My sister Emma Redmond joins me today to discuss one of our favorite televisions shows, Orphan Black. We begin by giving an overview of the series which deals with a shadowy transhumanist organization called Neolution which is conducting large scale human cloning. We then move onto the basics: our favorite clones, our thoughts on the final season, and some of the overarching themes presented in the show. Emma and I then discuss Orphan Black as a feminist masterpiece. We talk about how the show deals with feminism in way that no other TV show has ever attempted before. We discuss how issues such as a woman’s right to choose, medical rights, and basic human freedoms are handled in a beautifully subtle way. Emma compares this to hit shows such as The Handmaidens Tale. We then move onto the subject of transhumanism which is at the core of much of the show. We explore how Orphan Black deals with the dangers of this topic while still upholding the necessity of science. Emma and I touch on the fact that Orphan Black has never strayed away from the connection between transhumanism and eugenics, unlike most other entertainment dealing with this subject matter. We also touch on themes such as designer baby companies and eradication of diseases through sterilization and abortion.
In the second hour we explore several of the archetypal transhumanist characters. We look at PT Westmoreland, an aging cult leader, who manipulates the women around him into helping him attain godhood. We discuss his charismatic nature and how he represents the most pure evil of the movement. Emma and I also discuss the characters of Susan Duncan and Virginia Coady who represent the benevolent and unquestioning elements within the Neolution movement. We then move onto the clone Rachel and explore how she is in many ways the end result of this agenda. We discuss how Rachel’s upbringing as a corporate clone has damaged her immensely. We explore how Rachel continues to strive to be free in a world where she is viewed as nothing more than patented property, and her long journey to finding her humanity. We also explore the idea of nature vs. nurture which is continually referenced through out the whole series. Emma and I round out the conversation by discussing our favorite moments, relationships, and characters in the series. We also ask the big question on everyone’s mind: Does Donnie have a Prince Albert?
Show Notes:
Orphan Black Science Consultant Cosima Herter Breaks Down the Series Finale
The Real-Life Science Behind Orphan Black
This Anti-Aging Start-Up Is Charging Thousands of Dollars for Teen Blood
Porkins Policy Review 