If You Miss Smart, Messy Sci-Fi, Krysten Ritter’s Underrated Thriller Series Is Absolutely Worth Your Time

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For more than two decades now, Krysten Ritter has displayed an innate ability to play iconic characters. Whether being part of wider universes, like the MCU’s Jessica Jones, or saucy new creations like Chloe in Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23, every piece of media she graces has a unique touch. More recently, Ritter put her own spin on another beloved franchise – John Fawcett and Graeme Manson’s Orphan Black.

A mix between spin-off and continuation came to life in Anna Fishko’s Orphan Black: Echoes. The Orphan Black universe always had the potential to tell further stories, and this quasi-sequel did it in its own way. Focusing on a more personal angle thanks to Ritter’s Lucy, a second clone conspiracy unfolds in ten episodes. Although the short-lived single-season series might have faltered under the expectations of the original, it still works as a sci-fi show that’s both smart and messy – and that is totally worth your time.

Krysten Ritter Is A Vital Part of A Clone Conspiracy in ‘Orphan Black: Echoes’

Krysten Ritter as Lucy looking serious in closeup in Orphan Black: Echoes

Just like Tatiana Maslany’s Sarah Manning, Ritter’s Lucy is the main focus of a clone conspiracy that takes place 37 years after Orphan Black. But, given Orphan Black: Echoes had to differentiate itself to avoid being a carbon copy of the original, it diverts in two main aspects: the clones are different ages – not unlike the clones of Lee Pace in Foundation – and their story has a more personal and emotional angle to it. Thus, Ritter portrays a single clone, indirectly solidifying her real-life status as a one and only.

There is a complex backstory between the older and younger versions of Lucy – Rya Kihlstedt’s Eleanor and Amanda Fix’s Jules. The origin of this second clone program is, in fact, Eleanor. But it began as an act of love, for she was brought back from death by her wife to let her have a fair fight against Alzheimer’s disease. Jules, in turn, is a turning point in the clone program. She’s conceived when the ambitious and power-hungry Darros (James Hiroyuki Liao) sees the potential in exploiting the clones for his own gain. In getting to know these clones while watching them bond, Orphan Black: Echoes tells a deeply emotional story with a slower pace than the action-filled original.

Even With Its Ties to The Original, ‘Orphan Black: Echoes’ Stands On Its Own

There’s an interesting dynamic to Orphan Black: Echoes, in which the show has strong bonds to the original series, but it’s still able to stand on its own. Complementing Ritter’s Lucy, and being her connection to the wider conspiracy is Keeley Hawes’ Kira Manning. If you’re a fan of Orphan Black, you’ll surely recognize her name as Sarah’s daughter. Still, if you’re unfamiliar with it, everything you need to know about Kira is explored in the show’s single season. Perhaps predestined to deal with her trauma by repeating patterns, she is the one behind the clone technology this time around.

It’s both fun and touching witnessing Kira getting tenderly scolded by her extended family. Returning from their vital roles in Orphan Black are Jordan Gavaris as Uncle Felix and Evelyne Brochu as Aunt Delphine. Whereas both act more as emotional support for Kira, it’s Delphine who truly understands her thought process to deal with her emotions, for she also fell into the same ethical trap many years ago. And though her road to redemption was cut short, Hawes’ portrayal of a morally-gray scientist is a delight to watch, for this story is equal parts Lucy’s as it is Kira’s.

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The film also stars Kiernan Shipka and Kiefer Sutherland.

Orphan Black: Echoes ends in a shocking cliffhanger with the highest of stakes. It’s clear the show was planned to continue with a second season, but its life was cut short too soon. While the show’s slow-burn pace might have affected its chances, I’d dare say its butchered release strategy is what ended up playing against it. For some unspecified reason, the series debuted in Australia six months before its US release. By the time it was released by AMC, buzz had fizzled, and its lukewarm critical reception didn’t help. So, perhaps Orphan Black: Echoes might fade into oblivion with time. But, as of today, it stands as yet another of Ritter’s career highlights. Watch it while you can!