(Spoiler-light part)
Third episode of Orville throws us into familiar Star Trek territory with an ethical choice being a centrepiece of the show.
Comedy part of the episode was completely overshadowed by a dramatic story that despite strong ending, somehow doesn't feel complete.
It is another big step of Orville's crew away from the "Star Trek spoof" and into fully-fledged sci-fi drama of their own.
Those who expect comedy in space will be disappointed and some will feel that the episode tries to push, slightly too hard, certain political commentary relevant to our modern times.
For me, "About a Girl" is first really drama-focused episode of Orville, and one that takes itself seriously. The delivery however, is somewhat lacking.
(spoiler-heavy part)
This episode was written, as if someone asked a stand up comedian to direct Shakespeare's "King Lear". All the pieces are there, but it seems the writers couldn't grasp the essence of drama and depth of the topic they were asked to present.
Whole tribunal scene left me scratching my head in disbelieve how such a powerful and easy to relate plot, could be so poorly handled. Neither side delivered any hard-hitting and thought-provoking evidence, but the biggest shock was the fact the very position I held myself - to not alter child's gender at birth due to prejudice and bigotry - was presented so poorly by Cmdr. Greyson, that even I wouldn't agree with her.
End of the episode was a bitter-sweet conclusion that increased my opinion of the story. At the end of the day, Bortus was the character who delivered deepest and most heartwarming line in the show - despite such a crucial disagreement, he still loves his mate and doesn't give up on him, or the baby.
This is also the time to praise Peter Macon's role in this episode - similar to Miss Sage who carried "Command Performance", he was the focal point of the episode and achieved seamless blending of very reserved character with very strong emotions.
General feel of the episode was a big positive - it is also hard to imagine "About the Girl" is only two episodes away from a goofy pilot of the series!
Despite some shortcomings, Orville surprised once again by boldly going where Star Trek was before - for better or worse.
Perhaps it is time to ask the question about the elephant in the living room: do audience and creators want a light-hearted, goofy, version of Star Trek, or played straight dramatic space opera?
Third episode of Orville throws us into familiar Star Trek territory with an ethical choice being a centrepiece of the show.
Comedy part of the episode was completely overshadowed by a dramatic story that despite strong ending, somehow doesn't feel complete.
It is another big step of Orville's crew away from the "Star Trek spoof" and into fully-fledged sci-fi drama of their own.
Those who expect comedy in space will be disappointed and some will feel that the episode tries to push, slightly too hard, certain political commentary relevant to our modern times.
For me, "About a Girl" is first really drama-focused episode of Orville, and one that takes itself seriously. The delivery however, is somewhat lacking.
(spoiler-heavy part)
This episode was written, as if someone asked a stand up comedian to direct Shakespeare's "King Lear". All the pieces are there, but it seems the writers couldn't grasp the essence of drama and depth of the topic they were asked to present.
Whole tribunal scene left me scratching my head in disbelieve how such a powerful and easy to relate plot, could be so poorly handled. Neither side delivered any hard-hitting and thought-provoking evidence, but the biggest shock was the fact the very position I held myself - to not alter child's gender at birth due to prejudice and bigotry - was presented so poorly by Cmdr. Greyson, that even I wouldn't agree with her.
End of the episode was a bitter-sweet conclusion that increased my opinion of the story. At the end of the day, Bortus was the character who delivered deepest and most heartwarming line in the show - despite such a crucial disagreement, he still loves his mate and doesn't give up on him, or the baby.
This is also the time to praise Peter Macon's role in this episode - similar to Miss Sage who carried "Command Performance", he was the focal point of the episode and achieved seamless blending of very reserved character with very strong emotions.
General feel of the episode was a big positive - it is also hard to imagine "About the Girl" is only two episodes away from a goofy pilot of the series!
Despite some shortcomings, Orville surprised once again by boldly going where Star Trek was before - for better or worse.
Perhaps it is time to ask the question about the elephant in the living room: do audience and creators want a light-hearted, goofy, version of Star Trek, or played straight dramatic space opera?