One or two months ago, Comedy Central started broadcasting a trailer of their comedy / sci-fi show called The Orville. That trailer was very funny and my curiosity was aroused. While checking IMDb, I was flabbergasted to see an 8.1 rating (now: 8.0). Even good comedies, often have a (much) lower rating. The Orville’s rating is, however, well-deserved.
I have recommended this TV show to several people and often their response was: “I don’t like Sci-Fi”. However, The Orville is mostly a comedy, which is using science fiction for tweaking Space-Time dimensions, and creating funny and original story lines. The trailer showed a husband unexpectedly coming home who finds his wife in bed with an alien.
Another response was that people don’t like to start a time-consuming new TV series. I understand that valid argument. However, every episode is a stand-alone storyline. You don’t miss important developments once you miss one or more episodes. More importantly, it’s entertaining rather than thrilling.
Everything that has to do with classic science fiction is mostly ridiculed and that works well. The Orville could indeed be seen as a parody of Star Trek but it’s much more than that. It also uses the Space-Time dimensions for ridiculing Earth’s 21st century political correctness, and for warning against the dangers of a Social Credit System.
Unlike “real” science fiction movies, technology in The Orville is not used to impress the audience. Decors are functional but minimal and sometimes look rather cheap. In that context, The Orville is more of a spoof than a parody. Language is never an issue in The Orville as the entire Universe speaks English, including its weirdest creatures, like the ship’s blob (called Yaphit).
This TV series has been created by Seth MacFarlane, who also plays a mediocre captain, receiving his last opportunity as a commanding officer. Once aboard, he meets his adulterous wife again, who becomes his second in command. If you think Seth MacFarlane’s name sounds familiar then you’re right. It does. The guy is like a comedy genius.
Wiki: Seth MacFarlane “is an American actor, animator, filmmaker, comedian, and singer. MacFarlane is the creator of the TV series Family Guy (1999–2003, 2005–present) and The Orville (2017–present), and co-creator of the TV series American Dad! (2005–present) and The Cleveland Show (2009–2013). He also wrote, directed, and starred in the films Ted (2012), its sequel Ted 2 (2015), and A Million Ways to Die in the West (2014).
Last Tuesday, I viewed the 8th episode of season 1 which felt more like sci-fi than comedy, apart from the kids causing trouble with their toys. I cannot remember laughing or smiling at any time. Clearly, The Orville should stick to comedy at which it excels.
The Orville (2017-onwards)
trailer season 1
Note: all markings (bold, italic, underlining) by LO unless stated otherwise.
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