How Is Orphan Black An Illustration of the Simulacrum? by PBS Idea Channel

PBS Idea Channel host Mike Rugnetta suggests that the television show Orphan Black shows how everyone might be clones. Specifically, Rugnetta explores the concept of simulacrum.

SPOILERS FOR ORPHAN BLACK AHEAD… OK, so “Orphan Black” features clones brilliantly portrayed by Tatiana Maslany, and while watching their search for truth, we began to think: are we ALL clones? Hold up- we’re not talking about sci-fi dystopia, but rather the concept of SIMULACRUM. “Orphan Black” seems to be a perfect illustration of the simulacrum, aka a copy without reference to an original. We see simulacra in pop art, in religion, even Disney World, but does going down this rabbit hole lead us to OURSELVES?

Rollin Bishop
Rollin Bishop