Orphan Black backdrop
Drama•Sci-Fi & Fantasy

The Worst Episodes of Orphan Black

Every episode of Orphan Black ranked from worst to best. Explore the Worst Episodes of Orphan Black!

Binge this in 1d 12h•Peaking at 8.2/10

A streetwise hustler is pulled into a compelling conspiracy after witnessing the suicide of a girl who looks just like her.

Airs on
SpaceBBC America
BestEpisodes
WorstEpisodes
BestSeasons
AllEpisodes

Seasons5

All12345

Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Worst Episode
    Click to reveal
    Orphan Black Season 5 Episode 1 - The Few Who Dare
    6.1/10(22 votes)

    #1 - The Few Who Dare

    S5:E1

    Sarah is deeply wounded and struggling to stay alive on the Island. Driven deep into its forest by Neolutionists and worse, she strives to make it far enough to rescue Cosima. Meanwhile, a recovering Cosima reunites with Delphine, but there's way more going on on this Island than Cosima imagined and Delphine can't give her all the answers she needs. What is clear is that Rachel is now firmly in charge as the right-hand of the 170-year-old founder of Neolution, P. T. Westmorland. Back home, Neolution puts the screws to Alison and Donnie in their hunt for Helena. The sestras couldn't be further apart when they need most to be together.

    Director:John Fawcett
    Writer:Graeme Manson

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  2. Orphan Black Season 3 Episode 7 - Community of Dreadful Fear and Hate
    6.3/10(23 votes)

    #2 - Community of Dreadful Fear and Hate

    S3:E7

    Alison must secure a store front in order to take her and Donnie’s business to the “next level”. But things don’t go according to plan when her mother, Connie, proves to be a major hindrance. Cosima is facing familiar health issues and calls upon beleaguered Alison for a favor. But with Alison working to save an imperiled Donnie from the merciless hands of a drug lord, it’s Cosima who ends up doing a favor. An unassuming Scott gets closer to the greatest discovery of all, when he sits down with beleaguered clone Rachel.

    Director:Ken Girotti
    Writer:Sherry White

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  3. Orphan Black Season 5 Episode 2 - Clutch of Greed
    6.3/10(18 votes)

    #3 - Clutch of Greed

    S5:E2

    Captured by Neolution Sarah receives a damning ultimatum from Rachel: come into the fold, or lose your family. Her decision causes a clash with Kira who begins exploring her own maturity. Meanwhile, Ferdinand struggles to get a handle on Rachel's new velvet glove mandate in pursuit of the clones. With Neolutionists and Ferdinand watching their every move, Felix brings an old ally into the mix to help his family get Kira to safety. On the Island, Cosima struggles to comprehend the reality of the Neolution myth made real.

    Director:John Fawcett
    Writer:Jeremy Boxen

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  4. Orphan Black Season 3 Episode 1 - The Weight of This Combination
    6.5/10(22 votes)

    #4 - The Weight of This Combination

    S3:E1

    When the menace of Castor rears its head once more, Sarah and her entire family must come together to survive.

    Director:David Frazee
    Writer:Graeme Manson

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  5. Orphan Black Season 3 Episode 2 - Transitory Sacrifices of Crisis
    6.5/10(20 votes)

    #5 - Transitory Sacrifices of Crisis

    S3:E2

    Castor pursues the Leda clones for original tissue samples. Helena, who is pregnant and imprisoned, is examined by a mysterious new villain. The Castor boys are also out to play, toying with a frightened young woman, Patty, in a sexy switcheroo that ultimately sets Sarah – and Art – hot on the Castor trail. But it’s not all fun and games for the Castor boys, as Sarah gleans they may have a mysterious defect that puts their lives in peril.

    Director:John Fawcett
    Writer:Aubrey Nealon

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  6. Orphan Black Season 3 Episode 8 - Ruthless in Purpose, and Insidious in Method
    6.5/10(21 votes)

    #6 - Ruthless in Purpose, and Insidious in Method

    S3:E8

    When Rachel makes a promise to Sarah, it comes with a hefty price. Meanwhile, Helena and Gracie work with the Hendrixes, and Donnie takes Kellerman to task. Over at Castor, Coady and Benchman scheme to track down the Castor Original, and Rudy descends on DYAD for a much needed asset.

    Director:Aaron Morton
    Writers:Graeme Manson, Chris Roberts

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

    7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 BEST Episodes of Orphan Black

    READ
  7. Orphan Black Season 5 Episode 5 - Ease for Idle Millionaires
    6.5/10(17 votes)

    #7 - Ease for Idle Millionaires

    S5:E5

    While Sarah and Kira spend some well-needed bonding time at home, secrets are unlocked about Kira’s special gifts that are surprisingly linked to the island’s creature. Meanwhile, Cosima joins Delphine at the mansion for a twisted family dinner, causing a dangerous showdown with the Neolution patriarch.

    Director:Helen Shaver
    Writer:Jenn Engels

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  8. Orphan Black Season 5 Episode 10 - To Right the Wrongs of Many
    6.6/10(20 votes)

    #8 - To Right the Wrongs of Many

    S5:E10

    With Helena forced to take shelter behind enemy lines, it’s a bloody last stand for survival as Sarah and Art struggle to protect her, and end the siege on the sestras once and for all.

    Director:John Fawcett
    Writers:Graeme Manson, Renée St. Cyr

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  9. Orphan Black Season 2 Episode 5 - Ipsa Scientia Potestas Est
    6.7/10(23 votes)

    #9 - Ipsa Scientia Potestas Est

    S2:E5

    Rachel goes on the warpath, lashing out at Sarah's nearest and dearest. While she tries to keep her loved ones safe, an unexpected visitor threatens to derail Sarah's plans.

    Director:Helen Shaver
    Writer:Tony Elliott

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  10. Orphan Black Season 2 Episode 8 - Variable and Full of Perturbation
    6.7/10(23 votes)

    #10 - Variable and Full of Perturbation

    S2:E8

    A new player in the clone conspiracy turns up at Felix’s door, sending him into crisis mode. With Cosima running out of options, Sarah struggles with the decision to surrender a crucial piece of leverage and make a deal with Dyad.

    Director:John Fawcett
    Writer:Karen Walton

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  11. Orphan Black Season 3 Episode 5 - Scarred by Many Past Frustrations
    6.7/10(21 votes)

    #11 - Scarred by Many Past Frustrations

    S3:E5

    Helena and Sarah are reunited at the Castor camp. As Sarah suffers testing, Paul appears to chide her; but his allegiances are beginning to strain. While the Leda family worries about Sarah’s absence, Gracie ‘breaks loose’ under the care of Mrs. S and an unwilling Felix. Cosima falls hard for an internet date, Shay.

    Director:David Frazee
    Writer:Alex Levine

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  12. Orphan Black Season 5 Episode 3 - Beneath Her Heart
    6.8/10(16 votes)

    #12 - Beneath Her Heart

    S5:E3

    Stuck on the sidelines with Neolutionists crawling all over her home, Alison seeks to return to her community center, but Bailey Downs has moved on from her. As she flounders to take back some semblance of control, the ghost of friendships' past rears its handsome head. Art and his new partner show up at the Hendrix residence to continue their search for Helena, forcing Art to make a difficult moral judgement.

    Director:David Wellington
    Writer:Alex Levine

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  13. Orphan Black Season 5 Episode 4 - Let the Children and Childbearers Toil
    6.9/10(16 votes)

    #13 - Let the Children and Childbearers Toil

    S5:E4

    Following up on intel from a mysterious source, Mrs. S heads on the road with Sarah to investigate a lead on a Neolution defector. Meanwhile, an unexpected reunion takes place on the island, while Cosima's research leads her to a discovery more terrible than she could have ever imagined. As more pieces slide into place, the puzzle only seems to become more complicated.

    Director:David Wellington
    Writer:Greg Nelson

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  14. Orphan Black Season 2 Episode 2 - Governed by Sound Reason and True Religion
    7.0/10(26 votes)

    #14 - Governed by Sound Reason and True Religion

    S2:E2

    While Alison struggles with Aynsley's death and Cosima grapples with the worsening symptoms of her mysterious sickness, Sarah enlists Art’s help to find Kira and is shocked when she learns where the trail leads.

    Director:John Fawcett
    Writers:Graeme Manson, Karen Walton

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  15. Orphan Black Season 2 Episode 3 - Mingling Its Own Nature with It
    7.0/10(25 votes)

    #15 - Mingling Its Own Nature with It

    S2:E3

    After hitting the road with Felix, Sarah is forced to turn to a ghost from her past - an old flame named Cal Morrison. When their brief respite is brutally shattered, Sarah realizes that no matter how far she runs, it will never be far enough.

    Director:T.J. Scott
    Writer:Alex Levine

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  16. Orphan Black Season 5 Episode 6 - Manacled Slim Wrists
    7.0/10(16 votes)

    #16 - Manacled Slim Wrists

    S5:E6

    Cosima is forced into an alliance when an old enemy returns to the island, accelerating P. T. Westmorland's sinister agenda. Meanwhile, on the mainland, Krystal stumbles onto a vital clue to the Neolution endgame. Sarah and Mrs. S’s research into Neolution's corporate ties leads to the cosmetics industry and an inevitable cross with Krystal Goderitch. But before Sarah can dig deeper, Krystal hijacks the investigation.

    Director:Grant Harvey
    Writer:David Bezmozgis

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  17. Orphan Black Season 5 Episode 9 - One Fettered Slave
    7.0/10(18 votes)

    #17 - One Fettered Slave

    S5:E9

    A devastating loss is eclipsed when word reaches Sarah that Helena has been kidnapped. Clone Club bands together in a race against time, determined to find her before she has her babies. And with time running out, Sarah is forced into action in a last-ditch effort to save her sestra.

    Director:David Frazee
    Writer:Alex Levine

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  18. Orphan Black Season 1 Episode 4 - Effects of External Conditions
    7.1/10(30 votes)

    #18 - Effects of External Conditions

    S1:E4

    Sarah realizes that the Orphans’ survival is going to take more than police work. But tracking the killer threatens Sarah’s long awaited reunion with her daughter, Kira. As Sarah gets closer to the killer, the killer gets closer to the truth – the ensuing showdown threatens to expose her ruse as a cop.

    Director:Grant Harvey
    Writer:Karen Walton

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  19. Orphan Black Season 1 Episode 7 - Parts Developed in an Unusual Manner
    7.1/10(28 votes)

    #19 - Parts Developed in an Unusual Manner

    S1:E7

    With Paul missing, Sarah is forced to confront the conspiracy head on. But when Paul learns Sarah has kept essential information from him, the fragile trust between them threatens to shatter. Meanwhile, Cosima grows closer to Delphine and the dangerously fascinating Dr. Leekie.

    Director:Brett Sullivan
    Writer:Tony Elliott

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  20. Orphan Black Season 2 Episode 1 - Nature Under Constraint and Vexed
    7.1/10(29 votes)

    #20 - Nature Under Constraint and Vexed

    S2:E1

    Sarah is out of options, on the run, and pursued by deadly adversaries. Desperate to find her daughter Kira, Sarah suspects ruthless pro-clone Rachel is behind her daughter’s disappearance and sparks an all out war against her. Alison and Donnie attend the funeral of her fallen friend, Aynsley, causing Alison to sink into guilt and despair. Cosima is faced with a perplexing decision that may have dire consequences.

    Director:John Fawcett
    Writer:Graeme Manson

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  21. Orphan Black Season 2 Episode 9 - Things Which Have Never Yet Been Done
    7.1/10(23 votes)

    #21 - Things Which Have Never Yet Been Done

    S2:E9

    Cosima takes a turn for the worse, forcing Sarah to take desperate action which results in tragic consequences for those she loves. The Proletheans set their ultimate plan in motion, while Alison and Donnie tangle with the law.

    Director:T.J. Scott
    Writer:Alex Levine

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  22. Orphan Black Season 3 Episode 6 - Certain Agony of the Battlefield
    7.1/10(23 votes)

    #22 - Certain Agony of the Battlefield

    S3:E6

    Paul digs and finds the ugly truth behind the Castor Boys’ logbooks of names, pushing him into action. Meanwhile, Felix is desperate for info on Sarah’s whereabouts, and presses the still-ailing Rachel for any shred of a lead. In order for Donnie and Alison to take their money-making endeavor to the “next level” she must introduce Jason Kellerman to her unique business plan.

    Director:Helen Shaver
    Writer:Aubrey Nealon

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  23. Orphan Black Season 4 Episode 2 - Transgressive Border Crossing
    7.1/10(23 votes)

    #23 - Transgressive Border Crossing

    S4:E2

    After evading a Neolution attack in Iceland, Sarah returns home to track down an elusive new ally. As Cosima struggles with Delphine’s disappearance, Alison and Donnie host a pregnant and ever-hungry Helena. Meanwhile Felix, feeling like an outsider, embarks on his own journey of self-discovery.

    Director:John Fawcett
    Writer:Russ Cochrane

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  24. Orphan Black Season 4 Episode 7 - The Antisocialism of Sex
    7.1/10(22 votes)

    #24 - The Antisocialism of Sex

    S4:E7

    Sarah regresses to old habits while struggling to cope with the consequences of her decisions —reconnecting with Beth on a dark night of the soul. Back at the lab, Cosima, haunted by vicious memories and news of Delphine, attempts a dangerous Hail Mary to find a cure. At the Hendrixes, Alison is more determined than ever to create normalcy for her kids. As she forges ahead with a birthday party, Donnie is caught in the Neolution crosshairs.

    Director:David Frazee
    Writers:Graeme Manson, Nikolijne Troubetzkoy

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  25. Orphan Black Season 1 Episode 1 - Natural Selection
    7.2/10(46 votes)

    #25 - Natural Selection

    S1:E1

    Sarah, a streetwise hustler on the run from a lifetime of bad decisions, witnesses the suicide of a stranger who looks just like her. Sarah assumes her identity, hoping that cleaning out the dead woman’s bank account will solve all of her problems. Instead, the street smart chameleon is thrust headlong into a kaleidoscopic mystery. After taking on the new identity, Sarah quickly finds herself caught in the middle of a deadly conspiracy and must race to find answers.

    Director:John Fawcett
    Writer:Graeme Manson

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

Worst Episodes Summary

"The Few Who Dare" is the worst rated episode of "Orphan Black". It scored 6.1/10 based on 22 votes. Directed by John Fawcett and written by Graeme Manson, it aired on 6/10/2017. This episode scored 0.2 points lower than the second lowest rated, "Community of Dreadful Fear and Hate".