Orphan Black: Echoes Season 1 Episode 8 Review: The Paradox of Joyce

Orphan Black: Echoes Season 1 Episode 8, “The Paradox of Joyce,” continues to dive into the conspiracy of what Darros has planned while offering up real emotional stakes for the Copy Club. 

The Copy Club, which is what I’m calling them for now since they’re not quite clones and Printout Club has less of a ring to is, is riding high after outsmarting Tom but that doesn’t last long. They still need to figure out what the security key Jules has is connected to, and it’s way above their technical skills. 

Meanwhile, Kira deals with a triple cross from Emily who is being threatened by Darros. Things are far from smooth sailing.

It’s the emotional stakes that really drive this episode more so than the conspiracy though. Every copy (and Kira) has to come to terms with some harsh realities but comes out stronger because of it.

Kira’s growth this season has been a bit wobbly, with her telling the truth in half measures before, but now she’s done being that person. She boldly confronts Emily and ends up helping her fake her death to get away from Darros (which is good because the show lets you think she murdered her until the end). 

More challengingly, she’s honest with Lucas, even though she’s too late and he has already learned the truth. That is a big deal for a woman who hid her wife’s death for two years!

Lucas is such an interesting character because we don’t see him enough to understand his motivations, but his rejection of Kira because of his religion offers a fascinating alternative viewpoint to characters that are so steeped in science. Although the science versus religion debate isn’t new, Orphan Black: Echoes could be doing more for it through Lucas’s role in the show and should continue to explore that direction.

Unfortunately, I have a bad feeling his religious girlfriend is not what she seems because nothing screams foreshadowing for betrayal like him telling her she’s the only one he can trust. 

Felix gets another appearance too on this episode, but with the other characters more established, it feels less intrusive than his first cameo did. His judgment of Kira’s actions is more measured than others because even having lived through everything with Sarah, he admits he also would’ve saved his late husband (RIP Colin) if he could have. 

Even though Eleanor doesn’t forgive Kira, she also stops living in denial after a visit with her mother and realizes she has the motivation to find a cure. Jules’ fear upon learning about her future diagnosis reminds her this is more than about her or her and Kira’s marriage.

Although deepening the mystery has also helped, its Orphan Black: Echoes leaning into its characters and showing them as fully developed people that you want to invest in that’s saved the show. Even Lucy having to choose between going with Jack and Charlie, and helping Jules, feels much more impactful than it would have before we knew her better. 

Individually, these characters are still interesting, but it’s their bonds that elevate their story into something more. They’re not quite a family yet, but whatever they are is something you want to watch and root for.

What did you think of this episode of Orphan Black: Echoes? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Critic Rating:

User Rating:

 

Orphan Black: Echoes airs Sundays at 10/9c on AMC and BBC America.

Follow us on X and on Instagram!

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!