold.
People are undone throughout this episode by trust they thought they had, trust built up that’s ultimately vanquished by larger ideas. For example, Alison’s contract with Leekie was an expression of trust, but she finds out in this episode that it’s all just one more lie; she now knows Donnie’s her monitor, and considering everything she’s done this season–the play, for one–has been about restoring her life back to normal and convincing herself the clone business is behind her, this only hurts more. The episode also emphasizes her and Felix’s relationship through various comedic scenes, and it’s clear that Felix is the only one she can truly talk to. Her losing him is definitely going to be a crushing blow, only exacerbating her drinking problems and foreshadowing some kind of breakdown. People already point at her and talk about her in whispers, but losing what semblance of a sense of self she has is the last straw.
Cosima’s also entering dangerous waters with her new arrangement with Rachel, and researching Sarah seems like a backstab of sorts. I’m interested to see how this plays off, as the Sarah-Cosima dynamic is compelling right off the bat; note the former’s subtle power plays, asking “How are you feeling?” when we know very well that she knows the honest answer. Also, keeping in with another theme of the episode is the idea of the two as opposites, something we see biologically with Sarah and Helena. Speaking of Helena, the episode also delves into the philosophies of the Proletheans, both setting up the impending clash with the Dyad Institute/Neolitionists and the conflict between Tomas and Henrik. “Sound reason” or “true religion”? That’s a staple theme for the show, and Tomas eventually pays the price for his ideals.
The final storyline of the episode involves Sarah and Mrs. S, the latter of whom is a complex, but not muddled, character. Right now, we don’t have the full picture, but it’s clear she cares for Sarah and wants to prove it; she’s also pretty damn badass. In general, I appreciate the fact that Sarah’s reunited with Kira this quickly. One of the beauties of this show is that it recognizes how to burn through plot without feeling rushed, and this is exactly what it does here: instead of a season-long “Find Kira!” narrative, we can get to the really good stuff.
GRADE: B+
OTHER THOUGHTS;
-“I think I just need to keep drinking for a while, and then I’ll have an idea.” Alison Hendrix, speaking for many people.
-Lots of images of objectivity and misogyny tonight from certain characters, and Helena is exhibit A for this.
-What’s Project LEDA? Any guesses?
-“No, Aynsley wore a scarf in the kitchen!”
See, the problem was her fashion sense this whole time. I love you, Felix.
-“My sexuality’s not the most interesting thing about me.” True, but not when you’re making crazy science with Delphine.
-Nice to see Peter Outerbridge here. He did some great work on Nikita, which is a show you should all watch.
-Anton Chigurh, your methods have traveled to the land of the clones.
Photo credit: BBC America, Orphan Black
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I actually liked this week better than last week. “One of the beauties of this show is that it recognizes how to burn through plot without feeling rushed” is a very good point, and I feel like last week was bordering on rushed.
“I just want to make crazy science with you” was a really silly line, right? I’m not the only one who thought that?