Updated date: A Review of the First Two Episodes Of 'The Orville' Season 2

Alexander is a lifelong viewer of videos and media pertaining to the Stars Wars, Doctor Who, Star Trek, and additional movie franchises.

'The Orville' Is Awesome!

To those of you who don't already know, 'The Orville' is a new science fiction television series that is already loved by fans and watched by millions of viewers. The first season blew me away! Watching the first season made me wonder why Seth Macfarlane wasn't placed at the head of the newest 'Star Trek' series. 'The Orville' feels to me like a bolder version of 'Star Trek: The Next Generation'. The new science fiction series includes the works of famous actors, such as the voice talents of Norm Macdonald! Fortunately, Norm Macdonald has come back for season 2 of the show. Seth has returned as well for the much desired second season! 'The Orville' is fantastic to watch, even without sound. Of course, I never would plan to view the show without sound, but the point is that the visual appearance of the series is great. The special effects are wonderful and extraordinary!

Well, we both know we're good at our jobs. And yet, we also seem to be the only two people who are haunted by this little voice that's always whispering that we don't really deserve to be here. And we're both alcoholics. — Episode 1: 'Ja'loja'

The First Episode

The first episode of season 2, titled 'Ja'loja' was not the best episode in the show's history. That being stated, I'd still prefer to watch it than most modern television. Still, it seemed a bit lacking for a series of this caliber. Nevertheless, it is a good episode to bring viewers back into the mood and the atmosphere of 'The Orville'. The acting persists to be terrific by long time actors like Seth. Peter Macon, who plays the character Lieutenant Commander Bortus, also does a fantastic job.

I can't state that every acted scene is perfect, but sometimes some lack does add to the overall charm of the show. The variation in character personalities continues to be something that is extraordinarily good for 2019 television. Not all of the characters are completely unique in their personalities, but the development of each person's identity as an individual is incredibly well done in comparison to most works of the era of moving pictures. I was a little sad not to note the voice acting skills of Norm Macdonald in this first episode, but don't worry; he is still involved in this season! The initial episode serves great as a reintroduction to the show. And, as that is what is intended to do, I cannot fault it for that.

The Second Episode

This is by far one of the best episodes of any show I have seen in a long time; it may be one of the greatest television episodes I have ever seen in 28 years of life! That is not an exaggeration; this episode was amazing, bizarre, and hilarious. Even an hour of this may not have been enough.

Whereas many of the episodes of the first season of 'The Orville' were fun for their scientific and philosophic ponderings, this episode was incredible on so many levels. By the way, this second episode is called 'Primal Urges'. Let that sink in. Can you guess what the episode is about? It's a pretty crazy one, and I love it so much. Not only is this episode funny, but the story here is very well written and performed. I admire Peter Macon's acting skills, and Seth MacFarlane's ability to do far above average while working in scifi. I will not give too many spoilers, and perhaps you will be as shocked as I was!

The penchant for biological lifeforms to anthropomorphize inanimate objects is irrational. I am quite certain the planet is unaware of its solitary status. — Episode 2: 'Primal Urges'

Conclusion

The first two episodes of the new season definitely deserve five stars! Perhaps some of you will think that I am being too generous here with my ratings, but I honestly feel as though 'The Orville' has been doing great! I hope that this show continues to surprise and to enchant us, the audience. What do you all think? Do you agree with me? Disagree with me? Have you seen any episodes of the show? Please let me know in the comments below so we can start a conversation!

Questions & Answers

Question: Is there a site where I could watch missed episodes of The Orville?

Answer: The official Fox website has a number of episodes that can be free to watch with ads. Here is a link:

https://www.fox.com/the-orville/

© 2019 Alexander James Guckenberger

Alexander James Guckenberger (author) from Maryland, United States of America on February 03, 2019:

I'd really appreciate it! Keep me up to date. :D

Eastward from Bangkok, Thailand on February 02, 2019:

You're most welcome. I'll let you know if I come across any other sci-fi gems!

Alexander James Guckenberger (author) from Maryland, United States of America on February 02, 2019:

I saw the movie when I was a kid. There's a lot of science fiction that I didn't know about. Thanks for the heads up! :)

Eastward from Bangkok, Thailand on February 02, 2019:

I think I missed the 'Lost in Space' movie. I'll have to check it out (hope it's better than the ratings show). I'm not sure I have anything to recommend you might have missed. I've enjoyed Stranger Things for nostalgia and Westworld for musing on the future of AI. Humans and Black Mirror had their moments as well.

Alexander James Guckenberger (author) from Maryland, United States of America on February 02, 2019:

Eastward, I will definitely look into it. Good writing is essential. Did you ever see the 1998 'Lost in Space' movie? Any more suggestions?

Eastward from Bangkok, Thailand on February 01, 2019:

There was a 2018 Netflix reboot of 'Lost in Space' and the first season was worth a watch. The concept surrounding "The Robot" was particularly interesting but I'm hoping for a little stronger writing in season 2. As for 'Altered Carbon' (also a Netflix series), it's a cyberpunk show set in a future where people can store memories and switch bodies to avoid death. There are some nice social commentary aspects showing the differences in what the elites and the poor can afford when it comes to bodies/"sleeves".

Alexander James Guckenberger (author) from Maryland, United States of America on February 01, 2019:

I can't wait to see Picard come back! Was there a reboot of 'Lost in Space' or are you referring to the show from back in the day? What's 'Altered Carbon' like?

Eastward from Bangkok, Thailand on February 01, 2019:

The depth was a very welcome surprise to me as well. I also have enjoyed watching Altered Carbon, Lost in Space, and Star Trek Discovery recently (also looking forward to the return of Picard!).

Alexander James Guckenberger (author) from Maryland, United States of America on February 01, 2019:

I like the depth though. Eastward, have you been watching any other science fiction shows lately? O.O

Eastward from Bangkok, Thailand on February 01, 2019:

Really enjoying this series so far! It's a far cry from what I expected at first. I was anticipating a lot of randomness but instead the show seems to carry a level of reverent depth.

Alexander James Guckenberger (author) from Maryland, United States of America on January 30, 2019:

I love magic shows. ^_^

The Sampsons from The Ozarks, Missouri on January 30, 2019:

He was a magic act. Jon? John? Like-able fellow and very good, too.

Alexander James Guckenberger (author) from Maryland, United States of America on January 29, 2019:

I didn't see the football player; I should look it up!

The Sampsons from The Ozarks, Missouri on January 29, 2019:

Hard to say, have not seen this week's yet - recorded.

I must say that Susan Boyle and Phil Potts (?) are just the epitome of finding talent hidden among the masses.

And that fellow that used to be a football player and is now a magician that levitated Heidi. I like him as a person and also his act.

Alexander James Guckenberger (author) from Maryland, United States of America on January 29, 2019:

I don't like the attacks on the Christian religion either. I'm very devout and give more than 10% of my earnings to the church. I a'int perfect, but the disrespect does get to me sometimes too.

'America's Got Talent' is awesome! What are your favorite moments?

The Sampsons from The Ozarks, Missouri on January 29, 2019:

Not many. I do think Big Bang theory is well-written and the cast is perfect, although I do object to their slams against Christianity that occur from time to time. Seems to be a popular theme in today's world.

Other than that, the current run of America's Got Talent, and Homicide Hunter Lieutenant Kenda is about it. I guess I don't watch much tv.

Alexander James Guckenberger (author) from Maryland, United States of America on January 28, 2019:

I agree that the science fiction element makes it awesome. The characters really do grow on you. What other shows have you watched recently?

The Sampsons from The Ozarks, Missouri on January 28, 2019:

This is the funniest show to come along in some time!! I have missed squirrelly shows like Psych, Castle, and other farcey shows. And being Sci-Fi is all the better.

If you do watch, you need to leave your sensitivity meters at the door. Some broad group gets jousted every 10 minutes and even really serious subjects are just funny in this series. Somehow they make it work.

The first episode I happened across last year, I deemed the whole series as unworthy. But as you follow the characters and personalities the whole thing is a real hoot.