‘Orphan Black: Echoes’ isn’t meant to be a clone of a clone show, its creator says

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As a woman and a mother myself, I was deeply drawn to the complex web of relationships and themes in “Orphan Black: Echoes.” Krysten Ritter’s portrayal of Lucy struck a chord with me as she navigated her identity and love while protecting those around her. The emphasis on connection and relationships resonated strongly, raising thought-provoking questions about the role they play in shaping who we are.

As a first-time showrunner, Anna Fishko recalls the joyous moments, including figuring out the intricacies of filming a scene where Krysten Ritter exits a vat filled with pink goo on set.

Fishko, the “Orphan Black: Echoes” creator and executive producer, shares, “Six sample jars of varying shades of pink would be presented to me. We’d then convene a lengthy discussion on the preferred pink hue. I discovered some intriguing facts during this process – the weight of a large vat of goo and the time it takes to heat it before submerging a person, approximately six hours.”

In the year 2052, I found myself completely baffled as I tuned in to “Orphan Black: Echoes,” airing at 10:05 p.m. Pacific on both AMC and BBC America, with the added convenience of streaming on AMC+. The captivating series stars none other than Krysten Ritter, who plays the role of me – a woman named Lucy, that is. One day, I woke up with no recollection of my past. The enigma deepened when I stumbled across a tank filled with an unusual pink substance. To my astonishment, I discovered that I was not a natural born human but rather, a product of a high-tech laboratory.

“Creating those enchanting scenes involved a great deal of planning and discussion between us,” Ritter, who is also an executive producer on the show, explains about the scene showcased in promotional materials. “There were numerous technical aspects to work through, and I had to wear a heavy 70-pound belt around my waist to remain still. Nevertheless, it was enjoyable and resulted in a stunning visual.”

Krysten Ritter, who stars as Lucy in “Orphan Black: Echoes.”
(Jennifer McCord / For The Times)

“Echoes” is set in the universe introduced in the popular sci-fi show “Orphan Black,” which ran for five seasons from 2013 to 2017 and featured Tatiana Maslany portraying over a dozen different clone characters. While there are shared elements between the two shows, “Echoes” is more of an addition than a duplicate, delving deeper into topics of humanity and self-identity that were explored in “Orphan Black.”

Fishko, who has previously contributed to writing for shows like “Pieces of Her,” “The Society,” and “Fear the Walking Dead,” shares that both AMC and Boat Rocker expressed a desire to explore the “Orphan Black” universe anew rather than repeating the same storylines.

As a film enthusiast, I’ve come to realize that creating a production about a character with multiple clones of herself at the same age isn’t an easy feat. The technical complexities involved are immense, and the comparisons that would inevitably arise between the different versions of the same person would be impossible to avoid and potentially misleading. Instead, I believe we should strive for originality and explore new narratives that haven’t been exhausted before. By doing so, we can create something truly unique and captivating for audiences.

Fishko shifted her focus towards the broader explorations in “Orphan Black,” encompassing themes such as identity, found families, sisterhood, and the intriguing questions about life raised by scientific advancements. Her husband, a former philosophy professor specializing in personal identity, and she had watched the original series together. Fishko also benefited from collaborating with John Fawcett, co-creator of “Orphan Black,” who served as an executive producer and director on “Echoes.”

Fishko shared that we spent a significant amount of time discussing and reflecting on what made the original production appealing to audiences. We explored why people connected with it, which characters resonated with them, and the overall sense of enjoyment. As a more serious and dramatic writer by nature, I found it invigorating to experiment with humor and lightness, pushing myself beyond my comfort zone.

Lucy (Krysten Ritter) and Charlie (Zariella Langford-Haughton) in “Orphan Black: Echoes.”
(Sophie Giraud / AMC)

Fishko aimed to make “Echoes” as welcoming as it is intriguing for both newcomers and dedicated fans of “Orphan Black,” the #CloneClub. While this episode introduces a fresh cloning storyline and enigma, none of it relies on prior acquaintance with the original series. However, seasoned viewers will appreciate the subtle references and Easter eggs scattered throughout.

Ritter finds “Echoes” appealing because it has an independent storyline while also fitting into a larger universe, following his experience with Marvel’s “Jessica Jones” and its dedicated fanbase.

After going through the script for the initial episode for the first time, Ritter expressed her gratitude for the abundance of activities my character was given to do. The narrative touched upon profound emotional elements, reminiscent of “The Bourne Identity” with its sci-fi chase sequences and a heart-pounding fight scene. Additionally, there was a captivating bond between her character and Lucy’s stepdaughter, Zariella Langford-Haughton, adding to the intrigue. Moreover, playing a character without a background posed an engaging challenge for Ritter as an actor.

Fishko describes Lucy as a survivor.

As a cinema devotee, I can relate when I come across stories of people who, against all odds, manage to build their lives from scratch. Take Lucy, for instance. With no backing or resources, she had to navigate the world on her own and figure out how to make things work. But she didn’t just survive; she thrived. She forged connections that gave her something valuable to hold onto – love.

In her encounters, Lucy intersects with the teenager Jules (Amanda Fix), as well as a pivotal figure in the central enigma, portrayed by Keeley Hawes, whose true nature as a scientist is concealed.

What Fishko can say about Hawes’ scientist is that she is “a complicated character with a complicated history.”

“Fishko was keen on exploring the characters’ moral ambiguities, making it intriguing for audiences to ponder. He notes, ‘In such stories, we often encounter clear-cut good guys and bad guys. Yet, I believe there’s room for more complexity.'”

“I was pretty interested in pushing the characters into a kind of gray area that would be engaging for people to think about,” Anna Fishko says of “Orphan Black: Echoes.”
(Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times)

As a film enthusiast, I’d express it this way: The thrilling action and scientific mysteries may drive the plot of “Echoes,” but for me, it’s the intricate relationships that make this show truly captivating. Delving into how these women connect with each other in various ways was an absolute joy and excitement for me as a viewer.

Lucy describes her character in “Echoes” as on a journey of self-discovery, seeking to understand herself and find her place in the world. She also falls in love with different people along the way. The story is about the exploration of identity and love. Lucy is caring and protective towards those she develops feelings for. Throughout the series, she progresses into a larger role.

In the show, Fishko emphasizes the significance of connections and relationships. He pondered over the question of whether these relationships shape our identities. Are we essentially the people we know and love? And can those relationships be recreated or is it the collective experiences within them that truly define their essence?

In my perspective as a movie reviewer, this series beautifully explores the complexities of both familial and romantic love. One romantic connection, which resonates strongly with fans of the original “Orphan Black,” takes center stage in episode five, penned by Fishko. Prepare for a wild ride filled with scientific breakthroughs and heart-pounding moments.

“Fishko confesses, ‘I’m deeply romantic and had to discover a hidden place for a heartfelt love tale.’ Despite his apprehension about how the production team and broadcasters would react due to its slower pace in comparison to other episodes, they all appreciated it.”

In “Echoes,” the idea of motherhood carries great significance, as evidenced by Lucy’s connection with her deaf teenager daughter Charlie, played by Avan Jogia. Ritter found this relationship between Lucy and Jack deeply compelling.

As a movie critic and a mother myself, I could deeply connect with Ritter’s portrayal of her relationship with Charlie. This is the first time I have seen such a bond explored onscreen since I became a mother myself. Learning sign language, along with some Spanish for this role, added an extra layer of authenticity to her performance.

Krysten Ritter was drawn to Lucy’s many different relationship dynamics in “Orphan Black: Echoes.”
(Jennifer McCord / For The Times)

By chance, Fishko recalls proposing “Orphan Black: Echoes” during her pregnancy with her second child. She draws parallels between overseeing a television show and raising a child.

I’ve had sufficient experience in TV production to recognize the magnitude of the task at hand. Yet, as Fishko, I can only compare it to having children for the first time. Everyone warns you about the challenges, but the true depth of those difficulties becomes apparent only after experiencing it personally.

“She also finds it wonderful, just as with parenting, to have a reliable team of people who can offer support and be trusted,” the person said.

As a big fan of the original “Orphan Black” series, I can’t help but feel that its return with “Echoes” is particularly relevant right now. The themes of female empowerment and control over one’s own body have taken on renewed significance in today’s political landscape. Moreover, the ongoing discussions about artificial intelligence have sparked fears for the future and provoked thought-provoking questions about what it means to be human. And believe it or not, the bioprinting technology featured in the show may not be as far-fetched as some people assume.

Although no announcement has been made yet about the possibility of more seasons for “Orphan Black: Echoes,” Fishko stays optimistic.

I’m deeply driven to share the experiences of women, particularly those related to motherhood and marriage. The political climate and my personal journey into parenthood have fueled this passion. Becoming a mother opened my eyes to new realities that I could never have fathomed before. Marriage, too, has presented unique challenges. I’m eager to find engaging ways to discuss these topics without resorting to preaching or lecturing.

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2024-07-18 20:14