Support NeoGAF

[LegendOfKage]

Okay, what kind of show is this? To give you an idea, here's the season 1 trailer:




Who should watch The Orville? Fans of more traditional Star Trek television shows, fans of thought-provoking science fiction, and people who don't mind just a little humor mixed with their sci-fi. You don't have to be a Star Trek fan to enjoy the show, though. If you like Seth MacFarlane, or you like the idea of a sci-fi drama with a bit of humor added, you should give it a try.

Who shouldn't watch The Orville? People expecting a straight up comedy or lots of epic sci-fi space battles. This isn't Spaceballs or Star Wars. Oh, and television critics, apparently. Although Erik Kain from Forbes liked it, as did all the fans. At one point, the show had a Rotten Tomatoes Critic score of a 19% and a user score of 91%. Of course I also think it's worth watching, otherwise I wouldn't be typing this up, would I?

What's the story here? The general setup for the show is a Planetary Union officer is given command of a star ship responsible for exploration and observation of the unknown reaches of space, but he soon learns that his ex-wife is going to be his second in command. He also finds out that she used her career in the Union to push for him getting his own ship in the first place, partly because she feels bad about the downfall his career took when their relationship ended, and partly because she believes in him and his abilities.

I didn't watch the first season. Spoil me.

Spoiler: First season

There's a lot to go over, but the main revelation is that while years ago the ex-wife did cheat on her husband (now the ship's captain), there's a strong possibility that doing so was beyond her control. She cheated with an alien that has the ability to emit pheromones that make them irresistible to anyone around them. That point is really driven home by the fact that the ship's captain, who isn't attracted to guys, also ends up falling for him. To be fair, he is played by Rob Lowe.

But other than some character development, most of the story is contained to individual episodes, so it should be easy enough to pick up.

Spoiler: Season 2 episode 1

The captain's ex-wife decides she shouldn't be with the captain, because doing so would affect his judgement related to their mission, and that would be unfair to the rest of the crew. She begins seeing a school teacher on the ship instead. Also, Bortus pees.

Who's in this thing?

Seth MacFarlane as Captain Ed Mercer - Mainly known for his work on Family Guy and American dad, MacFarlane is also the creator and writer of The Orville. On the show, he plays the ship's captain.

Adrianne Palicki as Commander Kelly Grayson - Fans of John Wick will remember Palicki as the ruthless hitwoman from the first movie in the series. She plays a very different character here, as the ship's first officer in command.

Penny Johnson Jerald as Doctor Claire Finn - An actual Trek veteran (she played Kasidy Yates on Deep Space Nine), here she plays the chief medial officer, who also is raising her two children on board The Orville.

Scott Grimes as Lieutenant Gordon Malloy - Scott played Steve Smith, the son on American Dad. Here you get to see him as the ship's helmsman.

Peter Macon as Lieutenant Commander Bortus - Essentially The Orville's replacement for a Klingon, Bortus is the second officer in command.

Halston Sage as Lieutenant Alara Kitan - The chief security officer, she's a badass with a tiny frame, but considerable strength.

J. Lee as Lieutenant John LaMarr - The navigator of The Orville, and close friend to Malloy.

Mark Jackson as Isaac - The science and engineering officer, who is also a robot that wants to learn more about humans and other aliens.

And Norm MacDonald as the horny gelatinous blob.

 

[Tenaciousmo]

I was just talking about this show with a friend, I feel like I should check it out now.

 

[WinterIsComing]

I've watched the first 3 or 4 episodes, and enjoyed it, but the lack of time made me put it on the backlog. Will get back there one day.

 

[J-Roderton]

Didn't know this got a second season. More reason to finish S1 now.

 

[MC Safety]

The first episode for season two aired last night. I don't think it was all that good.

It was a wasted episode, with a bunch of slice of life vignettes: Bortas peeing, the doctor's son falling in with a bad crowd, lots of relationship plots. None of it was awful, but it was the kind of story /episode you'd probably be better off burying in the middle of the season.

I kept wondering if something was going to happen. And except for a few humorous bits, it never did.

 

[Kadayi]

Pleasantly surprised by the first season. Very much felt like a return to Original trek in many ways. I kind of dug the low production values also which added to its charm.

 

[nush]

It's a bit schizophrenic at the start of season one, seems to have been green lit as a parody and then as the season goes on it's more of a STNG homage. I hope season 2 is more consistent.

 

[Shai-Tan]

I was expecting Galaxy Quest but it's more like topical family guy jokes bolted on to TNG. Still enjoying it because I like what the episodic format does for sci-fi

 

[jshackles]

Loved the first season so hype season 2 was at critical levels last night. I liked the season premiere episode a lot - it re-introduced the characters without being too heavy-handed about it, and the show stayed true to it's roots of being light and fun. Looking forward to catching the new episodes as they air.

 

[Pumpkin Seeds]

Enjoyed the first episode of season 2. Interesting that they start out the second season on a somewhat downtrodden note for many characters.

 

[Wag]

I liked it. TNG would never have dealt with an issue like teenagers experimenting with drugs/alcohol.

 

[Ovek]

The first episode was not bad but it had a few to many plot threads, seemed like they had a lot of b-side story elements on the drawing board and decided to throw them together in to a single episode. The fact that they made it work at all is a testament to how good the show is in general.

Solid B-

 

[The Elite]

I had no idea they were airing the first episode on December 30th. I need to catch up.

 

[Wag]

The next episode is a holdover from last season.

 

[TheSadRanger]

Going to need to catch up on some episodes I missed from S1, loved what I saw after some of the later episodes on S1. I've never seen a show where the critics got it absolutely wrong though so bad.

18 years later though and Fox is still fucking with schedules. Seriously can they make up their mind? Is this supposed to be on Thursday or Saturday?

 

[ptuck874]

season 2 ep 1 was good time waster, seeing what happens on "down time" me and my dad love this show

 

[LegendOfKage]

Going to need to catch up on some episodes I missed from S1, loved what I saw after some of the later episodes on S1. I've never seen a show where the critics got it absolutely wrong though so bad.

18 years later though and Fox is still fucking with schedules. Seriously can they make up their mind? Is this supposed to be on Thursday or Saturday?

I think both seasons premiered on Sunday, because they want Family Guy / American Dad fans to be aware of this show, but they don't want to show it on that night all the time, likely because it's a block of Simpsons, Bob's Burgers, Family Guy and whatever soon to be failed half hour program that follows. I think right now it's Rel, so good luck to Rel.

But yeah, it's hard to put an hour show in that night and not sacrifice something popular. That reminds me, if you live in the US...

An all new episode of The Orville is on tomorrow, Thursday night.

For those who haven't seen it yet, give it a try. It's nice to see that the show has some fans here.

 

[Deleted member 77995]

This thread made me check out the show and now...



OP how much did you get paid?

 

[TheSadRanger]

Great episode tackling providing a good adventure while taking on porn addiction at the same time. Some nice dialogue in the shuttle when he was trying to explain it.

The holodeck fuckery was too much.

 

[captainraincoat]

I’m still trying to figure out what exactly this series is....it’s actually pretty good but I’m just waiting for the big reveal of something

 

[Pumpkin Seeds]

Second episode dragged a bit for me at the start since it was slowly repeating the same pattern. Then it picks up in the second half and has a rather strong ending. Bortus' explanation in the shuttle being the sort of strange highlight of a plot like this one.

Marriage troubles + Porn + The end of an entire planet.

 

[TheSadRanger]

I’m still trying to figure out what exactly this series is....it’s actually pretty good but I’m just waiting for the big reveal of something

I mean it's a spiritual successor to Star Trek:TNG basically with undertones of modern cultural zeitgeists in some episodes. Sometimes it goes much deeper in it's philosophy including religion which is where the show can truly shine at times.

While there's is some overall arc stuff I wouldn't really expect that out of the show because it's aimed for more episodic self contained stories which is where the show excels at the most.

It's the closest thing to TNG we're ever going to get honestly. It's not aiming to be a big serialized drama.

 

[Harlock]

Finally the VR killer app.

 

[Pumpkin Seeds]

Them: You look like HR Giger drew a rock.

Me:

 

[LegendOfKage]

Second episode dragged a bit for me at the start since it was slowly repeating the same pattern. Then it picks up in the second half and has a rather strong ending. Bortus' explanation in the shuttle being the sort of strange highlight of a plot like this one.

Marriage troubles + Porn + The end of an entire planet.

I was watching the first 15 minutes of the episode thinking "What the hell did I just recommend? THIS is going to be some people's first experience with the show!?"

After a while, of course, the episode did get a lot better. It was also great to go from "Man, Bortus is an asshole" to "aww, poor Bortus" after the reveal of why he ended up doing what he did. And the "divorce" custom was really clever and imaginative as well. Great way of exploring the question of "when should cultural differences not be accepted by others." It would be nice to see them devote a whole episode to this topic, sometime.

I did have some issues with the episode, though. Did they ever explain why they didn't make sure there was no one on the planet to begin with? Also, if the virus did delay getting help to the planet, Bortus' responsibility for that aspect of the issue wasn't really addressed much either. The last minute "we can only take half" thing felt like a mix of Bortus' fault, and standing around at the beginning saying "oooooh, pretty!" at a collapsing planet. If either of those things were properly explained, I must have missed it. Did I miss it?

 

[Ovek]

Did they ever explain why they didn't make sure there was no one on the planet to begin with?

I think they mention (briefly) the proximity to the sun effected the sensors.

The last minute "we can only take half" thing felt like a mix of Bortus' fault, and standing around at the beginning saying "oooooh, pretty!" at a collapsing planet.

He could only save half of them because the planet started collapsing faster than originally thought. The virus had no bearing on the rescue mission just the Orville escaping at the end for some last minute drama.

 

[Sakura Doritos]

I am really enjoying it. Best TNG ever! Humor aspects bring something fresh even though not all jokes hit their mark with me. Season 2 EP 1 was cool.

 

[JCK75]

It's one of those shows that blew right over critics heads at first, they crapped all over it but the Audience score was strong as well it deserved. I kind of let it slip past me for too long and only just caught up this week, I have to finish S2E2 before the day is through so I can actually be caught up when it airs tonight but I love everything about this show TBH, the writing is incredible, the cast is amazing and I'm glad to see the critics finally get it now that S2 is upon us (Season 1 had a 27% critic score with a 94% audience, Season 2 is sitting at 100% with critics now)

 

[TheSadRanger]

Good episode tonight, kind of a classic old school TNG like episode where Picard goes on vacation the only thing that bugged me was the missed opportunity when

Spoiler

macfarlane had his legs crushed by gravity, I know there's advanced medical equipment in the ship but shouldn't he wear a space brace or something?

It's one of those shows that blew right over critics heads at first, they crapped all over it but the Audience score was strong as well it deserved. I kind of let it slip past me for too long and only just caught up this week, I have to finish S2E2 before the day is through so I can actually be caught up when it airs tonight but I love everything about this show TBH, the writing is incredible, the cast is amazing and I'm glad to see the critics finally get it now that S2 is upon us (Season 1 had a 27% critic score with a 94% audience, Season 2 is sitting at 100% with critics now)

I kind of feel like a majority of critics flipped on it because of the backlash against them. I don't know if I really buy it.

 

[MC Safety]

The latest episode took a decidedly dark turn. I liked the ending bit a lot.

I think the Next Generation wrote its security officer off in the second season, too.

 

[jshackles]

Tonight's episode was great. I guess they're going to have to change the opening sequence now? Maybe?

Crazy seeing Robert Picardo acting opposite John Billingsley (since they both played doctors on Trek).

 

[Pumpkin Seeds]

I knew it was coming, but I really liked Alara. I assume that they're not keeping Brock Stomachnose around, so curious who the eventual cast replacement is. They threw in that scientist in the first episode and we haven't seen her since.

Felt they did a good job of showing an alien culture in a short amount of time. The idea of a extreme gravity planet with adapted humanoids that develop ridiculous strength but culturally value intellectual pursuits is a neat twist. This creates a beautiful technologically advanced world where simple violence is easy because of naivety of the upper class.

It also gives the episode it's best line from Gordon, who off-handedly observes that "man my people are trash".

 

[LegendOfKage]

Good episode tonight, kind of a classic old school TNG like episode where Picard goes on vacation the only thing that bugged me was the missed opportunity when

Spoiler

macfarlane had his legs crushed by gravity, I know there's advanced medical equipment in the ship but shouldn't he wear a space brace or something?

I kind of feel like a majority of critics flipped on it because of the backlash against them. I don't know if I really buy it.

Regarding the question in your spoiler, they established earlier in the episode that after receiving medical treatment, it takes about 30 minutes to heal from a broken bone.

I knew it was coming, but I really liked Alara. I assume that they're not keeping Brock Stomachnose around, so curious who the eventual cast replacement is. They threw in that scientist in the first episode and we haven't seen her since.

I didn't know it was coming, and I was sorry to see it. Hopefully it's something the actress wanted, and hopefully she won't regret her decision. Very good episode, though. My favorite of season 2 so far, but we are only three episodes in.

As far as Patrick Warburton goes, I can see that going either way. He's just the kind of guy who could show up for a bit part in a single episode, or properly join the cast in a much larger role. He definitely has a history of working with MacFarlane, and I don't think he's on another live-action show right now. Well, if that was even him in the suit in the first place.

 

[Pumpkin Seeds]

Ep 5 was a no for me. I had a few problems with it.

1. You knew the other shoe was dropping the whole time so it was hard to invest in the story until it did.
2. And when it did, it felt rather stupid. Can't imagine a society sticking to that one belief at the same point they're sending out space comms. Also can't believe nobody ever tried to escape that camp. Compare this to the complexity of the Maklan ordeal and it just feels poorly thought out.
3. New security officer didn't feel authentic. Just didn't dig her.

 

[strange headache]

Loved the first season, especially "Majority Rule". I'm gonna hold off on the second season because I want to devour in one wholesome piece.

 

[TheSadRanger]

Ep 5 was a no for me. I had a few problems with it.

1. You knew the other shoe was dropping the whole time so it was hard to invest in the story until it did.
2. And when it did, it felt rather stupid. Can't imagine a society sticking to that one belief at the same point they're sending out space comms. Also can't believe nobody ever tried to escape that camp. Compare this to the complexity of the Maklan ordeal and it just feels poorly thought out.
3. New security officer didn't feel authentic. Just didn't dig her.

I liked it but I didn't know if they revealed about the Unions commerce system which I thought was weird how their universe doesn't use currency (Yea there's no currency in TNG) but by "meritocracy" which totally seems like a system that wouldn't be manipulated or exploited by individuals

I like the Orville but my main gripe with it is how "The Union is Perfect with zero faults" and everyone else has some major glaring flaw in the universe. Part of TNG's appeal is Picard knew that The Federation was flawed but still tried to make it work. Picard, despite all of his upsides had his flaws.

Conversations about philosophy or ethics in TNG could often times come to a draw where neither side was right or wrong.

With The Orville it's like The Union is too perfect. Too often we see Captain Mercer lecturing rather than debating.

 

[Chairman Tickles]

TNG was 95% lecturing too. Give this series time to grow. It's only couple episodes into season 2.

 

[LegendOfKage]

Ep 5 was a no for me. I had a few problems with it.

1. You knew the other shoe was dropping the whole time so it was hard to invest in the story until it did.
2. And when it did, it felt rather stupid. Can't imagine a society sticking to that one belief at the same point they're sending out space comms. Also can't believe nobody ever tried to escape that camp. Compare this to the complexity of the Maklan ordeal and it just feels poorly thought out.
3. New security officer didn't feel authentic. Just didn't dig her.

I'm with you on some of this. I think it was the worst episode so far of season 2, and I hope it stays that way. It wasn't awful or anything, but wasn't very good either.

Spoiler

I really hated the idea that they just completely forbid any use or threat of force to simply rescue prisoners. That doesn't make sense, because absolutely NO ONE would volunteer for a first contact sort of mission. I get that they don't want to be that kind of show, but they could have at least explained how they had eyes and weapons on the prison guards at all times, and no one from the ship was in any danger while they looked for a peaceful solution.

And I don't see any reason why the births under the new sign would automatically effect the previous births. I would think that would just help reaffirm their belief system, and change the opinion about those born after the new star.

And the "we don't even use money!" bit wasn't explained very well at all, either.

Oh yeah, and I also don't like the new security officer. She doesn't seem very likable or interesting in general. Maybe she's being written that way intentionally, but something feels off, and she has big shoes to fill anyhow (especially after that great send-off episode). I haven't made up my mind, and her role her was pretty small, but right now I don't like her either.

And then there are the people who were hoping for Patrick Warburton to join the show permanently. It's like she's following two characters that people might want to see more. That has to really suck for that actress, so I hope she and the writers can make it work.

On the other hand, the episode before it was one of the better episodes of the season so far. It was cleverly set up, and generally well-written.

 

[Pumpkin Seeds]

One other thing about this episode: The one part I thought was interesting is they bring up what happens when they find out they've been fooled. It felt like the episode had a very strange sense of time. Early in the episode they say the next 30 days are the sign of the Jilliac (however its spelled) and then it felt like only a day or two passed and it was over.

It could be that the episode did a poor job of displaying the passage of more than a month of time or that time moves faster on that planet and the show will return to the plot point of the fake star soon enough.

 

[LegendOfKage]

One other thing about this episode: The one part I thought was interesting is they bring up what happens when they find out they've been fooled. It felt like the episode had a very strange sense of time. Early in the episode they say the next 30 days are the sign of the Jilliac (however its spelled) and then it felt like only a day or two passed and it was over.

It could be that the episode did a poor job of displaying the passage of more than a month of time or that time moves faster on that planet and the show will return to the plot point of the fake star soon enough.

They mention at one point that they had negotiated for a month for the return of the prisoners. That's when Ted Danson (as the superior at HQ) said he'd give them 24 more hours or whatever, and then they'd have to get back to their mission. The plan was if they failed to successfully negotiate for the prisoners, another group was going to be brought in to continue negotiations in their place.

The episode had several flaws, but they did explain about the time-frame.

 

[Shai-Tan]

The first episode was passable, the Bortus Holodeck episode was good, the rest were awful so far in my opinion.

I won't judge the new character too much considering the poor writing and directing of this episode. What I saw so far was a punchline to a bad joke.

 

[Ovek]

I waited patiently during the last episode for Isaac to say that he is "Fully Functional", left disappointed.

 

[Pumpkin Seeds]

Moustache Bortus is the best.

 

[LegendOfKage]

The last episode was pretty good, and a perfect example of how science fiction is often such a great medium to explore the topic of prejudice. It was also very cool to go from romance one moment to solving a mystery the next. The Orville is often a nicely unpredictable show, and this wasn't an exception.

Spoiler

My one small issue with the show was the guy turning himself in at the end. I didn't think that made much sense, but I'd guess they didn't want a happy ending. Still, I think they could have come up with something better.

 

[Chairman Tickles]

Anyone just see the latest episode!? The show just turned things up to 11. Holy crap I did not see that coming...


This is a damn good series!

 

[MMaRsu]

Yeah the new episode was crazy

 

[TheSadRanger]

Anyone just see the latest episode!? The show just turned things up to 11. Holy crap I did not see that coming...


This is a damn good series!

At first I was like "oh great more of this stupid robot human relationship..... /grooooooooooaaaaaaannnnn"

Then by the end I was like .

I almost kind of hope they lose because Captain Mercer has the naivety of a ten year old child. I'm not saying he should be Janeway but at times it's like he never suspects anything that others would see a mile coming.

 

[Chairman Tickles]

The sheer volume of robot relationship episodes now makes perfect sense. They had been planning this for a long time.

 

[TheSadRanger]

The sheer volume of robot relationship episodes now makes perfect sense. They had been planning this for a long time.

The robot relationship stuff wouldn't be so cringey if Isaac looked like a humanoid like Data or something and not a tin can wrapped in aluminum foil.

It makes me think the kids are like "Really??"

 

[Fox Mulder]

I overlooked this show but caught an episode the other week and liked it. I'll have to catch up.