Orphan Black

Orphan Black is a clone cyclone, a whirling dervish of a series that ponders identity, humanity, nature-versus-nurture, bioethics and genetic research – when it occasionally pauses for breath. Tatiana Maslany is a wonder in multiple roles, starting with that of Sarah Manning, a Toronto street punk who tries to shed a nasty boyfriend and a lifetime of bad choices by assuming a look-alike’s identity only to find herself caught up in a wild, noir-ish plot that involves a growing number of doppelgangers. It’s a sci-fi/mystery/cliffhanger serial, consistently surprising, with action so fast it can make your head spin. Yet it can also be deeply humane, thanks to a poignant subplot about Sarah’s efforts to regain custody of her child. Humor also plays a part: Maslany great comic moments with Jordan Gavaris, who plays her acerbic adopted brother, and with her alter egos, who include a soccer mom and a religious fanatic. For its singular take on cloning, splendid performances and thrill-ride turns and twists, Orphan Black receives a Peabody Award.