Post by TomLine on Sept 10, 2017 21:37:17 GMT -5
THE ORVILLE
by Tom Lineaweaver
by Tom Lineaweaver
I just watched a new show on FOX. It's called, "The Orville." With the exception of the crass language, I found it a good show. But, if they don't correct the language, I probably won't watch it too much.
It is a Star Trek type of show, with a few exceptions, no transporters. All transportation to and from the ship is done by shuttle. They don't have a transporter for cargo, etc., as they did in Enterprise. Also they don't have warp drive, they have quantum drive. They do have holodecks.
So far, my favorite characters are Bortus, who is almost like Worf on Star Trek The Next Generation. And Isaac, a robot from the planet Kalon, a planet of robots.
In the first episode they already encountered an enemy called the Krill. The Orville was vastly outmatched by the Krill vessel they were up against. Only some slick flying by the helmsman kept them from being totally destroyed. Good thing too or that would be the end of the show. So now they're back at spacedock for repairs. Reminds me of the beginning of Enterprise.
So far critics are not very complimentary of the show. See an example here... www.vox.com/culture/2017/9/8/16267782/the-orville-seth-macfarlane-review-lol-what
and
www.indiewire.com/2017/09/the-orville-review-seth-macfarlane-star-trek-rip-off-1201874080/
While I agree with the critics that The Orville is simply another Star Trek given different terms, for the most part, I think they are a bit harsh. With the acception of the immoral language, I liked the show, even the comedy, and I am 51 year Trekkie.
At one point Captain Mercer said, "So it's an anti-banana ray. We need not fear bananas anymore." So there were funny moments, and there were serious moments too. Of course, it was the first episode. I'm hoping it will get better. Of course, it will never compare to the original Star Trek. What can? Even Star Trek The Next Generation got better after they stopped being fixated on the original series. The Orville just might do the same.
On a side note, I'm a bit angry. Not about the show, but at FOX Network. Last Man Standing fans have been trying to get FOX to pick up that show. One of the excuses FOX gave for not picking up Last Man Standing is that they didn't have room in their schedule, yet they have room in their schedule for new shows. And quite frankly, I would prefer to see Last Man Standing any day, above The Orville. I'm already boycotting ABC and CBS for various reasons. I have yet decide to boycott FOX as well.
Since The Orville was promoted as a Galaxy Quest type show, perhaps they would find a place for Tim Allen on the cast, after all he was in the cast of Galaxy Quest. Let him take his conservatism to the stars. Personally, I'd like Tim play a senior admiral who decides to stay on The Orville. The only man on board the captain has to listen to. That would make this show much better. And, the critics might even like it.
Another interesting article... trekmovie.com/2017/08/09/comparisons-to-star-trek-dominate-foxs-the-orville-tca-panel/