For those who are not familiar with ORPHAN BLACK (like TV Academy members obviously), it is a show on BBC America that is part science-fiction/part thriller about cloning. It’s well written and stylish but what elevates it to must-see status is Tatiana Maslany who plays at least five clones. Each character is well drawn, and that’s just for starters. There are scenes where several of the clones are in the same scene interacting with each other. And other scenes where one of the clones tries to pass for another and Tatiana deftly portrays two distinct characters at once. Sound confusing? It’s really not. You pick up on it very quickly. And you're in awe.
(This is in contrast to Debra Messing who can play five characters different and make them all seem the same.)
What is confusing is the plot. It’s filled with conspiracies and double agents, but you know what? Forget all that. Sarah is the main character. Just assume that everyone is a bad guy and out to get her. Then just go with it. You’ll be fine, even if you’ve never seen the show.
The fact that Tatiana Maslany has not won an Emmy is a travesty. Jessica Lange can't carry her make-up case.
For all I know the season has already aired in the U.K. and Canada, but here in America season three premieres tonight at 9:00 on BBC-America. I can’t wait to see it… them.
18 comments :
I think a well written show would not have a confusing plot.
But Tatiana Maslany *is* hot.
Season Three premiers tonight at 9PM (Saturday, April 18) in Canada where it is shown on Space. Seasons 1 & 2 are available on Crave TV (a Canadian Netflix clone).
Yes, Yes, Yes, YES! I will definitely have what she is having!
Orphan Black is the new Orange.
Once you go Black, you don't come back!
And finally from Los Lobos:
Black is black
I want my baby back
It's gray, it's gray
Since she went away, Ooh-Ooh
What can I do
'Cause I-I-I-I-I'm feelin' blue.
Great Show!
"Confused? You won't be after tonight's episode of Orphan Black!"
I've yet to see this, so I'll have to set aside some time to binge watch the previous seasons.
I'm also one of the few who's yet to see Game of Thrones. Got a LOT of binge watching to do there.
On a different subject, I was overjoyed with the new Star Wars trailer. Han Solo is back! In contrast, the trailer for Batman vs Superman was underwhelming and has been understandably criticized for being yet another self consciously serious and gloomy take on the characters. This is what gets me about the recent Batman and Superman films and now, it appears, about this. In trying to be "real", they end up obnoxiously serious and bereft of fun. They're also not genuinely dark. The Tim Burton Batmans were gothic, violent and sexual in a very visceral and exciting way and had a wicked sense of humour. The Dark Knight trilogy was only dark in the sense that it was bathed in a gloomy palette and everyone and everything was humourless. It was actually a bloodless and asexual set of films. The same with Man of Steel. And now we're going to get more of this approach with Batman vs Superman. At least we still have the Marvel movies which know how to be epic AND fun.
One last thing. Great news that the awesome Judd Hirsch is returning for the Independence Day sequel. The original was corny as hell but I loved seeing Hirsch in a big event film.
Ken: For Friday Questions. I was just catching up on "The Americans" (now, that's a show!) and noticed that there was a moment in which the son was watching TV and the announcer talked about the "2 1/2 hour finale". You could hear Alan Alda's voice for a quick second and there was video (in the distance). Is this something for which you and the other M*A*S*H writers get any royalties?
Another Orphan Black fan here, and looking forward to confusion and delight as Ms. Maslany serves up her genius(es?).
If anything, you should check out the "clone dance party" on YouTube.dancing in four different personas in the same frame? Wow!
Boy, does Ari Millen look like Joaquin Phoenix.
Tatiana willnever,ever win an Emmy Ken.
If an actor is superb but on a scifi series they will automatically be discounted.
If you're a fan of Tatiana Maslany's work, check her out in "Woman In Gold", which is currently in theaters. The film itself is pretty good (despite the miscast of Ryan Reynolds, IMO) it's always great to see Helen Mirren (as the older Maria Altmann) and Tatiana Maslany steals every scene she's in as the young Maria in flashbacks.
Just discovered you blog yesterday morning.
Baseball and comedy.....my two favorite things in the world!
BEAT 'EM BUCS!
My wife is ready to divorce me for ignoring her.
Thanks you that too!!
I enjoyed your recommendation of "Orphan Black" - a show I do intend to try, as I like that sort of concept and Tatiana Maslany and the rest of the cast come across so well in clips.
I was a little disappointed that you felt the need to casually slam Jessica Lange (who I think is a wonderful, compelling actress no matter what she's given to do) and Debra Messing (who can be very entertaining). I'd rather judge Maslany on her own work anyway.
Tatiana Maslany has not been overlooked in Canada (where it is filmed and she is Canadian); she won the Gemini for best actress in a tv series.
I'm a 50-something who grew up with watching THE PATTY DUKE SHOW and the Patty/Cathy "twins" - how amazing the advances we have seen in technology in 50 years. I am constantly amazed how Tatiana not only pulls off the most difficult acting challenge in the history of television - but that most times I forget that it's the same actress playing all those "seestras". Bravo to Tatiana and those behind the scenes who make the magic happen.
I binge watched seasons 1 & 2 this weekend while my DVR was recording the season 3 premiere. Tatiana Maslany is so effective at differentiating the different clones that I completely forgot that they are played by the same actress. She is amazing. Let's just give her all the awards.
What are your thoughts on Sgt. Bilko?
If Maslany doesn't have an Emmy, you have to question what an Emmy is worth.
@blinky Los Bravos.Great tune.And ... Los Lobos are a true American treasures along with the likes of Dave Alvin and Alejandro Escovedo.
It will be interesting to see how Ari Millen handles mutiple characters.
On Space(Canada),Tatiana noted the blocking to film the opening scene of Season 3.
Now have to wait for Season 4 of The Americans.Keri Russell is great.
Outlander is just getting better.
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