Electric Sheep

So, I've recently binged the first two seasons of the Orville, and probably enjoyed it more than I expected (being a MacFarlane fan, I figured there would be more Family Guy-esque humor, but it turned out to be a more serious, and rather politically pointed series than I expected). This season started with a dark tone, which is fine, but it's so scattered and busy, and the music is overwhelming. The storyline is fine, but it seems the personality of the main cast is scattered in this particular episode. Maybe it changes moving forward, but the Hulu version didn't hold my full attention out of the gate.

To come in with this as the first episode of a new season was a mistake for me. The episode felt like it dragged way too much and was just constantly padded by some very beautiful, but unnecessary CGI.

The script also felt clunky and the acting wooden. I hope this isn't a sign of things to come.

I was positively foaming of delight when I started to watch the episode. All the shiny new sfx and new locations are eye candy for sure, even Isaac had a nice new makeover. There were a few tense scenes and serious moments to boot, but fell way short in the humour department. I mean, I know this episode focused on a more mature and serious subject matter, but I missed the odd comedic encounters we got from the other seasons. Perhaps they're saving those moments for the other episodes? We shall have to wait and see.

An episode that seems to be dividing reviewers. And, in my opinion, they are all right.

The reviewers who comment that a sense of fun and humour is missing are right. This is a character examination of Isaac and the effect of his presence as an enemy species and also a turncoat who saved hundreds of lives. It does feel darker. Whether The Union would continue to allow such an intelligence source to serve or not is moot. For the purposes of this show he does.

Some reviewers have commented on the treatment of suicide in the show. It is hard to believe that the showtunners did not seek advice. My view is that Penny Jerard did a great job as Dr Finn when she explained about confusing the present with the future. I won't say more because this is a review, but one sentence was both obvious and groundbreakinly enlightening.

The acting was good, as always. The effects very nice although a little long winded. The story of inter crew tension could have been diluted into an arc.

This show really seems to have hit its stride. The first season was appealing, but the jokes were laid on a bit thick. The second season saw the writing improving and easing back on the awkward comedy. This season is hitting us hard right out of the gate with some pretty heavy emotional and moral storytelling, with a few light gaffs sprinkled in between. Personally I really think this show has a ton of potential and the writers seem to recognize that. Like many have said, it's a real throwback to classic Star Trek in many ways and I can't wait to see where this goes. I truly hope this series continues, as I believe there is a place for it among other sci-fi classics.