Right Turn: The wait is over

Tatiana Maslany

For nearly 2 million people, the restless nights, anxious days, over-caffeinated spiral is almost over. On April 14^th, Orphan Black returns with its fourth season.

A few Christmases ago, I compiled a list of television shows and movies that feature stem cells in a leading or supporting role. At the time, I referred to Orphan Black as my guilty pleasure.

But thanks to George Dvorsky at io9, I no longer have to hide my enthusiasm for this funny sci-fi drama – not my usual genre – about human clones and their misadventures, otherwise referred to as a “conspiracy thriller.”

George Dvorsky has written an intriguing article called “The Real-Life Science Behind Orphan Black” that makes me feel justified in liking this sometimes over-the-top show. (Have you watched season three?) According to him, “In addition to being incredibly entertaining and provocative, the popular Orphan Black series is absolutely teeming with science. From human clones and genetic engineering through to DNA barcodes and genetic patents […] the writers — with the help of science advisor Cosima Herter — get much of the science right.”

Lead actress Tatiana Maslany has won a slew of awards for her portrayal of the clones in Orphan Black, more proof that there is something special happening here.

I can’t promise that season four won’t jump the shark, but if you haven’t yet had the pleasure of watching this entertaining show that introduces TV viewers to the exciting, controversial and complicated world of regenerative medicine, I encourage you to go back to the beginning and watch the first episode. Maybe I’ll join you and go on this crazy ride all over again.

Our regular feature, Right Turn, appears every Friday and we invite you to submit your own blog to info(at)ccrm.ca. We encourage you to be creative and use the right (!) side of your brain. We dare you to make us laugh! Right Turn features cartoons, photos, videos and other content to amuse, educate and encourage discussion.

As always, we welcome your feedback in the comment section.

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Stacey Johnson

Stacey Johnson is the editor of Signals and a contributor. For 25 years, Stacey has been providing strategic communications counsel to government, corporate, technology and health organizations. She began her career at the CTV Television Network and then moved to Hill & Knowlton Canada where she advised clients in a variety of industries and sectors. Stacey is the Vice President, Communications and Marketing for CCRM, a leader in developing and commercializing regenerative medicine-based technologies and cell and gene therapies. She has a Master's degree in Public Relations. You can follow her on Twitter @msstaceyerin.

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