The Best Episodes of The Orville
The Orville: A Love Letter to Space Comedy
When The Orville graced our screens in 2017, it was like someone handed a love letter to Star Trek fans while trying to sell them a new comic book! Seth MacFarlane and his band of misfits crafted a sci-fi comedy that struck a perfect note of charm and wit, especially when Trek seemed to be taking a more serious route. Initially, it was like watching a toddler learn to walk—wobbly and unsure between humor and heartfelt moments. But, eventually, the show found its footing and became a gem in the treasure chest of television. Now, sitting four years after the last season, we find ourselves impatiently waiting for a new dose of The Orville magic. But until that day comes, let’s take a stroll down memory lane and reminisce about the best episodes!
Pria
Season 1, Episode 5
Ah, Charlize Theron, the shining star of The Orville season one! In “Pria,” she steals the show and Captain Ed Mercer’s heart, charming him right off his captain’s chair. But wait! Don’t let those sweet nothings fool you; our gal Pria has a trick or two up her sleeve. When the crew rescues her from a sinking mining ship, it seems like a happy ending until Kelly and Alara investigate a little more closely. Turns out, Pria is a time-traveller looking to sell the ship and leave the crew high and dry. Toss in a subplot about Malloy and Isaac, and you’ve got yourself one entertaining rollercoaster of an episode—with a leg severing joke to boot!
Mad Idolatry
Season 1, Episode 12
Tell me you haven’t accidentally crashed your shuttle on an alien planet only to discover they think you’re a god! In “Mad Idolatry,” Kelly finds herself in a rather sticky situation after her team crashes on a planet that only makes an appearance once every 11 days. Fast forward 700 years, and she’s a bona fide goddess to the locals. However, our superhero duo, Kelly and Mercer, have a hard time convincing them that worshipping a human is, well, not quite the best idea. With Isaac volunteering to stay behind for another 700 years, this episode tackles the complexities of belief like a heartwarming sci-fi hug.
Identity Parts 1 & 2
Season 2, Episodes 8 & 9
Buckle up, folks! Things go from zero to chaos in “Identity” when the crew visits Isaac’s home planet, Kaylon 1. Dr. Claire Finn’s budding romance with our favorite android takes a dark turn when Isaac reveals he wants to stay home. Meanwhile, some rather gruesome discoveries about Kaylon’s history come to light: it seems they had a little issue with their creators—like, total annihilation! It’s a race against time as the crew tries to stop Isaac’s people from unleashing their destruction on Earth. You know, classic sci-fi dilemmas sprinkled with that signature Orville charm.
Lasting Impressions
Season 2, Episode 11
The Road Not Taken
Season 2, Episode 14
The second season finale brings us a wild ride in a timeline twist that leaves Grayson in a heap of trouble! Thanks to a failed memory wipe, she finds out that her actions (or lack thereof) have led to a catastrophic future where Kaylons are wreaking havoc. It’s up to her and the crew to reset the course of destiny—throw in an alternate version of Alara, and you’ve got a smorgasbord of sci-fi craziness that could only come from The Orville!
A Tale of Two Topas
Season 3, Episode 5
Season three serves up some emotional realness as Bortus and Klyden face the consequences of their gender assignment decisions regarding their child, Topa. When Topa wants to transition, it’s like opening Pandora’s box for political and emotional turmoil among the Moclans and the Union. Brace yourself for a heartfelt journey exploring themes of identity, autonomy, and the power of love—who knew The Orville could get so deep?
Twice in a Lifetime
Season 3, Episode 6
Ah, time travel—the classic recipe for disaster! Gordon finds himself back in 2015, falling for a real-life version of a woman he simulated in “Lasting Impressions.” The catch though? The crew has to rescue him without ruining his newfound happiness. Cue the heartbreaking dilemma of erasing his family to bring him back, leaving viewers clutching their tissues and gasping at the emotional weight of their choices.
Domino
Season 3, Episode 9
As we coast towards the end (for now), “Domino” ties up the loose ends of the Union’s ethical struggles during wartime. With the Moclans and Krill forming dubious alliances, it’s a rollercoaster of hard choices and sacrifices that test the limits of ethics. A heroic sacrifice by Charly resonates deeply with the crew and viewers alike, proving that even amidst a galactic conflict, the bonds of friendship and bravery shine brighter than the stars.