Orphan Black Theory: Who Are The Monitors?

The last two episodes have introduced the idea of “monitors” to the Orphan Black universe. These people seem to be hired by some shadowy organization to keep close tabs on the clones. It’s a “double blind” because the monitors have no idea why they’re doing what they’re doing. When Paul began to unravel the real reasons that he was assigned to watch Beth, he seemingly jumped ship and appears to now be on the side of the clones (or at least on the side of Sarah). So far Paul has been our only real insight into the whole monitor situation, but I highly doubt that Beth was the only one being watched. So who are the other monitors? Well, I’ve got some ideas.

In a previous article I mentioned that I felt Mrs. S was Sarah’s monitor and even after this episode that opinion still stands. Some have speculated that Felix is her monitor, but I am completely opposed to that theory in every way imaginable (I WILL cry). I’m not sure if Mrs. S still reports back on her observations or not, but I definitely think she was assigned to Sarah as a foster mother. Their dramatic move from England to Canada is completely bizarre under normal circumstances. I’ve heard of families picking up and moving before, but the “to give you a better life” reasoning seems rather flimsy. Perhaps she was trying to escape with Sarah and keep her off the grid. I have no doubt that Mrs. S loves her and Felix very much and that would make a lot more sense than a simple “new start.”

When it comes to Alison I still believe that Donny is her monitor. She may have known him since they were teenagers, but that doesn’t mean that he wasn’t recruited to spy on her. We don’t really know how this organization works so we shouldn’t make assumptions about their recruiting techniques. When he was having that conversation while burning those letters we were led to believe that he was her monitor, then the very next episode we are beaten over the head with the idea that he isn’t her monitor. He got up in the middle of the night because of a cricket match? He was burning love letters from an old affair? I don’t think those are very strong evidence against him being a monitor. This new blonde woman, Ainsley, does seem suspicious, though. It makes me wonder if her skeevy husband, Chad, is in on it too. Maybe the monitoring is a family affair. I don’t know. But I still think we’re being led astray and that Donny is the culprit.

Turning our attention to Cosima, I’m very much not happy with the idea that Delphine is her monitor, but it looks like that is most likely the case. I very much want to see a lesbian couple on TV right now and Cosima is my favorite clone so it’d be an extra special treat if they form a relationship. But this “nu-ology” thing and the way that Delphine just kinda slipped into Cosima’s life is just way too smooth. If Delphine is her monitor I hope she has a change of heart, too, and sides with the clones. I will be extremely upset if this ship goes down in flames.  Come on, television, give me a good on screen lesbian couple.  It’s been too long.

As a side note, Cosima’s sexuality may or may not be a cause of concern. A large portion of this show seems to be centered around the nature vs. nurture aspects of people and Cosima is the only one so far that appears to like girls so that’s troubling. But she’s also the only one that needs glasses so maybe we’re a little off on our assumptions on that front. I will reserve judgement until more is revealed.

So that’s my theory and I’m sticking to it until proven wrong. At the rate that the plot is moving, I’m sure I’ll be proven right or wrong in an episode or two. Damn this show moves fast.

Author: Angel Wilson

Angel is the admin of The Geekiary and a geek culture commentator. They earned a BA in Film & Digital Media from UC Santa Cruz. They have contributed to various podcasts and webcasts including An Englishman in San Diego, Free to Be Radio, and Genre TV for All. They identify as queer.

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