15 Underrated ‘Orphan Black’ Characters

Orphan Black may be known for its exorbitant number of entertaining clone characters, all played by the multi-talented Tatiana Maslany; however, the show also boasts characters that only pop in for a few episodes but steal the scene.

Let’s take a look at 15 Orphan Black characters who deserve some recognition and love for their appearances on the five-season wonder.

1. Scott Smith

Scott (Josh Vokey) is the epitome of a loyal friend and is always there for Cosima and the clones. He never snoops and allows Cosima to take her time in trusting him with knowledge about the clones, proving himself to be a very valuable ally.

Scott is also witty but typically overshadowed by other members on the side of the Clone Club, even though he makes the discovery that Cosima needs Kira’s stem cells, which saves her.

His contributions to the team are ultimately unmatched, despite being shunned a lot of the time.

He is one of the only characters closely trusted by Cosima, and he takes his role particularly seriously. Usually portrayed as the sidelined underdog during the first few seasons, Vokey was upped to a season regular in the fourth and fifth seasons, which gave him more screen time. If only he were given more time to shine beyond his presence.

2. Aynsley Norris

While Aynsley (Natalie Lisinska) is somewhat of an unsavory character from Alison’s standpoint, she generated some superbly uncomfortable and humorous scenes with Alison’s husband, Chad.

She may not be a particularly upstanding character, but she certainly has some charm.

Before Alison knew about the clones’ monitors, she opened up to Aynsley, and they provided each other moral support in their relatively uneventful suburban lives. Aynsley was there to support her and Alison even considered Aynsley her best friend — which should count for something.

Aynsley’s recognition comes in the form of her character death — one of the most creative in the series — when her scarf gets caught in Alison’s sink garbage disposal. When Alison doesn’t help her, it’s up to the audience to determine whether she should be saved or not.

3. Raj Singh

When Sarah cons Raj (Raymond Ablack) into providing her with surveillance equipment by pretending to be Beth, he very willingly gives it to her.

While this may not have been the smartest move, he’s young, smart, and discreet about helping Sarah — what’s not to appreciate about him?

Raj is quick to notice small details, as proven when he commented on Beth’s “change in look” when Sarah pretended to be her and asked if Beth was feeling all right when Helena pretended to be her. He also asked Sarah if she used the surveillance equipment on Paul, suggesting he picks up on more than he lets on.

This suggests that Beth and Raj could have even had a stronger relationship before the series started.

While Raj only appears in a number of episodes, his clear obsession with Beth also makes for quality comedic content and could have appeared as a great ally for the clones in times of distress.

4. Ethan Duncan

Although Duncan (Andrew Gillies) spends most of his time under the care of others, his strength and intelligence show that despite years of hiding, he is still willing to fight for what he believes in.

His scientific knowledge is unparalleled, and he passes on valuable Leda information to Sarah through a book with a system of puzzle-like clues.

Duncan’s founding of Leda shows his commitment to new technologies in a way that transcends personal gain, despite the shaky ethical foundations of the project. Taking in Rachel as his own daughter also shows that he has a level of compassion beyond his own work.

He suffered a series of traumatic experiences years before when Leekie burned down his laboratory and took Rachel to be raised with Dyad.

Nevertheless, despite loving Rachel, he shows his true, unadulterated worth when he commits suicide in front of her in order to prevent more clones from being made, standing his ground and sacrificing himself for the greater good.

5. Beth Childs

Beth (Tatiana Maslany) is the clone who jumpstarts the entirety of the series, but despite her distraught first appearance, Beth is a strong-willed ex-member of the Clone Club.

Her close relationship with Art allows Sarah to connect with him, and she’s made out to be a talented police detective who rarely strays from the path.

Beth even figures out that Paul is her monitor without him realizing, showing that she has a level of skill and discretion beyond even the most highly trained of operatives like Paul.

Upon communicating with Katja, she helps tie the Clone Club together by using facial recognition software, which gives them all a chance to band together.

Beth is clever enough to gain a basic understanding of the Neolution network while communicating with Cosima and Alison before her suicide. Although she rarely appears in the series, her death allows the entire series to occur, and her influence made clear numerous times throughout the series, her presence still felt by the clones despite her death.

6. Sarah Stubbs

Sarah (Terra Hazelton) is often scorned for somewhat overbearing and friendly, but she is one of the only individuals who express any form of comfort to Alison in tough times. She’s cheery, happy, and the epitome of a good friend, treating Alison with care after Aynsley’s death.

Sarah also has some performance chops as she acts in the community theater musical Blood Ties with Alison. She’s given a chance to act as both comic relief for the viewer and a grounding presence in Alison’s life, not another weight to bear down on Alison.

Sarah appears as one of the most genuine of friends in Alison’s neighborhood amongst the many snooty mothers in the community.

While she doesn’t have that much screen time, her bubbly moments stand out, and Alison is rightfully grateful for Sarah’s friendship even though she closes herself off to Sarah.

7. Henrik Johanssen

Johanssen (Peter Outerbridge) is the definition of frightening.

He isn’t afraid to dole out punishments to his own daughter and his Prolethean followers, giving them out in a terrifyingly calm voice but breaking out into harsh yells when needed. At first glance, Johanssen is a charming man, which makes him even more dangerous.

Johanssen has full reign over his Prolethean farm and is relatively skilled at keeping Helena captive, despite her ability to escape virtually any situation. He captures the attention of Mark and sways him over to the Prolethean side, despite being sent in by CASTOR to do surveillance and act as a double agent.

His impeccable calmness after he impregnates both Helena and his own daughter puts him over the edge as a true villain. He ultimately gets what he deserves and is presumed dead after Helena tortures him and burns down his farm.

8. Pupok

Pupok (voiced by Tatiana Maslany) may act as the conscience of Helena, but he deserves to be recognized as his own character. 

While Maslany’s voice is not completely unrecognized while she voices Pupok, it’s simultaneously creepy, humorous, and cute as the scorpion speaks and crawls around onscreen.

The invention of Pupok as a character is a terrific plot device that adds humor, a clever visual, and character development for Helena’s mental state. Pupok helps Helena in many tight spots, urging her to buck up and keep going for herself and her sestras, allowing her to gain the strength to do so.

Helena is truly herself with Pupok, talking out her feelings and plans. She interacts closely with the hallucinatory scorpion, including being eaten once — but Pupok is always back to help Helena along, for better or for worse.

He may not be a human character, but he certainly stands on his own as Helena’s honorary sidekick.

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