Midnight Blue

First scene after the opening, the shuttle arrives at the colony. Beautiful stellar nursery and music swells... that drove me to tears! Holy cow! I wasn't expecting this! It's simply majestic!

I'll keep this spoiler-free. The dialogs are well-written. The actress of Topa shows great composure. The rest of the casts is amazing. We have a long-anticipated cameo, diplomacy and action running parallel, a menacing interrogator with an imposing stature. Suffice to say, this episode is masterfully done. It's like watching a big-budget movie. I'm impressed.

This was an excellent episode that once again uses the Topa situation to speak to issues facing our society today. There have been a few missteps along the way, but the manner in which Orville has approached the topics of transgenderism, feminism, and identity politics has been pretty remarkable overall and this episode is no exception. It's a shame there are so many sad individuals who refuse to accept people for who they are, insisting on imposing their own beliefs and morals on others, hopefully this show will open the eyes of at least some of these bigoted people.

Let us not forget that Topa was BORN a female. Just sayin... I've read reviews that claim that this is an affirmation of transgenderism. I believe it to be an affirmation of truth.

It bears repeating: Given the obvious analogy, it was rather self-indulgent, emotional self-gratification. The preachiness and moralistic naiveté was bad enough, but it was compounded by its lack of nuance and complexity. Better to steel-man both sides and let viewers decide. That was the best of original Star Trek. The fact that they are blind to anything but their own ideology deadens any utility this story could have had to make those who have a different understanding re-evaluate.

And this pattern is "humans know better". Funny, that we have never seen moclans trying to force their way upon humanity's throat - always the opposite. Amusing that this show is showcasing such deeply arrogant approach as something positive. Disturbing.