Orphan Black has always been able to brilliantly strike a balance between comedy and drama, and this week is no exception. “Knowledge of Causes, and Secret Motion of Things” ramps up the laughs and the thrills as it moves into the final arc of the season, one that is sure to go out in true Orphan Black style.
A prevalent idea in the show is one of being a pawn in a much larger game, and we see it in several instances tonight. For one, after Cosima finally finds out about Kira’s stem cells being used as her treatment, she explodes at Delphine, angrily spewing that she’s the science. She’s been lied to her whole life, she’s being lied to again, and she will probably be lied to in the future. She doesn’t know if she can trust anyone because everyone has his or her own agenda, and to them, she’s just a piece to be moved across the chessboard: a pawn.
It’s the same with Rachel, as much as she tries to perpetually exude a semblance of power and control. Her demeanor in her final scene with Leekie is devoid of emotion, but this is her way of not giving in to the higher powers (in this case, Marian Bowles, played perfectly by Michelle Forbes). “Nurture prevails”, she states, but she’s not talking about Leekie there; she’s talking about her father. Her reunion with her father is placed in the background, but we feel every emotion emanating from their conversation. We don’t know what they’re saying, but we know how they’re saying it.
This week, we see a side to Rachel we haven’t seen before, one which makes her more interesting and complex. I’m sure the show will continue to delve into her character, especially given the Pulp Fiction-esque turn of events at the end of the episode. In fact, that’s sure to reverberate throughout the Clone Universe, raising questions about what’ll happen to Cosima and how Marian will handle Sarah.
It’s an unceremonious end for Dr. Leekie, someone who’s always had his own agenda, but did have a hint of affection for the clones. I wouldn’t necessarily call him a villain, but I wouldn’t call him a good guy, either; he lied and cheated and manipulated, but he was also a pawn, and he meets his end by an accidental gunshot from Donnie. Donnie, earlier in the episode, is hit with a tidal wave of information that completely blindsides him. He truly didn’t know exactly how big this whole situation went, and he didn’t know about the clones; now, he’s faced with shock and hurt and confusion. He’s faced with his wife being brutally honest with him, blowing up in his face and accusing him of tearing apart their family. Once again, we see a pawn in a much larger game.
Of course, that scene is preceded by the most hilarious set piece the show has ever produced, complete with Vic passing out and hitting his head on a glitter-covered craft table, Felix and Alison sneaking around while trying to lug and carry Vic throughout the building, and Sarah playing Alison in an awkward role-playing game with Donnie. It’s entertaining with a dark undercurrent, and it’s classic Orphan Black.
GRADE: B+
OTHER THOUGHTS:
– “In the shower if they touch me, I will cut them.” Alison+Orange is the New Black? Speaking of, that premieres in one week!
-Jeez, Tatiana Maslany is good. In this episode, she plays Sarah as Alison playing Donnie, and you can still spot the subtle differences she inserts throughout the performance.
-Ouch, Kira.
-Three episodes left! Buckle in, folks.
Photo credit: BBC America, Orphan Black
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My three favorite moments. 1) When she turns to the audience (basically us) and asks, “Now wait. I’m playing Alison playing Donnie?” which is hysterical on its own but I was like no sweetie you’re playing Sarah playing Alison playing Donnie. So funny.
2) Kira pulling her own tooth out without even giving it a second thought. That little chick is a badass. Scared of her.
3) And Vic’s header into the table. That made me jump more than Leekie getting his head blown off. (Donnie is facing some jail time)
First, I love your reviews! You always point out what I was thinking (offing Leslie via pulp fiction) and things no one else does ( Leekie making himself the hero a couple weeks ago). Rehab with Sarah/Alison mashup was brilliant, t never fails to amaze with her acting. I still don’t know about Rachel, but that’s the point right? Also, waiting for the other shoe to drop with Cal, very little is what it seems in this show so there had to be more to him. Super weird scene with Cosima and Delphine during the “procedure”, right? But if they kill off Cosima……..I will be extremely upset!!
Love this show, and nearly lost my voice laughing so much in this episode. Love the mix of comedy and drama.
Thank you so much! I’m happy you enjoy them.
Yeah, I think Rachel was purposely characterized as a bit enigmatic, a bit distant and generic at first, but they’re slowly developing her. I agree about Cal as well.
I really like what they are doing with Rachel. The whole rehab sequence was excellent. Especially Vic… haha. Great review!