Aside from some occasional stupidity in the plot (including a human working out how to control an alien space ship in less than a second) - this was VERY impressive.
Great effects, costumes, plot, acting, character-building, universe-building, humour . . . . . I genuinely enjoyed this - a LOT!
Some really clever ideas and laugh-out-loud lines - some of the ones that got me roaring:
[spoiler alert]
• Haagen-Daas
• AVIS
• Hertz
• Space Vampires
• "Go play in traffic"
• "Brand new leg"
Really shows how different people enjoy different things.
I honestly thought this was the worst ep of the season so far.
As you mentioned, the ease in which they figured out the alien controls.
And this one the 'humor' just grated on me. I wanted nothing more than for Gordon to shut his mouth.
Just a constant stream of stupidity coming from him during a very important mission.
I get that he yammers to cope with stress. But the stuff he was saying was just inane.
And somehow he know way too much about our current time period.
Like would anyone really know about a rental car company 400 years from now?
I really enjoy this show a lot. But the latest episode just didn't click with me.
Which is ok. Every episode can't be a winner.
tay666 wrote: . . . And somehow he know way too much about our current time period.
Like would anyone really know about a rental car company 400 years from now? . . .
The USVF (United Space Vehicle Federation) make spaceships in the future - people can rent them too!
The Orville crew obviously figured out the controls of the Krill shuttle and their shuttles look like their warships only smaller. The basic layout of helm and fire control were likely very similar.
I liked the episode. Its good to have villians with no redeeming qualities, much like the real world. it also served as a reminder that children must be taught that level of hate.
I love this show, but the caveat is I'm not a fan of Star Trek after the TOS. I grew up on that and Warner Brothers cartoons, so this show is hitting on all cylinders with me.
Personally I don't care about lapses in science, plot or logistics, I'm watching because I want to laugh and feast on the visuals.
I loved the Munsters and the Addams Family, but they had some serious flaws.
Maybe this show is too close to the source material for some to enjoy, I don't know. I stick to the immortal words of The Brains: 'If you're wondering how he eats and breathes, and other science facts, Then repeat to yourself it's just a show and I should really just relax.'
I have to add, pulling off those makeups in that time with, including the McFarland makeup that was both Krill and undeniably McFarland, gets props from me.
Heavy Metal Spike wrote:S01E07 - "Majority Rule" - meh.
Tried to be WAY too clever for it's own good + lacking in humour + REALLY can't stand that Lt. LaMarr.
.
Yep.
Stole a Black Mirror idea and didn't run with it. I don't think I laughed once. Well, maybe when he yelled 'I'm a Spaceman".
This harks back to the earlier second or third where it seemed to be struggling as to which direction they wanted to go. The last few episodes were so much better than this.
I can see budget-wise, after coming off such an effects/makeup heavy ep, they'd need to do a cheap one (bottle ep), but I'd rather watch a crew screwing around onboard show than a disjointed, we're back on an Earth softball.
The Orville seems to be settling into it's comfort zone. Of course, the effects and ship architecture are very well done and I am hoping that some manufacturer provides us with some of the beautiful ships in kit form soon ! The plots echo the types of plots in the original Star Trek series. Sometimes a little hokey and sometimes a little preachy. (Remember "The Trouble with Tribbles" ? - ouch!)
The touch of humor is what sets the show apart from being just another "space cowboy shootem-up" ! The stuff like being able to learn and pilot a complicated alien ship in less than a minute is again a part of the humor and satire - not meant to be what would actually have to occur. If we all just go along on the ride with the preposterousness and silliness to lighten things up, it's actually a dammed good show with increasingly likable characters. And, don't forget ... IT'S GOT ADRIANNE PALICKI IN IT !!!! WOO HOO !!!
ausf wrote:
I can see budget-wise, after coming off such an effects/makeup heavy ep, they'd need to do a cheap one (bottle ep), but I'd rather watch a crew screwing around onboard show than a disjointed, we're back on an Earth softball.
Hadn't thought of that aspect. Which makes sense.
But I am with you on what I would rather see.
This ep just didn't do it for me.
I can deal with preachy episodes, but not when there was really nothing else to it.
No real character stuff, no humor, just a bland, throw-away episode.
ausf wrote:
I can see budget-wise, after coming off such an effects/makeup heavy ep, they'd need to do a cheap one (bottle ep), but I'd rather watch a crew screwing around onboard show than a disjointed, we're back on an Earth softball.
Hadn't thought of that aspect. Which makes sense.
But I am with you on what I would rather see.
This ep just didn't do it for me.
I can deal with preachy episodes, but not when there was really nothing else to it.
No real character stuff, no humor, just a bland, throw-away episode.
I first heard that phrase (bottle episode) from Vince Gilligan discussing the Fly episode of Breaking Bad. He said they used up their budget and needed to shoot entirely on one set for one episode. That was a great example, still is an enjoyable episode, however inexpensive.
Sidney Lumet was great for one set wonders: Fail Safe, 12 Angry Men, etc. Heck, Roger Corman made himself by squeezing everything he could out of a single set or location, look at Little Shop Of Horrors.
Some of my favorite parts of the Orville take place on the bridge. I'd love to just see the cast interact for 42 minutes, even extending the practical joke type thing.
I can't help but think this show would be so much better as a straight up drama.
Last week's episode was excellent; timely, relevant, a brilliant observation on today's society.
It really didn't need any attempts at what I consider to be juvenile humor.
The whole look of the show, from the ship design, to the uniforms and cartoonish alien concepts leaves me thinking there's a joke coming any minute.
But last week's episode was no joke - just excellent commentary which would be so much more powerful with a better presentation.
derekc62 wrote:I can't help but think this show would be so much better as a straight up drama.
Last week's episode was excellent; timely, relevant, a brilliant observation on today's society.
It really didn't need any attempts at what I consider to be juvenile humor.
The whole look of the show, from the ship design, to the uniforms and cartoonish alien concepts leaves me thinking there's a joke coming any minute.
But last week's episode was no joke - just excellent commentary which would be so much more powerful with a better presentation.
Since you & I often make similar observations . . . . who are you? - and what have you done with Derek ?!!!!!!!
derekc62 wrote:I can't help but think this show would be so much better as a straight up drama.
Last week's episode was excellent; timely, relevant, a brilliant observation on today's society.
It really didn't need any attempts at what I consider to be juvenile humor.
The whole look of the show, from the ship design, to the uniforms and cartoonish alien concepts leaves me thinking there's a joke coming any minute.
But last week's episode was no joke - just excellent commentary which would be so much more powerful with a better presentation.
Since you & I often make similar observations . . . . who are you? - and what have you done with Derek ?!!!!!!!
.
I haven't completely sworn off The Orville - still prefer Discovery of the two - but last week's episode had a lot of food for thought.
((And if the ransom doesn't come though soon I'll be forced to continue writing this nonsense ))
))