For over two decades, Krysten Ritter has showcased a remarkable talent for portraying iconic characters. Whether in expansive universes like the MCU’s Jessica Jones, or in fresh roles such as Chloe in Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23, every project she is part of carries a distinct flair. Recently, Ritter added her unique touch to another cherished franchise – John Fawcett and Graeme Manson’s Orphan Black.
A blend of spin-off and continuation emerged in Anna Fishko’s Orphan Black: Echoes. The Orphan Black universe has always had the potential for further storytelling, and this quasi-sequel explores it in a unique manner. Centering on a more personal narrative through Ritter’s Lucy, a new clone conspiracy unfolds across ten episodes. Although the brief single-season series may have struggled with the expectations set by its predecessor, it remains a sci-fi show that is both intelligent and chaotic – and absolutely worth your time.
Krysten Ritter Is A Vital Part of A Clone Conspiracy in ‘Orphan Black: Echoes’
Similar to Tatiana Maslany’s Sarah Manning, Ritter’s Lucy is at the center of a clone conspiracy that unfolds 37 years after Orphan Black. However, since Orphan Black: Echoes needed to carve out its own identity to avoid mirroring the original, it diverges in two significant ways: the clones vary in age – reminiscent of the clones portrayed by Lee Pace in Foundation – and their narrative takes on a more personal and emotional perspective. Consequently, Ritter embodies a singular clone, reinforcing her real-life status as unique.
A complex backstory exists between the older and younger iterations of Lucy – Rya Kihlstedt’s Eleanor and Amanda Fix’s Jules. The inception of this second clone program is rooted in Eleanor’s story. It began as an act of love, as she was resurrected by her wife to give her a fair chance against Alzheimer’s disease. Jules represents a pivotal moment in the clone program’s evolution. She is conceived when the ambitious and power-hungry Darros (James Hiroyuki Liao) recognizes the potential for exploiting clones for personal gain. The emotional journey of these clones, as they form connections, allows Orphan Black: Echoes to tell a deeply moving story, unfolding at a slower pace compared to its action-packed predecessor.
Even With Its Ties to The Original, ‘Orphan Black: Echoes’ Stands On Its Own
An intriguing dynamic characterizes Orphan Black: Echoes, where the series maintains strong connections to its predecessor while also establishing its own identity. Complementing Ritter’s Lucy and serving as her link to the broader conspiracy is Keeley Hawes’ Kira Manning. Fans of Orphan Black will recognize her as Sarah’s daughter. However, for those unfamiliar with the original series, all essential information about Kira is provided throughout the show’s single season. Perhaps destined to confront her trauma through recurring patterns, she becomes the architect behind the clone technology this time.
The tender moments shared between Kira and her extended family are both enjoyable and heartwarming. Returning from their crucial roles in Orphan Black, we see Jordan Gavaris as Uncle Felix and Evelyne Brochu as Aunt Delphine. While both provide emotional support for Kira, it is Delphine who truly comprehends Kira’s thought processes regarding her emotions since she faced similar ethical dilemmas years prior. Although Delphine’s path to redemption was abruptly halted, Hawes’ portrayal of a morally ambiguous scientist is captivating, as this narrative equally belongs to Lucy and Kira.
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The film also stars Kiernan Shipka and Kiefer Sutherland.
Orphan Black: Echoes concludes with an unexpected cliffhanger that raises significant stakes. It is evident that plans were made for a second season, but its journey was prematurely halted. While the show’s slow-burn approach may have influenced its reception, it seems that its flawed release strategy ultimately worked against it. For reasons unknown, the series premiered in Australia six months before its US debut. By the time it aired on AMC, excitement had waned, and its lukewarm critical response did not assist its cause. Thus, while Orphan Black: Echoes may fade from memory over time, it currently stands as another highlight in Ritter’s career.
