'Orphan Black': Vote for best group hang
Attention Clone Clubbers: The series finale of Orphan Black airs Saturday, Aug. 12, on BBC America. All this week, we’re celebrating (and mourning) the impending end of our favorite clone saga, and we can’t do it without your help! Check back every day to vote for your favorite scenes, characters, and clones in a variety of categories.
As far as we’re concerned, there’s no such thing as too many clones. On the other hand, there is only one Tatiana Maslany, which makes it difficult to get the full Leda line together in one room as often as we might like. That’s why we treasure those rare moments where the main Clone Club members — Sarah, Cosima, Alison, and Helena — are able to occupy the same space through the magic of special effects and the versatility of Maslany’s multiple performances. Choose your favorite Orphan Black group hang from the list below.
The First Clone Club Meeting (Season 1, Episode 3, “Variations Under Nature”)
Orphan Black’s first two episodes primarily take place through Sarah’s eyes as she slowly discovers that she’s part of a larger clone conspiracy through sightings of doomed look-alikes. The third hour widens her world by putting her in the same frame as Alison and Cosima, forming the beginnings of what we all know now as the “Clone Club.” Maslany’s range was already evident when characters were viewed in isolation, but seeing all three of her creations interacting onscreen was an early indication of how unique this show — and her performance — would prove to be.
The Clone Dance Party (Season 2, Episode 10, “By Means Which Have Never Yet Been Tried”)
Maslany has often said that she uses music and dance as a way to build each clone’s distinct personality. The Clone Dance Party that closed out the show’s sophomore season allowed viewers to see that process in action, as the core four “sestras” — Sarah, Cosima, Alison, and Helena — grooved alongside each other with Felix in the middle. It’s a nifty FX-assisted stunt, but it’s also a great example of dialogue-free character work. Even as they’re dancing as one, each Leda’s individual identity is expressed through her movement.
The Clone Dinner (Season 3, Episode 10, “History Yet to Be Written”)
The Clone Dinner sees the Clone Dance Party and raises it by inviting not just all four clones (and Felix) to the party, but also all of their friends and associates, from Siobhan to Scott. It’s a technically complex, intricately choreographed scene that may not be as joyful as the dance party, but it provides a beautiful sense of community among the show’s characters who rarely get the chance to break bread together.
Felix’s Art Opening (Season 5, Episode 8, “Guillotines Decide”)
OK, so the Ledas aren’t exactly able to congregate en masse to celebrate their favorite brother’s big day. But thanks to some clever clone switching, Alison, Cosima, and Sarah each get to enjoy the festivities that mark Felix’s coming out as a major artist. He also reduces the room (and audience) to tears with a heartfelt tribute to the importance of family that ranks among the show’s finest speeches.
Orphan Black airs Saturdays at 10 p.m. on BBC America.
