Orphan Black (TV Series) Natural Selection (2013) User Reviews

Effects marred by low budget, but an intriguing premise and good writing form a pilot worth a watch.

[TouchTheGarlicProduction · 8/10 · 18 June 2015]

As a Canadian, it is great to see such a high quality Canadian science fiction show. This comes with the caveat that it doesn't have a particularly high budget. It doesn't seem to need much in the way of budget, but in the few instances when someone gets shot in the head, for instance, you can tell that you are watching something that doesn't have the budget of a movie. I like the fact that it throws you right in the deep end. When a street- wise hustler witnesses the death of someone who looks exactly like her, she assumes the dead woman's identity to steal her money. You can see immediately that this was a

bad plan, as things quickly start to unravel for her. I like the premise, although I hope it gets more complicated and we get into more science fiction. It was pretty well written as well. Some good dialogue, although some elements were a bit cliché. Overall, a strong pilot with some room for improvement that I hope will take place.

A thrilling beginning to the series

[DVD_Connoisseur · 8/10 · 18 November 2018]

The first episode, "Natural Selection", manages to fill its short running time with a smorgasbord of twists and turns.

When the beautiful Sarah Manning witnesses her physical double jump under an underground train, she starts along an unpredictable and dangerous journey.

Michael ("Better Call Saul") Mando plays Vic, Sarah's drug dealing love interest.

An excellent introduction to the central characters, this instalment leaves the viewer wanting more.

8 out of 10.

What a start!

[SJulien12 · 9/10 · 31 July 2020]

The opening scene at the train station is the great start of my favorite tv show. It's the introduction of a mysterious, touching and, in my case, unforgettable story. Even if the characters aren't well established and defined in the first episode, we can already witness Maslany's talent. Some people aren't sure if they like the show after one episode, you have to watch at least three to get a good feel for the show. I'm surprised myself that what's at the top of my list is a Canadian series, but it really is a magnificent series that begins with an entertaining pilot.

Interesting, Brilliant Plot and a Exteremely promising Start

[rakshatwitter · 9/10 · 25 July 2015]

I started watching this after hearing that the lead actress (Tatiana Maslany) received an Emmy Nod and a lot of praise for her acting.

So let me start by telling you, so far, her acting is pretty amazing, considering in the First episode she's already convincingly played 3 different characters; each with different accents, dressing styles and behaviors. I can't wait to see more of her!

The First episode had a brilliant plot, was fast-paced, full of suspense and made me want to watch more. There wasn't a moment of dull or any unnecessary scenes. The plot kept getting more intriguing as the episode progressed.

Summarising 1st episode plot: (SPOILER, skip the paragraph!)

It's about a woman (Sara) who witnesses the suicide of another woman who looks exactly like her. The Woman, Sara then pretends to be the other woman and takes up her identity, as she seems rich and well- off. Its amusing and interesting to see Sara try to fit the role of the other woman, by changing her accent and dressing style. She finds a few obstacles taking up the role of the Other woman. Taking up her identity, she finds herself facing many consequences (obviously).

Soon she finds out the other woman has quite a dark past and many secrets and encounters yet another woman that looks like her, that gets shot later on and Sara finds herself in a dangerous situation that puts her life at risk.

I can't wait to see more of the show but so far this looks like a must for all Sci-fi, Suspense, Thriller and Mystery Lovers.

Damn right!

[gridoon2024 · 8/10 · 5 May 2021]

Textbook example of how-to-do a gripping TV pilot. Challenging puzzle-like structure, and Tatiana Maslany knocks it out of the park, in more ways than one. *** out of 4.

An excellent pilot episode

[nisanuremen · 9/10 · 8 May 2021]

I am very impressed that far and can't wait to see other episodes. There were so many incidents in that episode and the acting of Tatiana Masley is literally incredible. I am so shocked to see that with makeup a face can really change so makeup and styling is taking a big part on that series I think. I am so glad to started to watch Orphan Black.

Sarah's Look-a-like

[ZegMaarJus · 8/10 · 26 July 2021]

This episode begins with Sarah, she arrived at the train station. Sarah sees her look a like jumping on the train rails, she died instantly. Her name was Beth Childs. Sarah has a 'date' with Felix. Sarah gives herself a make over she turns into Beth Childs. Sarah tries to steal Beth her money. Sarah got picked up by Art. Sarah arrived at the police station. It gets revealed that Beth was a detective. Paul came back home. Sarah kisses Paul, they have sex in the kitchen. Vic has been beaten up. Art broke in to Sarah's car. Katja steps into Sarah's car, she wants Sarah's help. Katja got shot in her head, she died instantly. Nice episode of Orphan Black Season 1, really great start of Orphaj Black. What a great actress!

[7.5] What's the money for?!

[cjonesas · 7/10 · 19 July 2021]

An above-average pilot where the acting shines more than the screenplay. Of course, it is developing and one cannot expect a miracle in the first episode. So far so good with some cheesy elements. The whole frame doesn't seem strong. Hope it'll improve. It needs a dark vibe and serious tempestuous sub-plots.