TV: The Orville - Seth MacFarlane's Star Trek

[Mimsy]

I can't argue against the Prime Directive with respect to Picard's handling of a similar situation. I concede the point. As Offkilter notes, the TNG crew violated the directive on occasion, but it was still their guiding principle. It was maybe more a case of me seeing a predictable outcome to this episode and then having my expectation upended. It didn't feel like a Star Trek ending to me. Regardless, it was a pretty weak episode.

 

[beowulf]

I actually liked the episode and how they are trying not only bring in comedy but some real topics. Maybe because I am use to family guy and the Ted movies but it's not the type of episode on this topic I was expecting.

 

[RobBrown4PM]

Caught up with the show finally. This show is amazing, it feels and sounds so much like Star Trek. I've read that McFarlane is a die hard trekkie, if so you can tell he wanted this be as spiritual of a successor to ST as possible.

Episode 3 in particular was there best yet. I'm not sure why some of you are saying it was bad, it was really good.

 

[Canadiens Ghost]

This show has it's flaws but I'm liking it and it's so far a much more enjoyable Star Trek show than Discovery is.

 

[CaptainCrunch67]

I thought that was a really strong episode with great effects and a great cameo. They dialed back the blatant attempts at jokes and the episode had a great feel and some nice emotional moments.

When they opened the sun roof, what a stunning shot.

 

[SJSharksfan39]

This episode was great. I loved that the prime directive was not even a thought but the end was a great feel good moment. Also the jokes work for me. Loved the friends reference and the Kelly torture scenes were funny. I could do if youfait and the Doctor never talked to each other again but I can see that as a running gag.

This show is a winner.

 

[Bjorn Le]

It's certainly getting amazing audience scores. Probably the biggest gap between critics and viewers for any show on RT. In big contrast to Discovery that's for sure. Critics aren't warming up to it yet, but maybe it'll be another case like Bojack where it goes from bad reviews to acclaim by the end. Right now it seems like critics are looking for excuses not to like it, from it's not funny enough, to it's too much like Star Trek TNG, to it's not enough like Star Trek TNG. At some point something's got to give.

 

[Blender]

Great episode, best of the series so far. That was pretty much a classic episode of Star Trek with a little more humor.

 

[discostu]

It's certainly getting amazing audience scores. Probably the biggest gap between critics and viewers for any show on RT. In big contrast to Discovery that's for sure. Critics aren't warming up to it yet, but maybe it'll be another case like Bojack where it goes from bad reviews to acclaim by the end. Right now it seems like critics are looking for excuses not to like it, from it's not funny enough, to it's too much like Star Trek TNG, to it's not enough like Star Trek TNG. At some point something's got to give.

If some critics don't like it, they probably won't cover it. If there is good audience buy in, I'm sure you'll see critics that do enjoy it cover it more.

I've only seen the pilot, and found it odd sue to the common comments of not being sure what it wants to be. But, it's stuck with me, and I find myself thinking of it more than I thought I would. I've set the PVR to record it and I'm going to see if my opinion on this changes with more viewings.

 

[ThePhoenixx]

Hate the new set-up here.

Loved this episode. This is definitely my favorite new show this season. Someone also has a crush on the captain. I think the ex-wife also realizes it.

 

[Mimsy]

I liked the new episode. It was another Trek-like installment. It's reminiscent of TNG's "The Masterpiece Society". Masterpiece ranks among my least favorite TNG episodes (see "Troi love interest" plot). I prefer The Orville's take.

I,too, could do without the Norm MacDonald sick bay bit. It was a rehash of last week's gag, which wasn't funny to begin with. The rest of the humor was about where I like it for this kind of show -- not always aiming for the "laugh out loud" gag, but enough to keep levity among the crew while letting the drama unfold. Captain Mercer (who grew on me this episode) mucking up the poetic reference in the episode title, and Isaac explaining to the alien-of-the-week that being called a dick is a "compliment" made me smile.

The cameo near the end was neat, but not entirely unexpected considering the connection to MacFarlane.

 

[Guardian17]

Episode 4 was really good and struck the right balance with the humor.

Did anyone catch the music as the shuttle pod approached the giant ship as it was very similar to the Enterprise as it entered the cloud surrounding VGer in the first movie.

 

[Blender]

Episode 4 was really good and struck the right balance with the humor.

Did anyone catch the music as the shuttle pod approached the giant ship as it was very similar to the Enterprise as it entered the cloud surrounding VGer in the first movie.

Yup, I was wondering if it was even the same music. It was definitely close to it.

 

[KirkOut]

Just watched E4. Best episode yet pretty easily. Good bounce back after last week. Hope it continues on this trajectory

 

[beowulf]

Finally watched the latest episode and the show remains fun if imperfect. I remain entertained and that's all I can ask for with this kind of show.

 

[Leafsdude7]

Next week's episode was directed by Jonathan Frakes. Can't wait!

 

[SJSharksfan39]

Next week's episode was directed by Jonathan Frakes. Can't wait!

And has Charlize Theron. I was surprised by the Liam Neeson surprise, but next weeks looks like another winner.

 

[Mimsy]

Is it a given we're getting a Patrick Stewart guest appearance at some point, considering his working relationship with MacFarlane? It would be nice if he and Frakes appeared in the Frakes's directed episode. Then again, if Charlize Theron is in the next one, then I'd rather save a Stewart appearance and hope it would be more than a cameo.

 

[Seedtype]

Okay the fourth episode was really good. Holy crap do I hope this show can make it.

My random thoughts:

-The Orville leaving behind a communication buoy was a smart point that shouldn't be overlooked, though it is minor.
-I actually went, "Nooo!" when Alara got shot.
-The Kelly torture scene was pretty good I thought.
-I wasn't expecting Liam Neeson to appear. Um, could we have him be a Union Admiral in a episode at some point?
-Maybe the Orville should wait until the other ship arrives, just to make sure the bioship's society doesn't descend into chaos. Remember, they were a very religious society and their whole world viewpoint has been turned upside down. Someone is gonna freak out, even if the truth is undeniable.
-I'm starting to like the robot guy, he just hasn't really done anything yet. But he's definitely a potentially good parody of Data.

I don't think I would want every sci-fi show to be like the Orville, in the sense of self-contained episodes every week. I prefer shows to have a running story arc with good character development, but there is certainly a place for the Orville in my viewing schedule.

 

[Bubba Thudd]

Still liking the show -- a lot -- but getting tired of the Bortus story line.

 

[No Fun Shogun]

Is it a given we're getting a Patrick Stewart guest appearance at some point, considering his working relationship with MacFarlane? It would be nice if he and Frakes appeared in the Frakes's directed episode. Then again, if Charlize Theron is in the next one, then I'd rather save a Stewart appearance and hope it would be more than a cameo.

Definitely seems that way. If I had to venture a guess, the season finale is going to end on a cliffhanger, with Stewart starring as a villain threatening the entire Union. Bold prediction over.

And the most recent episode was legitimately great. More like that quality-wise, please.

 

[RobBrown4PM]

Still liking the show -- a lot -- but getting tired of the Bortus story line.

Really? I think his story line is the best thing in the show at the moment.

Episode 4 was good. I enjoyed seeing Neelson, that was unexpected. Seeing Mercer stun the leader guy was a nice touch that you rarely see in shows.

 

[Leafsdude7]

Really? I think his story line is the best thing in the show at the moment.

Episode 4 was good. I enjoyed seeing Neelson, that was unexpected. Seeing Mercer stun the leader guy was a nice touch that you rarely see in shows.

It was a very Star Trek thing, though. Data on Sela in Unification Part 2, for example.

 

[montreal]

agreed that it was the best episode to date, looking forward to next weeks episode.

 

[KirkOut]

Definitely seems that way. If I had to venture a guess, the season finale is going to end on a cliffhanger, with Stewart starring as a villain threatening the entire Union. Bold prediction over.

And the most recent episode was legitimately great. More like that quality-wise, please.

I hope your prediction is accurate. I think Stewart would really embrace such a role and knock it out of the park.

It's only a matter of time before they introduce a recurring villain. That could really elevate the series (see Dukat, Scorpius, etc).