Season #: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 533 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 52 out of 533
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User Reviews

  1. Mar 31, 2013
    10
    Tatiana Maslany dazzles. Good mix of suspense, humor, and heart. Definitely going to stick with it as I'm curious how much will be character vs conspiracy. Was impressed and entertained.
  2. Apr 21, 2013
    9
    I reviewed this after the pilot and gave it an 8, the show is good, they have built on the premise and Tatiana Maslany is doing a great job for such a strange character. I raised my rating to 9. I'm actually looking for this actress in some other stuff now.

    This idea was a windfall for the writers, they have so much to work with.
  3. Jun 9, 2013
    8
    Fast-paced & unflinching, it rarely misses a mark. With so much that impresses, it’s Maslany’s multi-character performances that truly shine DE
  4. Apr 14, 2013
    10
    This is a great new show. I didn't know what to expect and I love it!! Great plot and acting and very suspenseful. A must-see. After seeing all 3 episodes, everything is making sense and I can't wait to see what is next!
  5. Jun 6, 2013
    10
    This show is so amazing and addictive! I haven't seen anything like this for a very long time. Main characters are great, story is great and everything is great. I'm looking forward to the second season! Great recommendation for Orphan Black!
  6. Jun 3, 2013
    9
    My wife and I are so impressed by Tatiana Maslany. The pacing of the show has been great, the focus has stayed on the characters, and I'm looking forward to next season! (So far away... Spring 2014)
  7. May 28, 2014
    10
    Seriously, one of the best shows on TV in the last 10 years. Tatanya Maslany is an absolutely incredible actress who plays so many different roles masterfully. Plot is well constructed and interesting, it moves at a good pace that keeps the story progressing without losing the viewer. It's intelligent, but not overly complex and best of all it's a unique concept which is very rare theseSeriously, one of the best shows on TV in the last 10 years. Tatanya Maslany is an absolutely incredible actress who plays so many different roles masterfully. Plot is well constructed and interesting, it moves at a good pace that keeps the story progressing without losing the viewer. It's intelligent, but not overly complex and best of all it's a unique concept which is very rare these days. I cannot recommend this show highly enough. Expand
  8. Jun 6, 2013
    9
    Orphan Black has been a great watching experience. I watched the entire first season just in 3 days. I want to praise, of course, Tatiana Maslany performance. She has done an amazing job playing all those different characters; I'm really amazed. To sum up: Orphan Black is a must see tv show!
  9. Apr 28, 2013
    10
    Brilliant acting. Truly remarkable. Tatiana Maslany is beguiling & so natural in her many characterizations, that I completely forget that I am only watching one actress. I've seen actors attempt this before & it never works. She has perfected the style, making one overlook the impossibilities of a clone pretending to be another person & fooling those close to them. The show is thrilling,Brilliant acting. Truly remarkable. Tatiana Maslany is beguiling & so natural in her many characterizations, that I completely forget that I am only watching one actress. I've seen actors attempt this before & it never works. She has perfected the style, making one overlook the impossibilities of a clone pretending to be another person & fooling those close to them. The show is thrilling, suspenseful, exciting, & addictive. And I am easily bored, but not watching Orphan Black. Not yet, anyway. Excellent writing, great characters. Keep up the good work. I'm hooked! Expand
  10. Jun 16, 2013
    10
    The last show that came this close to week to week quality was The Sopranos. Orphan Black is by far the most creative program of this decade. Without having to be overly abrasive, overtly sexual, or stuck in a type-cast predictable performance... Tatiana Maslany proves beyond any doubt that she will be an actress worth seeing in any ROLE, at where at anytime, because...she's playing themThe last show that came this close to week to week quality was The Sopranos. Orphan Black is by far the most creative program of this decade. Without having to be overly abrasive, overtly sexual, or stuck in a type-cast predictable performance... Tatiana Maslany proves beyond any doubt that she will be an actress worth seeing in any ROLE, at where at anytime, because...she's playing them right now!

    BBC America/ Space TV were exactly the right place for this program to launch. It's cutting edge goes to prove that 50 somethings like me can find "High Quality Entertainment" that leaves in a cloud of dust of the RETREAD crap that the majors are tossing out to us in the Repackaged mold of "New"...

    Thank you for everyone behind the scenes and in front of the camera at this AWESOME show...the twists and turns, plot complications are exactly what we were not thinking (Garbage Disposal Death...yeah I could see that in Season 2 of the Sopranos, but not in Orphan Black, but that is how great it is!)...

    I am looking forward to next year and beyond.
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  11. May 29, 2014
    10
    This is a seriously good show. Superb acting, story, and pacing. Give it a chance as it starts off slow. Once you get into the meat of it though, you will be on the edge of your seat trying to prepare yourself for the next wild plot twist. And it will keep wanting more.
  12. Jul 27, 2015
    10
    Amazing TV show. Quite difficult to understand in the first episodes but yeah... Tatiana Maslany has done such a great job... Unbelievable that she could play all those caracters. I have been quite amazed when she was playing a character that was supposed to play another character because we know that it is not completely the second character (it soudns complicated and it is !). I love theAmazing TV show. Quite difficult to understand in the first episodes but yeah... Tatiana Maslany has done such a great job... Unbelievable that she could play all those caracters. I have been quite amazed when she was playing a character that was supposed to play another character because we know that it is not completely the second character (it soudns complicated and it is !). I love the mystery around each characters. Bluffing.I would recommend it to everybody! Expand
  13. Apr 3, 2016
    9
    Well written, well acted, brilliant and absorbing Sci-Fi-Drama-Thriller series out of Canada made for the BBC. Kudos to Tatiana Maslany for her spectacular chameleon-like qualities as lead actress playing multiple characters and the special effects/ editing crew for making it look all so believable. I have waited years to see such a smart, cutting edge, earth- based near future sci-fiWell written, well acted, brilliant and absorbing Sci-Fi-Drama-Thriller series out of Canada made for the BBC. Kudos to Tatiana Maslany for her spectacular chameleon-like qualities as lead actress playing multiple characters and the special effects/ editing crew for making it look all so believable. I have waited years to see such a smart, cutting edge, earth- based near future sci-fi series like this which is not only science based but full of moral and ethical arguments. As a plus we get good cops, bad guys you love to hate..secret societies, body hackers, evil geniuses , blonde assassins and a really cute kid! Perfect for binge- watching on Netflix. Expand
  14. May 1, 2016
    10
    This is a well-written series that leaves you wanting more after each episode. Tatiana Maslany does an impressive job performing the many roles of the clone sisters. Definitely worth watching!
  15. Jun 4, 2013
    10
    This review will be short, because there's not much that needs to be said. This show speaks for itself. The brilliant writing, the balance of sci-fi and realism, the wonderful direction, and most of all, Tatiana Maslany's almost unbelievable septuple-role acting...nothing on TV now compares. There's a balance between "that's impossible!" and "that's exactly what would happen!" that letsThis review will be short, because there's not much that needs to be said. This show speaks for itself. The brilliant writing, the balance of sci-fi and realism, the wonderful direction, and most of all, Tatiana Maslany's almost unbelievable septuple-role acting...nothing on TV now compares. There's a balance between "that's impossible!" and "that's exactly what would happen!" that lets even the most staunch critic suspend disbelief. There's an investment in the characters that makes us relate to every one of them (even the psychotic, homicidal ones), and even though we know it's Tatiana in all 7 of those title roles, when watching that becomes incredibly easy to forget. If Orphan Black doesn't win an award during its lifetime, then the television industry will surely be overlooking a gem. I am, and will forever be, proud to call myself a member of the Clone Club. Expand
  16. Sep 20, 2013
    10
    Incredible. Tatiana Maslany might just be the new Meryl Streep. Playing all the different characters and giving them their own each individual identity takes talent which Maslany obviously has in plentiful. The writing delivers on the premise/concept and the first season was an absolute pleasure to watch.
  17. Apr 19, 2014
    9
    A British Punk Rocker, a Suburban house mom, a Scientist, a self mutilated murderer and other characters played by one woman, the amazing Tatiana Maslany. For a science fiction series this show is excellent and very entertaining, what I enjoy most about the show is Tatiana and all the cloned characters she plays, it blows my mind how talented she is. I am looking forward to season 2A British Punk Rocker, a Suburban house mom, a Scientist, a self mutilated murderer and other characters played by one woman, the amazing Tatiana Maslany. For a science fiction series this show is excellent and very entertaining, what I enjoy most about the show is Tatiana and all the cloned characters she plays, it blows my mind how talented she is. I am looking forward to season 2 which is starting tonight and cant wait to see what the writers have in store for Orphan Black. I have to rate this show at a nine because of all the amazing characters Tatiana plays. If you have not watched this show you're definitely missing out, watch at least one episode and I guarantee it will leave you wanting more. Expand
  18. Jul 21, 2013
    10
    This is a phenomenal show. It has a fascinating sci fi premise about clones, secret organizations, and so on and so forth, and the acting and writing is really good. I can't praise Tatiana Maslany enough as all the characters she plays. I have three episodes left to watch in the first season, and I am already pumped for the next season.
  19. Sep 12, 2013
    10
    A MUST-WATCH The first scene is shocking, the pilot is intriguing, and the whole series is just awesome From action to comedy to Sci-Fi. There isn't an episode that won't keep you on the edge.. I can't believe I have to wait until next spring to see how the whole thing is gonna go. One last thing, Tatiana Maslany is just one hell of an actress.
  20. Nov 19, 2013
    8
    A refreshing Sci-Fi Drama and the actress has done an impeccable job in playing numerous characters perfectly, at no point would you feel it's the same person
  21. Nov 2, 2013
    10
    This show is as if Abrams, and Shawn Ryan were put in a room and forced to come up with the next great television show. It is amazing to behold from the beginning. Characters that rope you in, mystery that keeps you guessing and tension that never lets up make this a must watch.
  22. Jan 23, 2014
    10
    Tatiana Maslany makes it look incredibly easy to play 3-8 clones every episode. There are always many situations to develop (good for the writers), plus the supporting cast and the production team in general do a quite great job.
  23. Mar 9, 2014
    10
    I would call this quintessential cyberpunk. From the syncopated white noise to the isolation of modernity. Even if there was never another episode the first season ranks to me as a visual achievement that rivals literature.
  24. Mar 20, 2014
    10
    One of the best entertaining shows of 2013. First of all let's just say that Tatiana Maslany delivered the best acting performance of the year. She didn't play one, two or three, she played like six different characters in this show and what's remarkable about it is that she managed to portray them in a unique way. By the time you're done with one episode you want to see the next one rightOne of the best entertaining shows of 2013. First of all let's just say that Tatiana Maslany delivered the best acting performance of the year. She didn't play one, two or three, she played like six different characters in this show and what's remarkable about it is that she managed to portray them in a unique way. By the time you're done with one episode you want to see the next one right away. This shows that the series is well written. Also, Jordan Gavaris (Felix) and Maria Doyle Kennedy (Mrs. S.) deliver very good acting performances. Yes, it is a sci-fi show, but a drama in its core and that perfect combination is what makes this show really good. Expand
  25. Jul 7, 2014
    10
    Interesting take on an old theme with a fresh approach. Well written sci-fi drama with numerous clever less predictable subplots common in the Genre.Explores,female empowerment and corporate military conspiracies of ethical genetics. Meaty characters, great acting, well shot and constructed.. Impressive, clever and entertaining .
  26. Sep 15, 2014
    10
    Best show I've seen in a long time. It takes a couple of episodes to get going, but the payoff is enormous. the themes are broad and controversial. We as a society have no idea what is happening in the background of our lives. This is a taste.
  27. Mar 4, 2015
    10
    A single actress is making this one of the best shows I've ever seen. Tatiana Maslany is brilliant and her portrayals of all these characters is amazing! Highly recommended. I watched all of here movies after seeing her here and she is really an amazing actress. Emmy should be ashamed not to give her the award, but it's just politics. Emmy has no credibility with artistic scores for a longA single actress is making this one of the best shows I've ever seen. Tatiana Maslany is brilliant and her portrayals of all these characters is amazing! Highly recommended. I watched all of here movies after seeing her here and she is really an amazing actress. Emmy should be ashamed not to give her the award, but it's just politics. Emmy has no credibility with artistic scores for a long time now. Expand
  28. Apr 7, 2015
    9
    Brilliant show with fantastic Tatiana Maslany. Waiting for new season now! Alison, Cosima, Sarah, Helena, Rachel, Paul, Felix, Kira and Cal are all coming back.
  29. Apr 20, 2015
    10
    This is by far the best series on television, Internet, anywhere - probably the best series ever made. Outstanding on every level - writing, acting, character development - such depth. Really explores the range of the human experience through such an inventive, and fully realized premise. A great artistic achievement, and again, ridiculously under appreciated by U.S. critics (the EmmysThis is by far the best series on television, Internet, anywhere - probably the best series ever made. Outstanding on every level - writing, acting, character development - such depth. Really explores the range of the human experience through such an inventive, and fully realized premise. A great artistic achievement, and again, ridiculously under appreciated by U.S. critics (the Emmys - what a joke). Expand
  30. Jun 19, 2015
    10
    A fantastic tv show! Would defiantly recommend to all my friends. Can not wait for the next episodes I have just watched all of the three seasons in a binge watchathon.
  31. Sep 4, 2015
    9
    A delight to watch. The skill and energy of the star is the cream topping on a must-watch show. Light weight plot and screenwriting actually works best to not distract from the lead's performance.
  32. Jan 22, 2016
    9
    This show keeps getting better and better, not in the commercial way that tries to please everyone. Featuring an incredibly talented Tatiana Maslany, at times funny, at times macabre, with great thrills, action and an intriguing plot that holds it all together. All the good ingredients you would expect in an intelligent tv serie today! Highly recommended.
  33. Apr 2, 2013
    10
    Pilot was FIERCE. I really enjoy the filmography and the acting thus far. And the storyline is awesome so far. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. Fantastic.
  34. Apr 1, 2013
    9
    So far we have just the pilot to judge from but I found it to be very entertaining. Unique story. Suspenseful, sexy, and comical. What more could you ask for. Can't wait to see where this series goes. Very promising!
  35. Apr 28, 2013
    10
    i usually wait a while before i write an opinion of a new show but i'm afraid my head is gonna' spin off sometime during the next episode and you will all miss my bits of wisdom. i don't care about plot holes. i don't care about accent mistakes. when i find that i have to tell myself to breath or when i scream at the tv for taking a commercial break, it's a keeper.
  36. Jun 14, 2013
    10
    Tatiana Maslany is unreal. The show starts off slow, but, by the third episode you will be hooked. This is one of the best shows i have ever seen. I cannot wait for next season. Maslany should be a lock for the Emmy.
  37. May 20, 2013
    10
    There isn't bad language, no T&A, no lurid sex, it's just high voltage, very hip and modern television. It also has great music and mind-twisting story lines mixed with witty dialog. I recall ever being as captivated by a television program as Orphan Black just one time Each has very unique mannerisms, vocabularies, accents, confidence levels, etc. The personalities among the clones areThere isn't bad language, no T&A, no lurid sex, it's just high voltage, very hip and modern television. It also has great music and mind-twisting story lines mixed with witty dialog. I recall ever being as captivated by a television program as Orphan Black just one time Each has very unique mannerisms, vocabularies, accents, confidence levels, etc. The personalities among the clones are vast, from the orphaned Brit Sarah, to the psycho-killer Helena. Other clones include: the repressed suburbanite Allison; the dread-locked PhD student Cosima, the drab cop Beth and still others. For a young actress (28), Ms. Maslany ranks in my estimation with acting greats such as Helen Mirren and other classically trained actors with extensive, big theater experience. It is noteworthy how the egos of the clones have been shaped by nurture (or lack thereof) more predominantly than by nature.
    So Well worth a view!
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  38. Jun 22, 2013
    10
    Most sci-fi writers seem to view their material as existing on some plane that doesn't appear in the viewer's reality. That is why so much of sci-fi is dismissed by the masses. They can't identify with it. That is why I was very pleasantly surprised to see the ORPHAN BLACK writers focus more on elements that ground the characters in reality as opposed to hitting us over the head with theMost sci-fi writers seem to view their material as existing on some plane that doesn't appear in the viewer's reality. That is why so much of sci-fi is dismissed by the masses. They can't identify with it. That is why I was very pleasantly surprised to see the ORPHAN BLACK writers focus more on elements that ground the characters in reality as opposed to hitting us over the head with the weirder stuff.

    Sure, there is weird stuff in this show. Hell, there is some really weird stuff in this show. But because we actually care about the characters and because every performance is so solid, we believe in the world even when things get goofy. Great story telling makes suspension of disbelief easier. Great performances along with great story telling make all problem areas disappear. You are just along for the ride and willing to go wherever the writers steer the show.

    And then, obviously, there is Tatiana Maslany. If nothing anyone has said about the fantastic story telling moves you to check this show out, do it for the love of talent. She has so much of it.
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  39. Apr 6, 2013
    10
    After watching a couple of episodes, I really like this show. It's a "supernatural" thriller, but not a "horror" show. The plot twists are intriguing, and the acting is uniformly excellent.
  40. Jul 15, 2013
    9
    I didn't know anything about the show when I first started watching it. I had seen a lot about it online but, I was completely in dark. I usually don't like 10 episode shows. I feel they are too short and they don't allow audiences to fully connect with the characters, but, needless to say this is not one of them. The show is gripping, and very interesting. It is very smart and wellI didn't know anything about the show when I first started watching it. I had seen a lot about it online but, I was completely in dark. I usually don't like 10 episode shows. I feel they are too short and they don't allow audiences to fully connect with the characters, but, needless to say this is not one of them. The show is gripping, and very interesting. It is very smart and well thought out.
    Tatiana Maslany who is the main actress plays multiple roles is the show, and does a fantastic job. As an audience you never doubt her performance and the uniqueness she brings to each character.
    If you have not seen the show just do it. You won't regret it.
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  41. Jun 10, 2014
    9
    I've discovered this series last year, and i'm not disappointed!
    Tatiana Maslany is incredible, and plays the part of the different clones very well. I also like her brother in the series Jordan Gavaris even if there are too much gay stereotypes...
    It's interesting to see how relationships evolve over time between the sisters. I always try to guess what is going to happen but it's
    I've discovered this series last year, and i'm not disappointed!
    Tatiana Maslany is incredible, and plays the part of the different clones very well. I also like her brother in the series Jordan Gavaris even if there are too much gay stereotypes...
    It's interesting to see how relationships evolve over time between the sisters.
    I always try to guess what is going to happen but it's sometimes twisting!
    I look forward to see the next episode!
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  42. Nov 4, 2014
    9
    Orphan Black continues to offer some great science fiction plots while mixing in comedy, romance, and an amazing multi role performance from Tatiana Maslany.
  43. BKM
    Aug 19, 2013
    7
    I can't figure out if Orphan Black is science-fiction, satire, thriller, drama, comedy or some bizarre gumbo of all the aforementioned genres. Here's what I do know: Orphan Black is a lightning paced series that barely gives you time to think about how ridiculous the whole thing is. It may not be built for the long haul, but for the time being it's a blast.
  44. Oct 20, 2013
    9
    The stellar performance from Tatiana Maslany and its cast, brilliant writing and perfect balance of comedy, sci-fi and drama makes Orphan Black an underrated, yet one of the best new shows of 2013 that has been overlooked by the suits of the Emmys.
  45. Aug 3, 2013
    9
    Simply brilliant! Performances and writing. Loving this so much, can't wait for season 2!! The production where 3 clones can interact, plus the performance of Maslany allow us to forget it's just one person.. Definitely worth a look.
  46. Oct 3, 2014
    8
    The main actress is truly amazing! I love watching her perform. I am looking forward to Season 3 and hoping it doesn't disappoint. 8/10

    Cosima...I love you! =]
  47. May 31, 2015
    10
    Tatiana Maslany is awesome! She captures the nuances of the identical sisters brilliantly. And moreover she portrays the subtle difference when one sister is imitating another. The story takes amazing twists and turns so you're never sure what's going to happen next. Sometimes you're not sure what just happened until it becomes clear later in the episode or in the next episodes. A welcomeTatiana Maslany is awesome! She captures the nuances of the identical sisters brilliantly. And moreover she portrays the subtle difference when one sister is imitating another. The story takes amazing twists and turns so you're never sure what's going to happen next. Sometimes you're not sure what just happened until it becomes clear later in the episode or in the next episodes. A welcome contrast to most TV where you can see what's coming a mile away. This show is up there with the best TV ever. Expand
  48. Jul 22, 2015
    7
    A perfect first season. A very good second season. And a ''comme-ci comme-ca'' third season.
    One of the most anticipated and best ideas of the last years that after this season 3 turns into a ''normal'' series. I dont know, maybe they are doing it for the money/fame , i dont know the reason but WHY to complex it even more? you had such a wonderful idea and you are trying to destroy it.
    A perfect first season. A very good second season. And a ''comme-ci comme-ca'' third season.
    One of the most anticipated and best ideas of the last years that after this season 3 turns into a ''normal'' series. I dont know, maybe they are doing it for the money/fame , i dont know the reason but WHY to complex it even more? you had such a wonderful idea and you are trying to destroy it.
    Hope it gets betters.

    -Nonac
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  49. Oct 29, 2016
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. There are many reasons to like this series from the engaging plot to Tatiana's cute butt, which is much on display in the first two episodes of the opening season. It's kind of like Stepford Wives meet The Cloning of Joana May, although aimed more at teenagers than an older audience. The other worldly plot breaks down too quickly into domestic melodrama and Tatiana keeps her clothes on through the remainder of the season. The Neolution story is little more than a campy hook, or should I say a tail, with a just as campy religious counter force meant to play both sides of the cloning debate.

    Caught in the middle of this nightmare is the fetching Sarah Manning, who apparently had escaped detection before encountering a doppleganger on a train platform one evening, and deciding to assume her identity. The first four episodes move at a very brisk pace as the writers lay out the characters, but then bogs down in the middle episodes as it seems they decide to play their scenario for laughs after the rather grisly beginning. Tatiana Maslany comes across as a young Holly Hunter in her role as the "suburban **** Allison. Not to worry though it all comes together in the suspenseful closing episodes.

    I don't know if it is enough to keep me going though, as Sarah's most engaging "sibling" was probably Helena, and she seemed to come to a rather ignominious end. However, there are enough dark forces at work to bring her back. One can only imagine all the tangents this story will take in succeeding seasons, as Cosima appears to have cracked the code, but I suspect whatever center it has will long be lost.
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  50. Oct 26, 2016
    9
    Maslany is engaging. Pure acting genius. Can't wait to see who's behind "Rachel's Eye". The lesbian thing seems tired and forced. Sure do miss Gramma, she was a hoot.
  51. Nov 21, 2018
    7
    It was actually pretty good. Tatiana Maslany is amazing in the show and I found it very interesting although with some pacing issues and plot problems.

    But I do recommend it .
  52. Dec 31, 2017
    9
    An entertaining and exciting show. Season one is one of its best, mostly because it's not confusing yet The story is off to a strong start, the acting is great, the characters are good (though Helena and Alison get a lot better), the action is good, and there are good bits of humor. All are a reliable recipe for a solid start.
    GRADE: A-
  53. Jan 3, 2022
    8
    Tatiana Maslany is a class act in this show taking on multiple characters that each feel fleshed out. The question or fear of having a doppelganger exist somewhere in the world is given a terrifying answer. Instantly gripped by the grim pilot and pivoted by the charismatic Sarah you attach to her and others quickly, rooting for them on their quest for answers.
  54. Jun 1, 2020
    8
    Orphan Black is a good show and Tatiana Maslany is great! There are great performances from the other cast as well and overall the show is well written and well done. If season 1 is the setup they did a good job and I’m looking forward to seeing how it develops.
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 20
  2. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. Reviewed by: Jeff Jensen
    May 15, 2013
    100
    Slowly, a smartly constructed epic is taking shape.
  2. 80
    [A] gritty, visceral, and emotionally engaging thriller.
  3. Reviewed by: Curt Wagner
    Apr 1, 2013
    88
    As Sarah makes one shocking discovery after another, Orphan Black weaves an increasingly intricate, suspenseful tale.