What I’m Watching: Orphan Black

Orphan Black: Season 5, Episode 8 “Guillotines Decide” (B+)

It’s really starting to feel like this show is close to its end, and that’s for good reason given that there are just two episodes left before it signs off for good. Spending the majority of this episode at Felix’s art show was fitting since it was a relaxing distraction that allowed each clone to present herself as who she is, albeit under the guise of being the same person putting on a different costume and act. It was actually a bit strange to see the clones each celebrating separately, since I truly believe that Tatiana Maslany is capable of making you think you’re watching five different actresses playing each one of the clones. While our main three are in pretty good shape, each enjoying some bit of happiness, however brief, the other two are headed for some serious misfortune. Gracie realized way too late that she shouldn’t turn Helena in and paid for the timing of that mistake with her life, and now Helena is in danger. Rachel made the right choice, to betray Ferdinand since she realizes that he is evil and part of the problem, and it’s not clear what’s going to happen to her. I liked seeing Donnie, Art, and Scott all at Felix’s show, and even Mrs. S showed up before her fatal trip home. I love that, even while she was bleeding to death, she was still cool enough to let him know that she had a fourteen percent better chance of surviving the gunshot wound than he did. Presuming that she doesn’t make it, she’s been a formidable presence.