‘Orphan Black’ Season 3, Episode 4: ‘Newer Elements of Our Defense’ Recap and Review

Mark is taken down in a Prolethean shoot-out and Sarah must step in to help. But as Sarah gathers intel that puts her on the trail of the original Castor DNA, a familiar foe is not far behind. While Helena continues to toil in a faraway military compound, it is ultimately Sarah’s fate that will hang in the balance as she tries to save her sister. Meanwhile, Gracie is cast out from the Prolethean fold, and Alison and Donnie come face-to-face with unhappy drug lord, Jason Kellerman.

The episode sets up the expectations and goals of the characters for this season. In the past three episodes, the clones have a new set of issues. Donnie and Alison get involved with drugs and plan on becoming dealers. Cosima is willing to share Dr. Duncan’s notes and try to uncover his secrets. Sarah comes in contact with the Male clone Mark and that becomes the bone of contention of this episode.

It seems that the Proletheans and the male clones are after buried DNA that Sarah uncovered under Mark’s supervision. Mark and Sarah were on the brink of teaming up when she was helping him with his wounds after Prolethean attack but Mark turns on her and reveals his intentions. All of the secrets come to a head when Mark and Seth have a confrontation over Sarah.

We find out that the DNA is from a Castor baby that died in the early stages of the cloning process. It appears that the Proletheans has something sinister planned and it could mean more clones.

As for Helena, she needs to escape from the military because the talking scorpion idea is old now. It had its moments but come on give it a rest. It was interesting seeing what will happen to her after killing Miller. I really enjoy what they are doing Alison. This Breaking Bad meets Desperate Housewives storyline is a much needed shake up for the show.