Seth MacFarlane just gave the clearest public update yet on The Orville Season 4, and gang... it’s a big one.

In this episode, I break down Seth’s comments about Season 4 being completely written and ready to go once his schedule clears. After years of rumors, confusion, and clickmongering nonsense all over the internet, we finally have a real update straight from the man himself. I also talk about why I was never too worried about The Orville coming back, why Scott Grimes’ earlier comments still made sense at the time, and why Brigadoon may be the final stop before Seth returns to the captain’s chair.

Now I'm trying to imagine an epic space battle scored to "MMMBop"

cross-posted from: https://piefed.social/c/television/p/1838784/seth-macfarlane-teases-new-life-for-the-orville-season-4-is-written

S2E01 - Ja'loja

It seems obvious, but this was just hidden so well in plain sight.

• Introducing a new character in a season premiere is a well established trope
• Making that new character a love interest for the main character is an equally established trope
• The episode starts and ends with Ed at the bar wishing for something/anything to do so he can distract himself from his feelings for Kelly, so it seems like an innocent throwaway line.
• On rewatches, "Lieutenant Tyler" is just so damn likeable you can easily forget that you already know she's a Krill in disguise
• By the time of the reveal 3 episodes later, you likely forgot about this exchange because you've become as attached to "Lieutenant Tyler" as Ed has and are feeling just as betrayed.

WARNING: This thread WILL contain unhidden spoilers for this episode and every episode before it. You are allowed to talk about future episodes of the series, but put ANY information that comes after this episode behind spoiler tags.

The Orville season 3 "New Horizons", episode 9 "Domino"

Written by Brannon Braga & Andre Bormanis, directed by Jon Cassar.

"But the one thing you can say for democracy is that all other forms of government are even worse."

Ensign Burke and Isaac successfully develop and deploy a weapon that can target and effortlessly destroy the Kaylon. While the Union debates the moral implications of such a weapon, the threat of its existence is used to force a ceasefire with the Kaylons. When everyone finally feels like they can breathe a sigh of relief, the weapon is stolen out from under lock and key and given to a newly-formed Krill-Moclan alliance. Now the Orville and the entire Planetary Union races to stop them from using the weapon on a terrifying scale and save the very species that threatened to exterminate all life in the galaxy.

Originally released: 28 July 2022

Check here to find out where you can stream or digitally purchase The Orville in your country.

What did you think?

WARNING: This thread WILL contain unhidden spoilers for this episode and every episode before it. You are allowed to talk about future episodes of the series, but put ANY information that comes after this episode behind spoiler tags.

The Orville season 3 "New Horizons", episode 8 "Midnight Blue"

Written by Brannon Braga & Andre Bormanis, directed by Jon Cassar.

"I thought I hated you."

When Topa goes missing during an inspection of Haveena's sanctuary colony for female Moclans, Commander Grayson and Commander Bortus make a snap decision to rescue her without support from the Orville. Once Captain Mercer figures out the real reason why Topa was taken, a rift is created between him and Haveena over what's more important in the grand scheme of things. As Grayson and Bortus enter a time-sensitive situation they are barely ready or equipped for, Mercer puts his faith in a last-ditch effort to convince Haveena to help them rescue Topa by invoking a legendary figure from Earth's history.

A legendary figure from Earth's history

Originally released: 21 July 2022

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What did you think?

WARNING: This thread WILL contain unhidden spoilers for this episode and every episode before it. You are allowed to talk about future episodes of the series, but put ANY information that comes after this episode behind spoiler tags.

The Orville season 3 "New Horizons", episode 7 "From Unknown Graves"

Written by David A. Goodman, directed by Seth MacFarlane.

"It's as if, for the first time, I'm whole."

"Captain" Kelly Grayson & "Commander" Talla Keyali are attempting to negotiate a treaty with a fiercely-matriarchal race when an unknown signal is detected on a supposedly uninhabited planet. When that signal proves to be coming from a lost scientist and a converted Kaylon, the crew has to accept the possibility that the Kaylon could be taught to coexist with other races. Which causes certain crewmembers to grapple with their personal presumptions and expectations regarding the Orville's resident Kaylon.

Originally released: 14 July 2022

Check here to find out where you can stream or digitally purchase The Orville in your country.

What did you think?

As I am incapable of stuttering, I must conclude that you heard me.

Cracks me up every time.

WARNING: This thread WILL contain unhidden spoilers for this episode and every episode before it. You are allowed to talk about future episodes of the series, but put ANY information that comes after this episode behind spoiler tags.

The Orville season 3 "New Horizons", episode 6 "Twice in a Lifetime"

Written by Seth MacFarlane, directed by Jon Cassar.

"This family... is stronger than time."

After ongoing work to improve Dr. Aronov's time dilation device, the Admiralty deems it a potentially dangerous weapon and arranges to have it placed under heavy guard at a Union science outpost. When they arrive, they realize the Kaylon learned about their plan and got to the outpost first. In an attempt to escape a surprise attack and prevent the device from falling into Kaylon hands, the Orville takes damage just as Lieutenant Malloy attempts to destroy it - sending him backwards in time. Malloy manages to broadcast a message past the speed of light into the future which prompts a time travel rescue mission. But the Orville arrives several years late, long after Malloy had given up any hope of being rescued.

Originally released: 7 July 2022

Check here to find out where you can stream or digitally purchase The Orville in your country.

What did you think?

WARNING: This thread WILL contain unhidden spoilers for this episode and every episode before it. You are allowed to talk about future episodes of the series, but put ANY information that comes after this episode behind spoiler tags.

The Orville season 3 "New Horizons", episode 5 "A Tale of Two Topas"

Written and Directed by Seth MacFarlane.

"I do not know how to help him!"

As Topa (Imani Pullum) expresses a desire to one day attend Union Point and become a ship commander, he also confides in Commander Grayson that he feels like something about him is... wrong somehow. Unable to dismiss the guilt, Grayson revives the discussion of Topa's origin and whether or not he should know the truth. The mere thought divides Topa's parents which leads Grayson and Captain Mercer to make a pair of rash decision that might be good for one person, but potentially disastrous for the entire Planetary Union.

The other Topa

Originally released: 30 June 2022

Check here to find out where you can stream or digitally purchase The Orville in your country.

What did you think?

WARNING: This thread WILL contain unhidden spoilers for this episode and every episode before it. You are allowed to talk about future episodes of the series, but put ANY information that comes after this episode behind spoiler tags.

The Orville season 3 "New Horizons", episode 4 "Gently Falling Rain"

Written by Brannon Braga & Andre Bormanis, Directed by Jon Cassar.

"Night falls fast. Today is in the past."

Since being released back to her people by Captain Mercer, Teleya has built a strong hardliner movement among her people on Krill to oppose the reigning Supreme Chancellor, who supports the peaceful alliance with the Planetary Union against the Kaylon. Just as the peace treaty between Krill and the Union is signed, Teleya seizes power and holds the President of the Union, Captain Mercer, and several others hostage. While the Planetary Union mobilizes a fleet to liberate the captives, Mercer is taken to a secret location on Krill to see a very special little girl.

Originally released: 23 June 2022

Check here to find out where you can stream or digitally purchase The Orville in your country.

What did you think?

Hi all, I'm a long time Star Trek fan. I've watched just about every major Star Trek series so far ... I've watched so much over the years that I'm starting to rewatch stuff again.

I thought I'd give The Orville a chance and I started watching a few days ago. Just finished episode four and I have to say .... I'm loving it.

It kinda harkens back to Star Trek The Next Generation ... and more like what happened in that universe with Picard's cousin's mother's uncle's former college roomate's brother in another sector of the galaxy. It has enough weight to feel like it delivers a story ... and enough goofiness to not take itself so seriously.

I feel special now after having witnessed Bortus incubate his egg with this mate Klyden and give birth to their daughter/son.

WARNING: This thread WILL contain unhidden spoilers for this episode and every episode before it. You are allowed to talk about future episodes of the series, but put ANY information that comes after this episode behind spoiler tags.

The Orville season 3 "New Horizons", episode 3 "Mortality Paradox"

Written by Cherry Chevapravatdumrong, Directed by Jon Cassar.

"You're an interesting species."

Just as Lieutenant Talla returns to the Orville after some time off, an artificial signal is detected coming from a planet the Union already knows is a barren rock. When they arrive, the planet seems to be host to a well-developed civilization. Unable to reconcile this with every single scan taken of the planet prior, Captain Mercer takes a team to the surface only to find the sprawling cities replaced with dense forests. As they explore further they lose contact with the Orville and come across a 21st century Earth school filled with students. Things only get weirder from there.

Originally released: 16 June 2022

Check here to find out where you can stream or digitally purchase The Orville in your country.

What did you think?

Announcement: Next week it will actually be posted on Sunday! T_T

WARNING: This thread WILL contain unhidden spoilers for this episode and every episode before it. You are allowed to talk about future episodes of the series, but put ANY information that comes after this episode behind spoiler tags.

The Orville season 3 "New Horizons", episode 2 "Shadow Realms"

Written by Brannon Braga & Andre Bormanis, Directed by Jon Cassar.

"You will be... of us."

Admiral Christie (James Read), a man from Dr. Finn's past, comes aboard the Orville to negotiate passage through Krill space with their diplomatic envoy. While the crew of the Orville is excited to explore a region of space previously cut off from the Planetary Union, the Krill almost beg the humans to stay away from an area of space known as the Kalarr Expanse. The Krill Bible, the Ankhana, warns that it is a gateway to where demons reside. The Admiralty, especially Christie, brush off their warning as religious dogma. But just as the Orville begins their survey mission, a strange distress call is heard coming from inside the expanse.

Originally released: 9 June 2022

Check here to find out where you can stream or digitally purchase The Orville in your country.

What did you think?

Announcement:
Sorry for being late with this week's thread. Future episodes will be posted on Sunday again.

WARNING: This thread WILL contain unhidden spoilers for this episode and every episode before it. You are allowed to talk about future episodes of the series, but put ANY information that comes after this episode behind spoiler tags.

The Orville season 3 "New Horizons", episode 1 "Electric Sheep"

Written & Directed by Seth MacFarlane.

"There is no problem so immense that it can't be solved in time."

The Orville is docked at Earth for a complete overhaul of the ship and its systems. Commander LaMarr has to shut down Isaac's new science lab to allow for some upgrades, so Isaac decides to spend the time in the mess hall talking with the crew. Except that the crew now largely wants nothing to do with him, especially the new operations officer; Ensign Charly Burke (Anne Winters). She tells Isaac in no uncertain terms that everyone wants him off the ship. This includes Doctor Finn's older son; Marcus, who thinks Isaac is a murderer and tells him to his face that he wishes he were dead. After considering these candid remarks, Isaac does what he thinks is the most logical course of action - he intentionally shuts himself down and wipes his memory core with a focused power surge.

Originally released: 2 June 2022

Check here to find out where you can stream or digitally purchase The Orville in your country.

What did you think?

Just a daily reminder to be nice to your AI robot slaves.

WARNING: This thread WILL contain unhidden spoilers for this episode and every episode before it. You are allowed to talk about future episodes of the series, but put ANY information that comes after this episode behind spoiler tags.

The Orville season 2, episode 14 "The Road Not Taken"

Written by David A. Goodman, directed by Gary Rake.

Mercer & Malloy are scavenging a Union outpost when they are overrun by a Kaylon patrol. They narrowly escape, only to be taken captive by an unknown ship crewed by some familiar faces. Ed Mercer is reunited with Kelly Grayson after seven years and, if she is to be believed, they were all suppose to be serving together aboard a ship called the Orville and the destruction of the Planetary Union at the hands of the Kaylon was never suppose to happen.

Originally released: 25 April 2019

Check here to find out where you can stream or digitally purchase The Orville in your country. The Orville season 2 is also available on DVD.

What did you think?

WARNING: This thread WILL contain unhidden spoilers for this episode and every episode before it. You are allowed to talk about future episodes of the series, but put ANY information that comes after this episode behind spoiler tags.

The Orville season 2, episode 13 "Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow"

Written by Janet Lin, directed by Gary Rake.

*While Commander Grayson and Isaac are analyzing a scientific experiment, the Orville encounters a gravitational wave that drags the ship out of quantum. Everything seems to be fine until a young woman appears next to Isaac - a younger version of Kelly Grayson. She is found to be from seven years in the past, but Commander Grayson has no memory of being transported into the future. With no obvious way to send her back, and Kaylon patrols repeatedly dogging the ship, Lieutenant Grayson must acclimate to a new environment in a new time. And an older, more mature Ed Mercer."

Originally released: 18 April 2019

Check here to find out where you can stream or digitally purchase The Orville in your country. The Orville season 2 is also available on DVD.

What did you think?

WARNING: This thread WILL contain unhidden spoilers for this episode and every episode before it. You are allowed to talk about future episodes of the series, but put ANY information that comes after this episode behind spoiler tags.

The Orville season 2, episode 12 "Sanctuary"

Written by Joe Menosky, directed by Jonathan Frakes.

Moclan engineers are sent to the Orville to upgrade their weapons in response to the Kaylon threat. Commander Bortus discovers that they are also smuggling precious cargo to their next destination. After they've departed, word of this gets out and Captain Mercer follows them to a previously unknown star system hidden inside a nebula. On one of the planets they discover a coven of Moclan females living in hiding under the leadership of Heveena (Rena Owen). Once the Moclans also discover this sanctuary, Mercer races against time to have the Union formally recognize and protect the refugees before the Moclan government has them extradited as criminals. While this is happening, Bortus must also contend with Topa's disregard for females aboard the ship and Klyden's insistance that he only be taught traditional Moclan values.

Originally released: 11 April 2019

Check here to find out where you can stream or digitally purchase The Orville in your country. The Orville season 2 is also available on DVD.

What did you think?

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/36362541

(Sorrynotsorry for the self plug. I decided it was worth posting on Mastodon first.)

WARNING: This thread WILL contain unhidden spoilers for this episode and every episode before it. You are allowed to talk about future episodes of the series, but put ANY information that comes after this episode behind spoiler tags.

The Orville season 2, episode 11 "Lasting Impressions"

Written by Seth MacFarlane, directed by Kelly Cronin.

Dr. Sherman (Tim Russ) brings a time capsule from early 21st-century Earth onboard the Orville for transport to a research facility. Among the items inside is a smartphone owned by Laura Huggins (Leighton Meester), a woman who lived in upstate New York during that time. Lieutenant Malloy takes a special interest in her and has the simulator take the data from her phone to create a simulation of what she and her life was like. What starts out as curiosity turns into an unhealthy obsession as Malloy begins neglecting duties and treating the simulation like a real person. Meanwhile, Commander Bortus and Clyden take interest in a different item from the time capsule; a pack of cigarettes.

Originally released: 21 March 2019

Check here to find out where you can stream or digitally purchase The Orville in your country. The Orville season 2 is also available on DVD.

What did you think?