‘Orphan Black’ Season 4: Synopses Released For Episodes 1, 2 And 3

BBC America has released the synopses for the first three episodes of Orphan Black. Let’s have a look at what that potentially means moving forward into Season 4.

SPOILER ALERT: This article contains information about Season 4 of Orphan Black. Please proceed with caution if you wish to avoid spoilers.

BBC America has just released the synopses for the first three episodes of Season 4 of Orphan Black. As per usual, BBC America appears to have chosen to name the titles of Season 4 of Orphan Black after the works of an important individual. Season 1 used Charles Darwin for episode titles. Season 2 was based on the works of Sir Francis Bacon and Season 3 had the farewell address of President Dwight Eisenhower to thank for their inspiration. Season 4 of Orphan Black appears to be using Donna J. Haraway for title names.

Haraway is a Distinguished Professor Emerita in the History of Consciousness Department and Feminist Studies Department at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and the titles of Season 4 appear to be taken from some of her works according to this discussion on Reddit. A comprehensive list of Haraway’s works can be found on her university page.

Now, let’s have a look at the first three Season 4 episode synopses for Orphan Black.

The Collapse of Nature

Season 4 | Episode 1 | Original Airdate: April 14 | 10 p.m.

“After two months of respite, Sarah’s hard-won refuge in Iceland is shattered by a Neolution attack. Once again forced to flee, she realizes no matter how far her family runs it will never be far enough.”

If Orphan Black fans were wondering just how long Sarah’s (Tatiana Maslany) trip to Iceland would last, the correct answer appeared to be one episode. While it will be great to have the main clone back in the middle of all the action, it is also a little sad to see that Sarah’s small chance at normality has already slipped through her fingers.

Transgressive Border Crossing

Season 4 | Episode 2 | Original Airdate: April 21 | 10 p.m.

“After evading a Neolution attack in Iceland, Sarah returns home to track down an elusive new ally. She follows breadcrumbs and uncovers the next facet of Neolution’s agenda – implanting dangerous technological devices in humans. However, those she left behind are wary about her return, not wanting to relinquish their semblance of normalcy. As Cosima struggles with Delphine’s disappearance, Alison and Donnie host a pregnant and ever-hungry Helena. Meanwhile Felix, feeling like an outsider, embarks on his own journey of self-discovery.”

This episode sounds like it might address those disturbing worm creatures shown in the Season 3 finale of Orphan Black. But it also indicates this is just the beginning of a new scary storyline to follow into Season 4.

Having Helena pregnant and ever-hungry could be funny enough. But by throwing Alison and Donnie into the mix it looks like the beginning of a great new story line to help lighten the heavy science and intrigue that is ever present in Orphan Black.

For Felix, though, it seems he will finally come into his own, or so fans can hope, in Season 4 of Orphan Black. Forever it has seemed like poor Felix is always the bridesmaid and never the bride when it comes to getting his own storyline. Hopefully, Season 4 will be his year.

And Cosima. Poor Cosima. This season will start hard for her it seems.

The Stigmata of Progress

Season 4 | Episode 3 | Original Airdate: April 28 | 10 p.m.

“As Sarah reels from the shocking discovery of Neolution’s biotech, she’s desperate to find answers. Always impulsive, she follows a lead into a harrowing encounter that requires the help of a reluctant new player. Eager to assist, Mrs. S strikes an alliance with an old nemesis. Rachel receives a visit from her keeper and takes a fraught step forward towards recovery. Meanwhile, Helena is mistaken for “Mrs. Hendrix” when she answers a visit from suspicious visitors.”

“A reluctant new player.” Could this be the new clone a recent trailer introduced? Going by the initials M.K., this new clone will be nearly as self-aware as Rachel. She is also partial to a sheep mask. As Entertainment Weekly explains, this mask is a nod to Dolly, the cloned sheep.

When is Mrs. S not meeting up with old nemesis’? As for Rachel, please let the term “recovery” be in relation to her Stockholm Syndrome and not the fact she took a pencil to the eye in Season 3. And, once more, it seems Helena will be the humorous clone in Season 4 of Orphan Black.

Are you excited about Season 4 of Orphan Black? Let us know your thoughts by commenting below!

Orphan Black returns to BBC America with the Season 4 premiere on Thursday, April 14 at 10 p.m./9 p.m. Central.

[Image via BBC America]