Seth MacFarlane is a name that many of us will probably never forget about. But back in the 90s, he wasn't quite the household name that he is now. In fact, he belonged to the same group of animators that worked on
Dexter's Laboratory during its early days and even directed a few episodes. He also worked on some other Cartoon Network originals back in its heyday, with much of his attention being on
Johnny Bravo. Much of his animation work, and the people he met, would set up the foundation of
Family Guy and shows featuring that show's animation style and humour. Unfortunately, unlike
The Simpsons and
South Park,
Family Guy was not universally liked by many. But soon enough, he would continue making animated stuff before venturing to the live action world in which he found success in the Ted films and after a rocky first season, this show would also find success. Set as a parody and a homage to Star Trek's early days, this show would basically be like those shows, but with a mix of comedy and drama to make it probably more entertaining than your average Star Trek episode. Although it has yet to win an Emmy, this show has already got a fanbase and has won people over, especially when a season just so happened to coincide with a Star Trek series and as a result, it got better ratings which says something. But enough talk, let's boldly go into the comedic and drama filled universe of
The Orville:
Season 1
Set in a possible 25th century, Union command officer Ed Mercer (played by Seth MacFarlane) sets out to divorce his wife Kelly Grayson (played by Adrianne Palicki) after catching her cheating on him, which prompts an emotional crisis that severely affects his career. A year later, he accepts the position of captain to the titular U.S.S. Orville, which is a mid-level exploratory vessel. Despite being forced to have his ex as his First Officer, the pair eventually agree to put aside their differences as they explore the galaxy at large. Joining them on their voyage is chief medical officer and mother of two sons, Dr. Claire Finn (played by Penny Johnson Jerald), Mercer's best friend and the Orville's helmsman Lieutenant Gordan Malloy (played by Scott Grimes), Moclan Lieutenant Commander Bortus (played by Peter Macon and is largely against the male dominant ways of his home planet, Moclus as the series goes on), Xelayan Lieutenant Alara Kitan (played by Halston Sage), Lieutenant and later Lieutenant Commander John LaMarr (played by J Lee) and the non-Union Kaylon Science and Engineering Officer Issac (played by Mark Jackson) along with their respective loved ones and families. The first season is very rocky and oddly jumbled with nearly everything about it. But it does enough to keep us interested in seeing how things play out and fortunately, no cutaway gags in sight which clearly shows that Seth MacFarlane can do something without those kinds of jokes. 7/10
Season 2
As the Orville continues its mission to explore the galaxy, the crew discover a dark and shocking secret about Issac that will forever change the galaxy's view on the Kaylons. We also revisit Moclus, face the Krill again, discover a new civilization and meet new aliens too. Plus, we enter an alternate reality where things play out just a little differently and Alara makes a tough decision that may affect her future with the Union. This is a much stronger series that adds a bit of drama to the otherwise comedic show that it is. With an element of fun and time for thought too. 8/10
3: New Horizons
So a third season came about as a result of the Californian Film Commission approving a set amount of tax credits. But it got delayed by, you guessed it, Covid. Despite this, we finally got it and here in the UK, it's a Disney+ exclusive show under the Star brand as 20th Television, as it's now known as, is a Disney property these days. Anyway, so the galaxy remains at war with the Kaylons which has put Issac at odds with many crew members. In particular, the new ship navigator Ensign Charly Burke (played by Anne Winters) who especially dislikes Kaylon for killing her friend and love interest in the Battle for Earth. Despite this, he goes about proving himself on the Orville and does so by doing things like helping bring Gordan back from being trapped in the past, performing an otherwise unlawful medical procedure on Bortus's son Topa (played by Chad L. Coleman and then Imani Pullum) with his consent and repairing his relationship with Claire, among other things. This season feels like it's trying to follow a season long story arc centred on Issac simply wanting to be appreciated and accepted on the Orville. As well as this, there is much more drama this time with comedic moments toned down, but it nevertheless does well on nearly everything. Therefore, proving once and for all that Seth MacFarlane can do more than just comedy which, of all things, is pretty darn good I'd say. 9/10
I think for a lot of people, the first season just didn't work as well as the later seasons. But that kind of speaks true with all shows. Every first season isn't always guaranteed to win everyone over, but with good ratings, a fanbase and interest from the network or streaming service, it will do well, and The Orville has certainly done well so far. 8/10
No comments:
Post a Comment