Easily one of television's best actresses and equally one of its least celebrated, Tatiana Maslany burst into the relative mainstream with her lead role in 'Orphan Black' and manages to do what a considerably large amount of actresses could do and play not only one character with conviction and an arresting performance, but multiple characters that are so completely distinct from one another that when watching the show, it seems strange to acknowledge that Sarah, Cosima, Alison and Helena are played by the same woman. Maslany's confidence in the roles and her ability to complete transform is something to be wholly commended, as is her deep commitment and enthusiasm for the roles. In several interviews, Maslany has described how she helps build the characters with the creators and constructs wholly separate personae for each clone that enters the show. Maslany creates entire walks and mannerisms for the characters, staying in the same accent for the duration of each clone's filming, even when the cameras are not rolling, and even builds specific playlists of music to help transform Tatiana into the clone (Sarah's playlist involves The Clash, Cosima's is full of EDM, and Alison's is full of Broadway musicals). Maslany's focus and intensity on working with each clone is a testament to her hard work and which helps make the show considerably more seamless and impressive - one scene in the season one finale involves one clone pouring another clone a drink from a wine bottle while talking to another clone and the effect is astonishing. In fact, her performance evokes one of the greatest performances on film in terms of sheer ingenuity - Peter Sellers' multiple-role turn in 'Dr Strangelove', wherein Sellers is a noble British officer, a meek President of the United States, and a scene-stealing, delightfully demented Nazi scientist, and sells each one wholly and completely. It remains terribly, terribly sad that Maslany has yet to receive more widespread recognition for her role/roles in 'Orphan Black' - her surprise win at the Critics' Choice Awards was a triumph - and with science fiction television still considered a wildcard entry in the larger television awards, it seems unlikely that Maslany will score herself an Emmy for her roles anytime soon. However, we can but hope, and if more people tune in to see the exploits of Sarah, Alison, Cosima and co., there might just be a light at the end of the tunnel and Maslany may well yet receive the big recognition she deserves.
