barelypure

It was funny and disappointing at the same time. I'll stay tuned in but I'm hoping for better.

melasnus

Flames would have been great.

PhantomStranger

You aren't the only one to notice that. This show's editing is generally very weird and out of step with most modern television. I'd say it's some sort of nod to the original Star Trek show.

This was an okay episode, but felt weirdly nonchalant for a season opener. Not bad, but not great.Hearing it was held over from the first season of production makes sense.

Goldberg74

The next episode ("Primal Urges") is the hold over from Season 1. It's production number is s01e12.

This isn't the first time eps have been shown out of order.

At the start of Season 1, the first five eps were shown in this order: 1, 3, 4, 2, 5.

A-aron

So is Gordon going to butt heads with the Captain over the girl?

DVD Josh

I just don't know what this show wants to be - a slapstick comedy or serious sci-fi drama. It's not particularly good as either. It's just background material to me at this point.

barelypure

I'm seeing it as a comedy. It should never be considered as a serious sci-fi drama, IMO.

Noonan

I wish they'd go a bit more towards drama, a la TNG but yeah; this is full comedy.

melasnus

Yup.

dhmac

As a season opener, this kinda reminded me of the pilot episode: entertaining enough but not very memorable. But as the rest of season 1 was a step up from that first episode, hopefully the rest of the new season will likewise be a step up from this start.

General Zod

I was hoping, with all the build up, you'd hear one single droplet and he'd go "Ahhhh...." and then say "Thanks for attending the ceremony. You may now leave" and that would be that.

Josh-da-man

Think of it as a sort of cross between Star Trek and M*A*S*H.

I wonder how this would have been received if Seth had pitched this to Paramount as a Star Trek series, kept everything the same, except set it in an enexplored region of space like the Gamma or Delta Quadrant, and got to use Star Trek uniforms, phasers, warp drives, holodecks, transporters, and all of the other trademarkable stuff. Would a dramedy like this work within the Trek canon?

RichC2

It seems the critics have eased up a little on it as well.

melasnus

I'm thinking not.
Trekkies aren't known to embrace wide variations on TOS themes...or their sense of humor.

PhantomStranger

I think it would be shredded by Star Trek fans if it was an actual Star Trek series. It's easier to accept the uneven tone and goofy characters when it can't tarnish Star Trek's legacy.

tonyc3742

Just watched this.
I agree that it was a little underwhelming for a 2nd season 1st ep. Sort of felt like it was finding its way again (I don't recall there being that many kids in last season?)
I still liked it.
Looks like E2 is going to be a little more action packed.
It's definitely more comedy than drama, but there were some serious topics last season, like Bortus's child. So it can go there.
And actually today, the medical officer's questioning of her parenting - I could totally relate, and that is a pretty serious topic.
That said, I too was waiting for more of a punchline with the actual Ja'loja.
Maybe this ep was just focusing on re-introducing/reminding us of some of the characters, and introducing a couple new ones.
That poem was Vogon-esque.

Josh-da-man

ben12

Trekkies aren't preferring the Orville because it's the best Star Trek series ever. They like it because it's close enough and enjoyable. Hell, if Voyager was on now, I'd probably watch it. And that's a series I didn't like and didn't watch past the first few seasons. But compared to Discovery? It's gold, Jerry! GOLD!

Giantrobo

Did this muthahfuckah McFarlane really make a ceremony out of taking an annual piss?

@
-Zipper Jacket
-Captain pulling a "Superman Returns" in the shuttle

Red Dog

Agreed, except for the Voyager part.

JimRochester

In an interview McFarlane said they are trying to get to a MASH tone of drama and comedy.

Loved the drive-by and the new boyfriend defending the old boyfriend.

dhmac

Egotastic Funtime's spoiler-filled review video of episode "Ja'loja"