10 Best TV Performances Of 2016

8. Tatiana Maslany - Orphan Black

Best TV Performances 2016
BBC

At this stage, it's almost easy to take Tatiana Maslany's work on Orphan Black for granted. She's been doing it for so long now that we're simply accustomed to seeing it without the sense of wonder that accompanied it in the early days of the show.

It's a little unfair though, because what Maslany achieves on the series is still a remarkable feat (and one she was finally recognised for by the Emmys this year).

Playing one character over a number of years, fleshing them out with various layers and quirks, is one thing. Maslany does that, but with at least five characters on a regular basis (and sometimes more than that).

Sarah. Helena. Cosima. Rachel. Allison. We've gotten to know them all over four seasons, and Maslany continued their development in Season 4 this year, constantly finding new depths and ways of keeping each one of her characters fresh and distinct from the other.

Contributor
Contributor

NCTJ-qualified journalist. Most definitely not a racing driver. Drink too much tea; eat too much peanut butter; watch too much TV. Sadly only the latter paying off so far. A mix of wise-old man in a young man's body with a child-like wonder about him and a great otherworldly sensibility.