Orphan Black is AMAZING.

In our discussions about science fiction, Helen recommended Orphan Black to the class as a commentary on certain scientific advances played out in the modern (or barely futuristic) world.  First, I must thank her now as it is probably the coolest series I have ever seen in my life; and I do not say that lightly.  I am only a few episodes in but I must say that this rivals Black Mirror, an equally good show set up more as a direct commentary to futuristic technologies.  I recommend both, as they contain together an eye of skepticism about or increasingly technological world and our dependencies in some capacity to them.  Disclaimer: if you want to watch Orphan Black in the future, I may spoil all of the first 3 or 4 episodes for you if you read further.  Essentially, clones of one individual (that individual is unknown so far in my viewing of it) become aware that there are more clones of herself living across the world and close together in America, in addition to the idea that they are unwilling participants in a double-blind study.  Convolution aside, dialogue directly addresses the issue of nature and nurture among clones.  In addition, much of the interactions are between the clones (the same actress).  What is really interesting to watch, hypothesize about, and critically analyze, is the differing personalities the clones share, as their nature is identical but their nurture is completely randomized and vastly different.  I am fascinated by the differences in personalities reasonably expressed in the series as each clone as become essentially different people with their own quirks, ticks, and even accents.  However, in moments of cinematic importance, you may see 2 clones discussing with each other on an almost synchronized conversation, questions leading directly to answers and communication flowing fast and freely (I got the idea of 2 identical twins conversing with each other).  I have not fully formed opinions on the portrayal of the nature/nurture issue since I am so soon into the series, I will in fact watch the entire series; the artistic rendering (set-up in my opinion as perfectly as possible) of the entire nature/nurture issue finds a realm of serious intrigue in science-fiction, especially in a growing world of continuing scientific experiments and the want to be the perfect embodied individual.  This show freakin' rocks; thanks again, Helen!