(Scene begins in the depths of space as we see The Orville flying in the depths of space. We soon find Lt. Cmdr. John LaMarr, Lt. Cmdr. Bortus, Isaac, Lt. Cmdr. Talla Keyali, Cmdr. Grayson & Capt. Ed Mercer as they discover a bunch of devices, one being a Sonic Screwdriver and ORAC inside a room for scientific research)
ISAAC:
According to scientists, these artifacts were found in what was once known as Sullivan County, New York. During the twentieth century, specifically a heyday in The 1920s until the 1960s, it was part of what was known as "The Borscht Belt." It was when residents known as Hotels were used to finding talent for television, movies, and theater, both local and national. And Borscht is a soup made from beetroot and topped with Sour Cream. It is also served cold.
Lt. Cmdr. John LaMarr:
According to what I've read in the research, this is a Screwdriver. Though I thought it was for personal stimulation because of the sonic frequencies.
Lt. Cmdr. Talla Keyali:
And according to what I've read, This is a supercomputer. It has an activation key that runs on a rechargeable battery. A few ounces of self-sustaining energy from the Quantum Core will suffice in reactivating it. With your permission, Captain.
Captain Ed Mercer:
Let's see if it can work. (Talla puts the activation key in, and the ship shuts down)
Cmdr. Kelly Grayson (Audio only):
John, find the backup generators and get them going! (The ship restarts, and ORAC activates)
ORAC:
All systems and functions are at one hundred percent. (Everyone except Isaac jumps back in surprise.)
ISAAC:
I am Isaac. You are... (Cut to ORAC)
ORAC:
ORAC! A supercomputer created for the British Broadcasting Corporation's Science Fiction series known as "Blake's 7," I was revived by one James Faraci to assist him in his reviews as his Internet Reviewing persona known as "The Last Of The Americans," and if I am given access to an area where I can create a holographic connection to him and his time. I shall show you what he was like. I am also aware of all the people on board the Planetary Union Starship USS ORVILLE Service number ECV-197. Status: Active in service as a Mid-level exploratory ship however, from interspace chatter, it is becoming a flagship for the Planetary Union. (Cut to Captain Ed Mercer
Captain Ed Mercer:
Impressive. John take... (Cut to ORAC)
ORAC:
ORAC! (Cut to Captain Ed Mercer)
Captain Ed Mercer:
Right! ORAC to an environmental simulator. Bortus, Talla, run a security sweep to make sure ORAC won't take us into the heart of a sun. (Cut to ORAC)
ORAC:
I observe Asimov's rules of robotics. One) I may not injure or harm a human being through any action or inaction or allow a human to be harmed. Two) I will obey any order unless it comes into conflict with the first rule. Finally, I must protect myself as long as it does not conflict with the first and second laws. Besides, It would be a waste of time and energy best used as assistance in any way, shape, or form for your Planetary Union for any passing idea of intergalactic conquest. Think of all the religious and sociological differences that would cause me to suffer a catastrophic malfunction that would reduce the galaxies to dust. But to alleviate your discomfort, I have run the security checks myself. No foreign virus or program has infected either myself or your ship.
Captain Ed Mercer:
I appreciate it. Place ORAC in an environmental simulator; we'll run this by the Admiralty. (Cut to an exterior shot of the Orville as it flies in the depths of space as Admiral Halsey appears on board the ship with the others in the environmental simulator with ORAC.)
Admiral Halsey:
Fascinating. So ORAC's priority is to act as an assistant for information or as a one-device assistant when a complete crew is incapacitated.
ORAC (Audio only):
Indeed, Admiral Halsey, And I am preparing the necessary connections to show you my former owner, James Faraci The Last Of The Americans, at his office. (Cut to Captain Ed Mercer)
Captain Ed Mercer:
When will it be... (The environmental simulator changes to James Faraci The Last Of The Americans' Lobby) ready?
ORAC (Audio only):
Currently, you are still in your environmental simulator. The temporal connection point I made with the studio would be synchronized with James at the current point of the year 2022.
Lt. Gordon Malloy:
Wow, so this was what it was like in 2022. Reminds me of that one simulation. (The sound of walking is heard as James walks in, sees the crew of The Orville, smiles, and looks over his workload for the next few months.)
TLOTA:
Make yourself comfortable; I am just about to finish my August workload. Of course, it will be a little awkward because it's about you guys. (Cut to Lt. Cmdr. Bortus and Lt. Cmdr. John Lamarr.)
Lt. Cmdr. Bortus:
It can see us. I thought it was a Hologram.
Lt. Cmdr. John Lamarr:
I did a scan; this is more than just a recorded hologram from the past. According to the results, ORAC has turned this environmental simulator into a holographic imaging chamber and connected itself to a version of itself from 2022. How that is possible?
TLOTA:
I will tell you during the intro. (The scene fades to black as it cuts to the depths of space as a sound-alike to both the theme song of The Orville and the 1994 American Gladiators theme as we see the depths of space before cutting to James' Space-Time Device as it zooms through the sky as the title of "The Last Of The Americans" in the same font of The Orville's title card. James and his team are credited, and the guest stars are credited as the cast of "The Orville." Cut to the Space-Time Device as it flies through the depths of space with grace as it credits James as the writer and director of the episode. Cut to the crew of The Orville.)
Captain Ed Mercer:
Incredible, even though in our time we're real, in your time we're a tv series, and everything that is happening to you now, we're viewing you in the present time of your time. While not affecting anything here, you are a hologram to us, and we are holograms to you. (Cut to James)
TLOTA:
Exactly and I am about to talk about your adventures while you learn how your adventures are being thought of in my time. You check out the monitor; I will check out the camera above it so I can talk to the audience. I'm James Faraci, The Last Of The Americans, and the views I'm about to express are that of my own and some of yours. If you love Sci-Fi at its best, then you HAVE to watch The Orville. (Cut to the Title card of The Orville, then clips of the series as James does a voiceover)
TLOTA (V.O.):
Created by Seth MacFarland, the same one who created Family Guy, Ted, A Million Ways To Die In The West, and helped create American Dad. The Orville started as an idea by MacFarland's attempt to bring Star Trek back to the small screen. When Paramount told Seth to hit the bricks, he took his idea, refined it, and has since turned what could've been a bad parody attempt at Star Trek and turned it into the purest Sci-Fi series I have ever seen. The series stars MacFarland as Captain Ed Mercer as he travels into the depths of space on board the mid-level exploratory ship known as The Orville in the Planetary Union set in the 2420s. His crew consists of Lt. Gordon Malloy, played by Scott Grimes, The captain's best friend, and is possibly the best pilot in the Union.
Lt. Gordon Malloy (Audio only):
Thanks for the compliment
TLOTA (V.O.):
Next up is Isaac, played by Mark Jackson; Isaac is a Kaylon whose mission is to understand human behavior; throughout the first one and a half seasons, Isaac was a diplomat for his people. Of course, his people are robots, and comparisons were made to the character of Data from Star Trek: The Next Generation. While yes, on the surface, he could be considered a clone or a cheap knock-off of Data. His development led to love and being more than what his people were which according to Captain Ed Mercer, they're a bunch of racist robots. His development ties in with Dr. Claire Finn, played by the ever lovely and distinguished Penny Johnson Jerald, who you may also remember from shows like 24 and, of course, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine as Kasady Yates, Benjamin Sisko's love interest and eventual wife towards the end of the series run. Dr. Finn is a single mom of two boys, Ty & Marcus, she is the ship's doctor and often the counselor for everyone on board. Her development is intertwined with Isaac's because both Isaac and Claire start to develop a romantic relationship, and the culmination of said development is on this list.
Isaac (Audio only):
A fascinating description of the relationship you have between Claire and myself.
Dr. Claire Finn (Audio only):
A little brief, but something tells me you know what you are doing.
TLOTA (V.O.):
Next up is Lt. Cmdr. Talla Keyali, played by Jessica Szohr. She's the chief security officer and a Xelayan. A Xeleyan is lighter and stronger than a normal human under the differences of gravitational levels between earth and that of the Xelayan home world. Initially considered by fans as a knockoff of the previous chief security officer Lt. Alara Kitan, played by Halston Sage, we see that Talla is as good as her predecessor and quickly won the fans over by bringing her own shoes to the role of the chief security officer and won me over by showing empathy and true strength by using her head and her heart more than her fists.
Lt. Cmdr. Talla Keyali (Audio only):
Uh... Thank you?
TLOTA (V.O.):
You're most welcome. Up next is Lt. Cmdr. Bortus, played by Peter Macon. He's the second officer and is a Moclan. The Moclans were the primary weapons manufacturers for the Union until an incident involving Bortus' offspring Topa convinced the Union to tell the Moclans to get the hell out. More details about it later: they pee only once a year in a celebration called Ja'Loja and are supposed to be one gender only. We'll talk more about it as the countdown goes on. But he winds up with quite a bit of development, and I will talk about what happens to him when I talk about the episodes about him on the list.
Lt. Cmdr. Bortus (Audio Only):
Interesting you know all about me.
TLOTA (V.O.):
Finally, we have Commander Kelly Grayson, played by Adrienne Palicki, Her infidelities led Ed to suffer a year-long slump in his career, and she has since been seeking atonement for her actions. One of the actions of atonement was helping Ed get the Captain's chair of The Orville. The show started off in a rough patch but quickly found itself in the highest echelons of sci-fi and became a hit series. However, after two solid seasons, Fox promised the third season, but soon due to the usual chicanery that goes on with a series that everyone likes EXCEPT the network. Fox dropped the series. However, HULU granted the series a stay of execution and picked the series up for the third season. And after watching that season, it's clear that there's more greatness in the future, and at the time of this post, it is also now on Disney+. While I will discuss my thoughts on the series at the end of the top ten list. I will say, YOU HAVE TO WATCH IT! But for now, to celebrate its success, so far, I am going to count down ten of the best episodes from one of the best Sci-Fi Series ever made. And so everyone knows, there will be spoilers. However, I will do my best to keep it to a minimum. (Cut to James physically)
TLOTA:
So let us praise Avis and engage The Quantum Drive. This is the top ten best episodes of The Orville So Far! (Cut to different lines containing clips from the series proper as the main title of the series plays in the foreground, and the lines come together to create the Planetary Union's Logo and the words in the same text as the series opening credits "The Top Ten Best Episodes Of The Orville, So Far." The words fade as the number pops up over the Planetary Union's Logo, and James does a voiceover.)
TLOTA (V.O.):
Number ten
10) Lasting Impressions and Twice In A Lifetime
(Cut to clips of the episodes as James does a voiceover)
TLOTA (V.O.):
On an archaeological discovery in Saratoga Springs, NY. The archaeological team discovers a phone which features a girl named Laura, played by Leighton Meester; Gordon finds Laura so interesting that he decides to make up a simulation that features Laura in her life as Gordon tries to interact with her as much as he can. But when something he doesn't want with Laura happens, Gordon learns that he can't change the past without ruining something good for someone else. And as for the follow-up episode, "Twice in a Lifetime" shows Gordon doing exactly what he would have done. A bit of backstory, a device called the Aronov Temporal device was introduced in the pilot; the device was known to age things forwards or backward in a life span. However, Lamarr is capable of turning the device into a time transfer device. And when The Kaylon hears about it, Gordon goes down to destroy it, which sends multiple versions of him throughout the Space-Time Continuum, which would explain certain people in other shows that look like Gordon Malloy. But I digress; when the crew finds him, they arrive ten years too late. Gordon has married Laura, has a son, is expecting another kid, and has a job in aviation. This puts everyone in conflict on what to do. Gordon says he has a good life and doesn't want to go back. However, the solution is even more heartbreaking than losing Gordon. Of course, any other solution is automatically thrown out of the airlock. But the ending stays with you as one of the most heartbreaking of the series. All things considered a strong entry point in this list.
(Cut to the Planetary Union's Logo as James does a voiceover.)
TLOTA (V.O.):
Number nine
9) Pria
(Cut to clips of the episode as James does a voiceover)
TLOTA (V.O.):
This episode is on the list because of how it balances out its A & B plots. The B plot is Gordon trying to teach Isaac about humor by doing practical jokes to one another. Gordon places Mr. Potato head pieces on Isaac, and Isaac takes it too far too quickly! (Show clip of Gordon having woken up with one leg and confronting him, calling Isaac Sick and saying that there is something wrong with Isaac. Cut to James physically)
TLOTA:
I've heard of jokes where someone said, "You're Pulling My Leg." but this was ridiculous. (Cut to clips of the episode as James does a voiceover)
TLOTA (V.O.):
Then, of course, there is the A plot which involves Pria Levesque played by...by...by...by...(Slowed down audio of the word "by" is heard as the saxophone pieces from "Careless Whisper" is heard we soon cut to the single members of Team TLOTA as they look in love with Charlize Theron. Cut to further clips of Charlize Theron as it cuts to the married couples of Team TLOTA as they look in love with Charlize Theron. Cut to more clips of Charlize Theron. Cut to James as he looks in love with Charlize Theron just as Julia Alexa Miller comes in with a bucket of ice water, and James gets hit with it and screams to high heavens as it cuts to a mountain with snow on it and James scream causes an avalanche! Cut to James physically as Captain Ed Mercer and Dr. Claire Finn come over to see what happened.)
Captain Ed Mercer:
What happened?
Dr. Claire Finn:
Judging by the scream...
TLOTA:
Can I tell you both something? I and that woman you saw, her name is Julia Alexa Miller AKA Alex Liquidverve Miller on Instagram. We have minor arguments, which lead to her winning by having my privates waxed! (Captain Ed Mercer slowly backs away) The fact I saw Charlize Theron and had that look of falling in love was wrong of me. So as a reminder, even though the hairs grow back, she occasionally reminds me of where I stand with her now. And ice cold water on freshly waxed privates hurt like nobody's business!
Dr. Claire Finn:
I know that sensation. Might I suggest...
TLOTA:
We have an on-site therapist, Dr. Denny. He's good, a little obsessed with the 2003 movie "The Room," but he's competent, and I want to get back to work right now. (Cut to clips of the episode as James does a voiceover)
TLOTA (V.O.):
Yeah, this is Pria Levesque, played by Charlize Theron. Probably doing the episode as a favor to Seth MacFarland, but nevertheless, She is amazing as Pria. Pria's mysterious actions and dialogue throughout the episode keep Kelly guessing until it's too late as Pria takes the ship into the further future. A catfight between Kelly and Pria and Isaac's consciousness in the ship causes Ed to regain the ship and destroy the black hole everyone went through, eliminating Pria from everything. What also puts this episode on the list is that everything started to gain more traction by this point. The Critics were slowly coming around to the series, the fan base was growing rapidly, and the ratings were starting to climb for the series. So this episode was pivotal to helping the series become bigger and better as the season went on. So this episode was worth putting on the list.
(Cut to the Planetary Union's Logo as James does a voiceover.)
TLOTA (V.O.):
Number Eight
8) Future Unknown
(Cut to clips of the episode as James does a voiceover)
TLOTA (V.O.):
A lot of people called this episode unnecessary. But after a season of so much heavy-duty intense Sci-Fi action, adventure, and drama, a comedic respite was LONG overdue! And this was the perfect comedic respite. After a disturbing ceremony in which Bortus and Klyden renew their vows. Isaac decided that the time was right to take the next step in his relationship with Dr. Claire Finn. Isaac proposed marriage to Dr. Claire Finn after leading the audience most of the second season, and this season, unsure of their relationship, decided that they'd like it and they were gonna put rings on it. I know Futurama would look down on the relationship, but according to Isaac, he would be there for Claire and her boys and any further descendants. And anyone who is able to do that is someone you don't let go of. And in typical comedic wackiness, Isaac invites everyone on his home planet to the event! (Cut to Isaac as he tells Captain Mercer why they're there. Cut to a still of Isaac as Waa-Waa music plays, Cut to James physically as he comedically shrugs his shoulders. Cut back to the episode as James does a voiceover.) We also get a return of Lysella, played by Giorgia Whigham, seeking asylum from her planet. She is tired of the usual rigamarole on her planet, which I will discuss later on this list. Alara Kitan, played by Halston Sage, also came in as a cameo to see how everyone was, wish the best to both Claire and Isaac, and fully pass the torch to Talla. But suffice to say, this comedic breather was awesome! And for those who have problems with the comedic tone, I say this, even shows like Star Trek in every series and the occasional movie had their comedic relief moments/episodes. So take it easy and enjoy the laugh and the love between Isaac and Claire. (Cut to James, Dr. Claire Finn, and Isaac physically)
TLOTA:
And before I forget, even though the episode aired and I watched it. I wish I could've been there to say L'Chaim and Mazel Tov. That was Hebrew wishing you the best of health and congratulations.
Dr. Claire Finn & Isaac (In Unison):
Thank you
(Cut to the Planetary Union's Logo as James does a voiceover.)
TLOTA (V.O.):
Number seven
7) About A Girl, Sanctuary, A Tale Of Two Topas, and Midnight Blue
(Cut to clips of the episodes as James does a voiceover)
TLOTA (V.O.):
Talk about a storyline that was well timed throughout the series so far. Topa was hatched at the end of the second episode, and according to Moclan society, if a baby is born a girl, she has to have surgery that changes them into a male. While Bortus and his mate Klyden played by Chad L. Coleman, are initially on board to continue the tradition. Many on board were horrified by this callous attitude towards Topa's existence. When of all things, John Lamarr and Gordon Malloy decide to bring a six-pack, and the Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer tv special Bortus gains clarity about Topa being different. Things are different because we discover Klyden bought the lie as it was discovering that Klyden was born female, went through the surgery, and thought he would have a better life. We also discover that Moclus is a weapon-manufacturing planet, saying, "We're in this union; you need our weapons." We also discover that their most well-known philosopher and author is female. However, whatever happened failed to keep Topa from fate. We soon find the philosopher Heveena, played by Rena Owen, disillusioned to the point where she leaves Moclus to set up a colony planet that has its own underground railroad for the females that would be free for them. And we soon discover that Heveena, on a reason to keep the planet safe listened to Dolly Parton and inspired her with the strength and courage to fight for their colony. In the most recent season, Topa discovers the truth and decides that for Topa to be free, he becomes the girl she was meant to be. With that, we move on to Midnight Blue. Dolly Parton guest stars! That is the biggest reason for this episode to be on the list. But this episode is crucial as Topa decides to help the colony planet. She's then captured and tortured by Moclans as a traitor on Moclus, helping the colony planet. Bortus and Kelly Grayson rescue Topa. However, after seeing Topa looking like crap, Bortus decides to beat the fothermucker who hurt Topa within an inch of his life. Showing what has happened to the Union. Moclus is forced out of the union. And after a long time away, Klyden finally accepts Topa as his daughter. With the three eventually renouncing their citizenship to their home planet. These episodes were so great, and the storyline had been well-timed throughout the series run that if this is how the storyline ends for Topa, I was well entertained, and the episodes have done a great job in storytelling as great as a soap opera. And of course, DOLLY PARTON! If you can get Dolly Parton and have her inspire the galaxy, then it deserves to be on this list.
(Cut to the Planetary Union's Logo as James does a voiceover.)
TLOTA (V.O.):
Number six
6) Old Wounds
(Cut to clips of the episode as James does a voiceover)
TLOTA (V.O.):
It kind of stinks that I put the pilot in the number six slot as it does set the series and our characters up. But in terms of series pilots, it's one of the best I've seen. After his wife cheats on him with a blue alien, Ed Mercer's career hits the skids. it's up to Admiral Halsey, played by Victor Garber, to help him out of his year-long funk by giving Ed one last chance to get back on track by giving him The Orville. Discovering that his ex-wife is now his XO, he tries to be professional even if their first conversation as Captain and XO becomes so loud that I think everyone on earth in my time heard them! But after an encounter between them and the Krill, they discover they work better as a Captain and XO better than husband and wife. Even though, at the end of the episode, we discover that Kelly got Ed the Captain's chair as an act of atonement for what she did. It was possibly some of the best sci-fi I had seen since the Star Trek series and movies of the 1990s. Granted, it had its few stumbles; if you have seen it, it is nice to see what can start so small and become something bigger.
(Cut to the Planetary Union's Logo as James does a voiceover.)
TLOTA (V.O.):
Number five
5) Gently Falling Rain
(Cut to clips of the episode as James does a voiceover)
TLOTA (V.O.):
On the eve of peace between The Krill and The Planetary Union, Teleya, played by Michaela McManus, takes the chancellor's throne, effectively ending all hope for peace. The delegates from the Planetary Union are now being prepared for execution, one of them being the Planetary Union's president, played by Babylon 5's Bruce Boxleitner. Even more shocking is the fact that Ed has a daughter, Anaya, and Teleya is her mom. Though she denies it to the populace for fear of losing her power. And just for the record, Teleya is doing this because Ed hurt her by saving her and innocent children on a reconnaissance mission he had in season one. Talk about gratitude. While Ed is hopeful to see his daughter again and regain some sort of peace between the Krill and The Union. By the end of the episode, you can tell Teleya was going to use her daughter as a political tool, and all hopes for peace have been destroyed for now. As for what the future holds? Maybe, one day, both sides will regain the peace they lost, and Ed can hopefully make up for the lost time when Anaya's mom decided that power meant more than peace because her pride was hurt.
(Cut to James physically)
TLOTA:
And for those who use your children for devious reasons, I say SHAME ON YOU! SHAME ON ALL OF YOU FOR YOUR CALLOUS AND CAVALIER ATTITUDES TOWARDS CHILDREN! YOU DON'T DESERVE THE RIGHT TO BE PARENTS! GO TO HELL! ALL OF YOU! YOU'RE SCUM! And to Teleya, if you are seeing this in your cell, let me say the following, You're a scaly bitch! If not for the fact you have limbs and an acute aversion to sunlight, you'd be no different from a SNAKE! Cold-blooded, vicious, and without conscience! And I hope AVIS condemns you to the Krill equivalent of hell! (Sighs, then regains his calm) Before I get to number four, there is something I need to talk about, the content of the episode. It talks about social media. I should say the following about Social Media. I use Social Media as a tool to promote my work and connect with my family and friends. Very rarely do I ever talk about, Politics or the society we live in and talk about it in any way on Social Media. Even rarer is when I use Social Media for fun! Social Media used properly is meant to connect us all together. With that said... (Cut to the Planetary Union's Logo as James does a voiceover.)
TLOTA (V.O.):
Number four
4) Majority Rule
(Cut to clips of the episode as James does a voiceover)
TLOTA (V.O.):
The crew is on a mission on the planet Sargas 4 to find missing anthropologists. What they find is the planet's society being run by Social Media. Imagine if MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and every other form of Social Media became the governing body of an entire planet. And if you get a certain amount of downvotes, well, you wind up lobotomized, and your I.Q. is equal to spaghetti.
Isaac (Audio only):
There is a race known as The Spaghetti in the Union. Are you talking about them?
TLOTA (V.O.):
I'm talking about the dried pasta, Isaac. But I digress; Lamarr finds himself in a situation of his own mistakes as he winds up getting into trouble with the planet as he faces lobotomization for well his grinding. Alara Kitan nearly finds herself in Lamarr's predicament and avoids it barely, but the team sent to investigate is met with an ordinary member of Sargas 4's society who helps rescue Lamarr from winding up with Spaghetti for intelligence. Lysella, played by Giorgia Whigham, creates a promotional campaign to save Lamarr his fate. Lysella would return to The Orville in the latest episode, tired of being part of her planet's society. This episode highlights in its own way how blindly siding with what is popular on social media will turn your humanity off. Following those that Social Media says you should or must because they're the popular thing right now or having Social Media tell you to shun or crucify someone because Social Media tells you to do it. Doing what social media tells you without your conscience telling you to do otherwise can eventually erode away your humanity. Blindly saying yes to this or no to that because everyone else is doing it. And lest we forget those who have been lobotomized! If they weren't found guilty, they would have been able to take Sargas 4 to the stars. But we'll never know because in a society that's been controlled by Social Media that said fricassee their brains because that's what we tell you to do is the answer for everything. And for those who got their minds reduced to (Making the Sargas 4 who got Lobotomized sound as they are): one plus one equals IPUTSTHESQUAREINTHEROUNDHOLE! (Talking normally): Their loved ones are now stuck caring for them forever. Sargas 4, you are so downvoted that I would gladly see EVERY SINGLE LAST PERSON THERE GET THEIR BRAINS REDUCED TO THE CONSISTENCY OF RICE PUDDING!!
(Cut to the Planetary Union's Logo as James does a voiceover.)
TLOTA (V.O.):
Number three
3) Nothing On Earth Excepting Fishes
(Cut to clips of the episode as James does a voiceover)
TLOTA (V.O.):
This one is a personal choice for me. For the first time in a long time since Ed and Kelly's divorce. Both are happy with new loved ones in their lives and their careers on the upswing. Ed and Lt. Janel Tyler played by Michaela McManus, are a happy couple heading out on a vacation when the two are intercepted by a Krill fighter. Ed is doing everything it takes to survive when the truth about Janel Tyler's identity is exposed. Janel Tyler is, in fact, the Krill female Teleya he met on his reconnaissance mission to discover more about the Krill. She was sent in as a spy to learn more about The Planetary Union and get to Ed Mercer. She succeeded, and by the end of the episode, as Ed lets Teleya go, you can feel the pain Ed feels come through in the music from Billy Joel. The fact that this episode ended on such a somber note left me waxing introspective about my failures in the romance department. And if an episode can have me feeling that by the end, it is worthy of this list!
(Cut to the Planetary Union's Logo as James does a voiceover.)
TLOTA (V.O.):
Number two
2) Domino
(Cut to clips of the episode as James does a voiceover)
TLOTA (V.O.):
Many people loved the new season, and this episode, The Penultimate episode of the season, sees the changing faces of the wars being raged. With Moclus now out of the Planetary Union, they turn to the Krill for an alliance. Meanwhile, Isaac has created a weapon using tech from another reformed Kaylon to create a device to wipe them all out. Helping Isaac out is Ensign Charley Burke, played by Anne Winters. (Cut to James physically)
TLOTA:
And from what I heard, the fandom didn't like her attitude towards Isaac, nor did they like Charley as a character. The fans considered her another Dawn Summers, Wesley Crusher, Adric from classic Doctor Who, Connor from Angel, or one of the many offenders of being the most annoying character in a series or franchise. But I liked her for what she was. She survived hell and is now on board with a creature representing all the evil she fought and killed those she loved. No wonder she was abrasive. And before anyone asks, she was a member of the LGBTQIA+ Community, and I am fine with that. (Cut to clips of the episode as James does a voiceover)
TLOTA (V.O.):
The weapon is, of course, successful, which leads to the type of discussions only heard about in recent years in the movies and series that talk about this in a frank and honest manner. To me, even though it was in defense of the Xelayan Homeworld. You can see on Seth MacFarlane's face that the results were devastating and disgusting! Because this was something that Steve Rogers talked about in Captain America The Winter Soldier. Holding a weapon over your friends, enemies, and everyone else and calling it "Protection!" What The Union was doing wasn't protecting freedom. it was using fear; Terrorism at its most basic and beastly of concepts! Even worse, Admiral Perry, played by Ted Danson, betrays the Planetary Union by handing over the Kaylon Doomsday Device to the newly formed alliance. His reward? Being blasted into the depths of space and hell. A new alliance between the Kaylon and Union is forged to either recover or destroy the weapon. The battle is gloriously awesome to see. However, the final stand to either stop or destroy the device leads Charley to sacrifice herself to rescue everyone else. This act shows Kaylon Primary that not all biologicals are evil. In the end, This leads to an alliance between The Kaylon and The Union, even opening the door for a possible membership for the Kaylon. And the most heart-wrenching moment came from Isaac, someone who Charley hated with a burning passion, who gave the most poignant and simple eulogy for her. This episode was the critical moment for cementing a new hope for everyone, a lingering threat for the Planetary Union, and so many more stories for seasons to come.
(Cut to James physically)
TLOTA:
Now before I go to the number one spot, The episodes that are Honorable mentions are every other episode in the series that didn't make this list. They have their strong and weak points, and they were too good to be on this list. Now that I have said that, I give you all...
(Cut to the Planetary Union's Logo as James does a voiceover.)
TLOTA (V.O.):
The number one BEST episode, So Far, Of The Orville...
1) Identity Parts 1 & 2
(Cut to clips of the episode as James does a voiceover)
TLOTA (V.O.):
This episode raised the stakes for the series and set it up to be more than just a Sci-Fi Spoof of Star Trek. Isaac and Dr. Claire Finn have just gotten Ty & Marcus' approval for their relationship when mysteriously, Isaac collapses. What happened? Apparently, Isaac just shut down because according to the programming he had in him. He had enough information for The Kaylon to decide whether or not to join the union. However, Ty, the younger of the Finn Brothers, played by Kai Wener, discovers a dark secret that changes the game. The Kaylon murdered the organic life forms, which leads The Kaylon to take over The Orville and head for the earth to wipe every living thing out! And that was in part one! In Part two, Isaac makes a decision that shows where his true loyalty is, and it is not with his people, by saving Ty from extermination. Yaphit, played by the late Norm MacDonald, also steps up by getting into a Kaylon to shut it down; Kelly and Gordon take the chance to convince the Krill that the Kaylon are their enemies and they need to unite. After reclaiming the ship, Mercer contacts the Union and calling this battle The Orville's version of the Battle Of Wolf 359 is not entirely inaccurate, but if I were on YouTube and I could show the clips without copyright claims, I would play the battle with Sabotage by The Beastie Boys in it as well, it was that damned awesome! When The Krill come in to rescue them, it was the first time enemies could call themselves comrades in arms. And while yes, in the third season, Teleya screwed the pooch by becoming the Chancellor and saying there would be no way in hell between the warring races for peace. It looked like the seeds were sown for one brief, shining moment, hoping that a mutual enemy could make them see how much they were alike. As For Isaac, he was alone, now having to rebuild his reputation and rebuilding bonds that were broken when his people came to wipe us out. To say that this two-part episode was so imperative to the series' future is putting it mildly. It raised the stakes for the series. The development that came from this two-parter helped shape the next season, and if everyone is right, we're going to get more great battles and more great seasons to come, all because of enemies coming together to stop a common threat and hopes for peace were possible.
(Cut to James physically)
TLOTA:
And even though I put every other episode from the series in the Honorable mentions portion, if you want to tell me which of those episodes are your favorites. Let me know why in the comments section. Now, if I haven't made it clear enough, I LOVE THIS SERIES, AND IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN IT, WHAT IN THE NAME OF SAMUEL LANGFORD HELL ARE YOU WAITING FOR?! (Cut to clips of The Orville as James does a voiceover)
TLOTA (V.O.):
You are straight up missing out on one of the best Sci-Fi series, not just in this century but since the advent of Sci-Fi! The writing is amazing! The acting is superb! The Production Value is used perfunctorily; everything about this series is PERFECT! Check it out on either Hulu or Disney+ and see Star Trek perfected in a way that Gene Roddenberry, at his most sensible, would be proud to call The Orville its spiritual successor! (Cut to James and everyone from The Orville)
Captain Ed Mercer:
As glad as I am to see you have enjoyed our adventures, You sounded very irritated about how certain episodes wound up. I mean, if you were trying to vent about the negatives in order to enjoy the positives, then I understand, and just so you're aware, we did our research while you were doing your thing. Things do get better for you. And for the record...
TLOTA:
You can't tell me! I understand! ORAC! Take care of them.
ORAC (Audio only):
I will do my best to assist the Planetary Union from where I am now. But you, your team, and I still have a long way to go.
Lt. Cmdr. Bortus:
I must ask Why the events involving Topa and my family were at the Number 7 spot.
TLOTA:
In my culture, the number 7 is a good and lucky number.
Lt. Cmdr. Bortus:
In the Moclan culture, the number 7 is something you may not be aware of.
TLOTA:
Guess So. I guess this is it. It has been a pleasure meeting all of you. (The environmental simulator doors open.) Guess this is goodbye. (Everyone says their goodbyes, and everyone walks away) Before you go, remember this, I'm James Faraci The Last Of The Americans and that's my opinion! (James presses a button that shuts off the holographic connection in the Environmental Simulator. Cut to The Orville as it continues to fly through the stars. Fade To Black)
