Summary
Orphan Black: Echoesclearly has a connection to the earlierOrphan Blackseries from 2013, but it deserves clarity about how the two shows are related. In 2013,Orphan Blackstarring Tatiana Maslany began airing on BBC America. Over the following five seasons, the show established an incredible sci-fi world where cloning technology is capable of creating viable life, but also raises questions about the morality of such activities. This series went on to establish a cult following and, despite ending in 2017, the show’s spin-off series is a hotly anticipated addition to the franchise.
While the original series was created by writer Graeme Mason and director John Fawcett, thenew series,Orphan Black: Echoes, has been created by Anna Fishko, with Fawcett coming on board as an executive producer. The spin-off is named after the original show, and features a storyline about clones and the associated technology, but thedeeper connection between the two may not be immediately obvious. Fortunately, there is plenty of information about the new series which clarifies how it is connected to 2013’sOrphan Black.
Orphan Black: Echoes Review - Stunning Sci-Fi Spin-Off Makes Orphan Black Connections Irrelevant
The show is captivating. From the writing to the acting by the incredible core cast, Orphan Black: Echoes is thrilling, engaging & evenly paced.
Orphan Black: Echoes Is A Sequel To The Original Show
Following On From The Events Of Orphan Black
Orphan Black: Echoesis set up as a sequel toOrphan Black. Theevents of the original series remain influential and significant in the new series, andEchoesexplores the life of a now fully grown Kira Manning, the daughter of Sarah (Maslany) from the original show. With the events of the original series providing a foundation for what happens inEchoes, the show is enjoyed to the fullest extent when viewed as an expansion to the 2013 series.
However,Echoesalso creates enough distance from the original show in order to be enjoyable and comprehensive without prior knowledge ofOrphan Blackand its events. This is done by introducing an entirely new cast, with onlyone primary character returning to star in the series, and a significant time jump. This means that it can function as a sequel for fans ofOrphan Black, and as a new stand-alone adventure for new audiences. This makes the show much more accessible and entertaining, especially considering the original series came out more than 10 years prior.
Echoes Is Set 37 Years After Orphan Black’s Ending
A Large Time-Jump To Seperate The Story
Echoesleaps forward 37 years after the conclusion ofOrphan Blackto explore abrand-new story with a new cast of characters. In the year 2052, Kira has had a long and successful career as a scientist whose work has led to groundbreaking new treatments for a variety of illnesses. She also had a full life outside of her work commitments, finding love, getting married, and having a child.
The show is enjoyed to the fullest extent when viewed as an expansion to the 2013 series.
While the original characters are referenced and remain alive, they are not the focus of the new series.Echoesinstead focuses on Lucy, played byJessica Jonesactress, Krysten Ritter, who learns that she is a clone, and embarks on a perilous adventure to uncover the truth about her identity and the reason for her existence. Other clones and influential characters appear, but theevents happen with almost no influence from characters found in the original series.
Are Any Original Orphan Black Characters In Echoes?
Original Characters Making A Comeback
During the first 10 episodes ofOrphan Black: Echoes, viewers can expect to see some familiar faces returning to the show. Kira’s relationship with the cast ofOrphan Black, as the daughter of Sarah Manning, makes it a simple matter ofincluding some of the original cast in minor roles to help Kirain her moments of need. However, keep expectations to a minimum, as major characters like Sarah, Cosima, and the otherclones played by Tatiana Maslanydo not return to the show inOrphan Black: Echoesseason 1.
With the global release ofEchoesseason 1, it is possible that the show will receive approval to create additional seasons, and if and when this happens, it is possible that more of the original cast may return. However, taking into account the 37-year time jump, these characters are now much older, and may not be able to take part in the action in the same way that they did duringOrphan Black. Either way,Orphan Black: Echoesdoes leave room for the show to bring back more of the original cast in the future.
Tatiana Maslany, who starred in Orphan Black, has since gone on to star in the MCU’s She-Hulk TV series. Krysten Ritter previously starred in the Marvel series Jessica Jones, and now stars in the Orphan Black: Echoes series.
Orphan Black: Echoes
Cast
Orphan Black: Echoes is a continuation of the Orphan Black universe set in the near future. The series follows a group of women as they entangle themselves in a complex journey, unraveling the mystery of their identities while exposing a tale of love and betrayal.
