SestraCast (Orphan Black)

Jean and Kathy get together for a look back at their experiences of the series Orphan Black. We have had such a lovely time getting to know each other through our shared love for this show and its characters. Did the show live up to Kathy’s expectations? What’s it like not to binge watch this show? How do we introduce this show to others? This may not be goodbye forever. We have a couple ideas for some fun one-off shows to do for Orphan Black fans. And after we recorded this, AMC announced they have a new Orphan Black series in development. <p>Jean MacDonald and Kathy Campbell.</p>

It is as perfect a series ending as we have ever watched and we enjoyed every minute. We also reflect a bit on our journey. Kathy: “This is the podcast that really got me podcasting.” Jean: “Same here. Who knew? I had no idea. Just like our sestras didn’t know what would happen next, when Sarah stepped off that train.” We’ll do a proper wrap up as the last installment of SestraCast, but we’ll need a little time to compose ourselves. <p>Jean MacDonald and Kathy Campbell.</p>

The tagline of this watch/rewatch podcast is that “we make sure not to spoil any storylines beyond the episode we are currently discussing.” We are down to the last two episodes of this show we love, but we keep our promises. Spoiler alert: we are getting a bit emotional about the whole thing. <p>Jean MacDonald and Kathy Campbell.</p>

The antepenultimate episode of the series, i.e. the third last. We talk about how it’s nearly impossible to avoid spoilers, and how that has affected Kathy’s experience watching the series. Felix’s Gallery Opening is the Clone Dance Party equivalent of this season, and we enjoy every fun detail, giving us strength for the very emotionally challenging parts. <p>Jean MacDonald and Kathy Campbell.</p>

An eye-opening episode. We learn about Rachel’s childhood as the “pro clone,” which means we get a flashback with the long-gone Dr. Leekie (Matt Frewer). And Alison’s back, with a new haircut and a new laid-back attitude. We also ask the question: martini or not? Rachel pours the spirits liberally, but not one drop of vermouth. <p>Jean MacDonald and Kathy Campbell.</p>

Krystal is back! It’s another mid-season fun episode, a breather as we hurtle down the path to the series finale. Krystal takes charge, in her quest to unmask Big Cosmetics’ evil plan. (Check out Kathy’s Krystal voice!) Plus, stuff goes down on the Island of Dr. Westmorland. <p>Jean MacDonald and Kathy Campbell.</p>

Much is revealed on The Island Of Doctor Westmorland. Cosima and Delphine attend a special dinner party at the Big House, for which they must dress appropriately, Victorian-style. Says Cosima: “Frock that!” We learn what makes Kira’s regenerative DNA special, and what Neolution plans to do with our favorite little girl. Will the sestras be able to protect her? <p>Jean MacDonald and Kathy Campbell.</p>

Mrs. S. and Sarah go on a mother-daughter road trip to find a Neolution scientist held hostage in a psychiatric ward, and they display some excellent con artist skills along the way. Adele is admitted to Clone Club, and will be paired up with her brother on another assignment to Switzerland to research Neolution patents, even though Felix hates fondue. We are all ready for Kira’s stint as a Dyad lab rat to end. <p>Jean MacDonald and Kathy Campbell.</p>

Remember “Variations Under Domestication” from Season 1? (Hint: glue gun.) This is the bookend. Alison and Donnie’s journey together has come so far. Bonus: Highland dancing in full Scottish regalia. Yes, really. <p>Jean MacDonald and Kathy Campbell.</p>

Helena escapes (again) and she's on the lam (again). Cosima finally meets the legendary P.T. Westmorland, who offers her the chance to do great science in his laboratories. Sarah, Siobhan, and Felix concoct the perfect plan to abscond with Kira before Rachel can commence her experiments. But Kira and MK will not play along, preferring to control their own destinies, which leads to heartbreak.<p>Jean MacDonald and Kathy Campbell.</p>

Jean and Kathy continue their holiday tradition of picking fun and useful gifts for the sestras. Links to all our choices are below! Season 5 picks up where we were left cliff-hanging, on the Island of Doctor Westmoreland, as we are now calling it. Rachel emerges triumphant as the new face of Neolution leadership, while Delphine tells Cosima to keep pursuing the science (however crazy it may seem). Back on the home front, Art gets a new partner, and we come up with a new rule: assume everyone is a Neolution co-conspirator. It’s just easier that way. <p>Jean MacDonald and Kathy Campbell.</p>

The finale of Season 4. Our final podcast episode covering Season 4. It is shocking, heart-warming, titilating, funny, sad, and…holy freakin’ Christmas cake! We just could not make this episode any shorter than it is. We’ll see you soon to start Season 5, the final season of Orphan Black. 😭 <p>Jean MacDonald and Kathy Campbell.</p>

Fasten your seatbelts, it’s going to be a bumpy ride. Rachel and Sarah join forces to save the Leda project. Helena is back from her wilderness retreat. Donnie is back from prison. Some people get their richly-deserved comeuppances. Episode 9 of Season 4 carries on the tradition of kickass penultimate episodes. <p>Jean MacDonald and Kathy Campbell.</p>

Violent retribution plus musical theater: yep, it’s close to the end of another season of Orphan Black and they are pulling out all the stops. Will Alison play Judas to the sestrahood, while starring in a production of Jesus Christ Superstar? Orphan Black pro tip: if you’ve crossed Mrs. S., don’t let yourself get locked into a basement alone with her. <p>Jean MacDonald and Kathy Campbell.</p>

It’s an episode that gives us a bit of a breather as the sestras process the traumatic events of last week’s episode. This doesn’t mean it’s a walk in the park for our favorite clones, though: Alison hosts the worst slumber party ever, Cosima nearly implants a maggot bot in her own cheek, and Sarah drinks all the bourbon in Canada. At least Felix as Super Brother-Sestra is on the scene, and we are grateful for that. <p>Jean MacDonald and Kathy Campbell.</p>

A heartwrenching episode on so many levels. If it weren’t for Felix posing as a detective from Scotland Yard, complete with deerstalker hat, there’d be nothing to smile at. Get out your handkerchiefs. 😭 <p>Jean MacDonald and Kathy Campbell.</p>

We set a record for length on this one, but we just couldn’t help it. Donnie and Cosima scope out Brightborn, where Krystal is also sleuthing. Meanwhile, Sarah is unconvinced that Adele is really Felix’s biological sister, and uses underhand means to find out the truth. We witness the shocking, true evil of the Brightborn perfect baby factory, and honestly, there is too much to unpack about ethics, science, parenthood, siblings, and trust to fit into a 50-minute podcast episode. If you’ve watched the episode, you’ll understand. <p>Jean MacDonald and Kathy Campbell.</p>

An old nemesis from Season 1 and 2 heads over to the lab at the Rabbit Hole. Helena says farewell to the science babies and the Hendrix family. For comic relief, we have Donnie and Felix posing as prospective parents at Brightborn Designer Baby Factory. Jean: “I’m very glad you are not pregnant for this story arc, Kathy.” <p>Jean MacDonald and Kathy Campbell.</p>

Content warning for maggotbots and other stuff that is icky. Sarah goes further down the rabbit hole, looking for a way to remove the neolution tech from her cheek, when an old adversary shows up at just the right time. Alison, Donnie, and Helena provide the much needed comic relief. How much do jackhammers cost anyway? <p>Jean MacDonald and Kathy Campbell.</p>

“A secret lab underneath a comic book store: what more could a girl ask for?” Cosima is ensconced with Scott, doing the crazy science. Something’s bugging Sarah (and it’s grossing us out). At least there’s good news from the obstetrician for Helena, and copious footage of Felix painting wearing only an apron. <p>Jean MacDonald and Kathy Campbell.</p>