Marvel fans recently found out that Tatiana Maslany will be playing She-Hulk in the upcoming Disney+ series of the same name. Maslany might be recognizable for her small roles on shows like Parks and Recreation, BoJack Horseman or the staged version of Network, but by far the role(s) she's best known for is Sarah Manning in the BBC series Orphan Black.
For those who haven't seen that series, think of the best opening scenes in television history such as Jack opening his eyes on Lost or Walter White in his underwear in Breaking Bad. Orphan Black begins with a young woman getting off a train but then sees someone at the station who looks just like her. Seconds later, the lookalike jumps in front of an oncoming train and commits suicide. That series intro is just as impactful as those previously mentioned.
After that initial shock things continue to escalate when the protagonist Sarah Manning, a struggling single mom trying to get her life together, takes the belongings her doppelganger left behind and impersonates her to get some money and benefits. What ensues is the uncovering of some unbelievable secrets, revealing that Manning is one of several clones created illegally decades earlier. And that description just scratches the surface of what Orphan Black is all about.
Maslany, in one of the great modern performances in television history, plays each clone with a strikingly different personality. There's Manning the rebellious but likable main character, Alison the suburban housewife, Cosima the hipster scientist, Rachel the ruthless corporate leader, and Helena the brainwashed psycho killer. Not to mention other various clones played by Maslany who make an occasional appearance. What's remarkable is that the clones interact with one another onscreen aplenty despite being played by the same actress.
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Even though Orphan Black's #CloneClub is a highly wild concept, it's the realism of the setting and characters that makes the show great. Most of the clones are relatable as a person, and even the crazier ones have their backstories told and earn empathy from audiences. Even the regular people in this crazy situation, like Sarah's foster brother Felix and Alison's husband Donnie, are relatable and do things nearly as jaw-dropping as the clones.
Every episode uncovers more dark and wild secrets that will make the viewer re-think everything they've seen so far. Corporate, political and religious systems tied in with the clones are shocked thanks to the wit of the rebellious clones working together. Not to mention that things can become pretty violent and graphic despite its roots in realism.
By the time of the show's middle seasons it is nearly unrecognizable from the first season, and that's definitely a good thing for this show. Anyone who is interested in Tatiana Maslany and wants to see what kind of actress she is must watch Orphan Black immediately. It is one of the great underrated science fiction shows of the past decade and quite frankly deserved more recognition than it got. For those who have already watched the series, now would be a great time to rewatch it to remember how good Maslany will be as She-Hulk.