Welcome to this week’s installment of Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week, wherein we shine a spotlight on strong women who inspire us. This not only includes fictional female characters in geeky media but creators as well. These ladies are a prime example of female empowerment and how crucial it is for young girls to have said example to follow.
DISCLAIMER: The following is rife with spoilers galore for BBC America’s Orphan Black. If you haven’t binge watched this sci-fi darling, you may want to remedy that now. Clone Club can certainly attest to its greatness.
Cosima Niehaus
Fast Facts:
Cosima Niehaus (portrayed by Tatiana Maslany) was born in San Francisco, California. She attended UC Berkeley as an undergraduate student. Then, Cosima relocated to Minnesota to gain her PhD in Experimental Evolutionary Developmental Biology (that’s a mouthful). Cosima was tracked down via Beth Childs (Tatiana Maslany) as one of the Project LEDA clones. She also met Alison Hendrix (Tatiana Maslany) through Beth and eventually Sarah Manning (Tatiana Maslany), the reluctant heroine on Orphan Black. Cosima continued to explore her clone origins and her connection to her clone sisters, as well as the objective of Project LEDA. Eventually, Neolution aficionado Dr. Aldous Leekie (Matt Frewer) offered Cosima a job at Dyad Institute.
Next, Cosima met fellow scientist Delphine Cormier (Evelyne Brochu). The two developed a romantic relationship. Cosima fell prey to a sickness that pervaded the LEDA clones’ DNA. Cosima and Delphine devoted much of their time to researching for a cure. Thankfully, by Orphan Black’s end, Cosima succeeded in doing just that. Her development of said cure ensured a safe future for all of her clone sisters.
The Real Deal:
Now, Cosima is the real deal. She possesses an immense intellect bordering on genius. Cosima lives and breathes science. Naturally, her scientific knowledge contributed greatly to her sestras’ fight for freedom. Cosima is also adept at adapting to her surroundings. Not much can rattle her, which is a favorable attribute to have when you’re a clone entangled in a scientific war. Cosima has a big heart and is incredibly loyal to her loved ones. She’s sacrificed everything and more for her sestras. Cosima is dependable and the very definition of courageous. Her life was incessantly on the line throughout Orphan Black, especially given her potentially fatal illness.
Despite being under an overabundance of physical duress, Cosima forged ahead for her sestras. She was hellbent on preventing them from contracting the illness that plagued her, and she succeeded. Not to mention, her love for Delphine and her ability to withstand the pair’s oftentimes tumultuous relationship is admirable.
Why She Matters:
Alright, why does she matter? Cosima is proof that physical prowess isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be. Our default impression of “strength” usually alludes to physical power, but Cosima shows us that intellect is just as important. Her intelligence is the ace up her sleeve. Also, how cool is it to see a successful female scientist? Cosima is an inspiration to young girls everywhere with a desire to pursue a career in the sciences.
Of course, Cosima’s unadulterated love for Delphine is touching. Their relationship was realistic – they weren’t always living on cloud nine, but their attraction was electrifying. Eventually, their love prevailed all obstacles in their path, and once the storm clouds cleared they were able to, hopefully, live in peace. It’s so rare to see an LGBTQIA+ relationship on TV portrayed like a heterosexual pairing – grounded, real and chock full of sizzling chemistry. Love is love is love is love.
So, be like Cosima. Wield your intellect like a sword. Don’t be afraid to pursue your dreams, even if they lie in a predominantly male field. Show ’em all who’s boss. Love who you love without abandon. Oh, and make as much crazy science with your partner as you can. Crazy science should always be shared with your significant other.
RELATED: Read All ORPHAN BLACK Recaps Here
[email protected]
What I do: I'm GGA's Managing Editor, a Senior Contributor, and Press Coordinator. I manage, contribute, and coordinate. Sometimes all at once. Joking aside, I oversee day-to-day operations for GGA, write, edit, and assess interview opportunities/press events.
Who I am: Before moving to Los Angeles after studying theater in college, I was born and raised in Amish country, Ohio. No, I am not Amish, even if I sometimes sport a modest bonnet.
Bylines in: Tell-Tale TV, Culturess, Sideshow Collectibles, and inkMend on Medium.
Critic: Rotten Tomatoes, CherryPicks, and the Hollywood Creative Alliance.
- DOCTOR WHO Recap: (S02E02) Lux - April 19, 2025
- Prepare to ‘Look Up’ in Behind-the-Scenes Teaser for SUPERMAN - April 18, 2025
- SURREALESTATE Recap: (S03E03) Death Does a Refi - April 17, 2025
