Again with this week’s episode “To Hold Nature in Her Wanderings” Orphan Black has allowed itself to slow things down a bit keeping all the juicy details hidden while allowing some much needed time for character development. Beyond the constant air of mystery the show prides itself on how character driven it is and with so many characters constantly moving they stay important and fascinating. This week was a spattering of small revelations all within the confines of several odd couplings that were both important and detrimental to the flow of this particular episode. It’s quite weird to see an episode like this so close to the season’s climax; the level of importance to the rather stale developments is both good and bad because the mystery is preserved within the show but it also means the final reveals of this season may not be as inspiring as we might expect. It comes at the expense of the rather simplistic world we have now become use to within the show that allows the big reveals to be that more interesting.
Regardless all these odd couples had something of interest; Art and Felix in particular had a lot to offer as clashing personalities took on the investigation from a duel human perspective for once. Art has come around greatly in being a very likable ally and his interaction with all the supporting players is great especially because his understanding of the situation comes so naturally instead of through a series of doubts. It was nice to see a lot of this perfect stranger esque bonding especially between Sarah and Helena. As momentary as it is because let’s be honest one episode too long of that would be excruciating, seeing Sarah find some weird connection with her psychotic twin sister was quite entertaining. Helena’s almost tragic singing of the Archie’s “Sugar Sugar” was great if anything at the expense of Sarah’s dread of listening to it on a car ride. The bonding is temporary and much of the episode is Helena flying solo getting drunk at the bar with a good old’ boy she strikes up a conversation with.
Much like last week these scenes of fan service in which see Helena the most normal and humane lead to scenes of true vulnerability. When she is confronted at the police station by Gracie she is very insecure and hurt by what has transpired. Gracie’s promise to take her to her babies brings the power back to the Prolethians which is alarming after what seems like so much progress. It’s not about what has literally been taken from Helena it’s a mental aspect as well; Helena’s rape brings a loss of identity and empowerment and while her Motherly compassion to having her “babies” taken from her says a lot you can see the spirit and the longing for normality in her life has greatly affected her.
It does surprise me that Sarah seems to be completely unaware that she and Helena are being followed, I mean, they had been before so why think otherwise now? It makes even more annoying that she just assumes Helena will be alright at the police station while she goes in search of Professor Duncan. If there was one thing other than a small revelation that can be delivered from this episode it is the search for answers and a place to feel whole again. Sarah begs Duncan to give her information because it’s her own individuality and future at stake as much as it is for her fellow clones who she clearly is getting closer with over time.
This isn’t just her need it’s everyone else; Cosima needs a cure, Helena her children, and Alisson a person to trust. Alisson’s storyline this week was rather limp and more aggravating when you realize Vick the Dick is working for Angie, quite possibly the most unnecessary and annoying plot thread in the show this season. Every other story worked so well here and Alisson and Vick together was rather enlightening and satisfying up until those last moments but then again I guess it can never be too easy on this show. More importantly we learn that Leakie and Duncan had one hell of a following out in the form of him murdering the Professor’s wife Susan. Now for me I’m not sure how exciting of a cliffhanger this is but it leaves much to the imagination of why Leakie would do this and how deep this actually goes. We have four episodes left which is actually enough time to cover a lot of ground but we find ourselves back at the ranch literally and figuratively next week. For now this was another solid offering; not the best for development but one of the best for overall enjoyment of this gallery of characters interacting with one another.
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