The Orville vs Galaxy Quest: A Comparative Review
Did The Orville Prove To Be as Inspiring as Star Trek?
Before diving into the reviews and opinions about The Orville, it's worth noting that many implied that it would surpass Star Trek Discovery, much like Star Trek: The Next Generation was considered superior to its predecessor. However, my experience was quite different. Upon watching the first episode, it was evident that The Orville (TO) was far from the innovative and groundbreaking show some critics described. Instead, it felt more like a throwback to the light-hearted trek-like serials, much akin to the nature of performances seen in Galaxy Quest.
More Like a Spoof than a Tribute
Despite the similarities in tone and some episodes reminding me of classic Star Trek episodes, The Orville lacked the depth and narrative complexity that its forebear managed to achieve. When comparing it to Galaxy Quest, a spoof of its own mold, The Orville could be seen as a lighter, more whimsical tribute rather than an outright ridicule, as Galaxy Quest was.
Character Dysfunctionalities and Lack of Confidence
One of the most pressing issues with The Orville is the portrayal of its main characters. Far from inspiring confidence, the characters often displayed behavior that made it hard to believe they could successfully undertake any space mission. The dysfunctional nature of the ship's crew, from the often bumbling captain to the erratic engineer, started to make the entire premise feel hollow.
Only a few characters managed to stand out. The “blob” character, played by Yaphet Kotto, began to hold a certain charm, especially as his quirkiness began to shine through. However, even the potentially redeeming characters, such as Kelly Izazo, were dumped halfway through the season for reasons that were barely explained.
It’s interesting to note that Galaxy Quest worked because it was a self-aware and intentional spoof of the beloved Star Trek phenomena. The Orville, on the other hand, unfolded as a faint tribute that never quite achieved the same level of self-awareness or comic bounty.
The Orville's Entertain Value: Humor or Criticism?
The Orville manages to bring its entertainment value through its cringe-worthy, often unintentional, comedic elements. However, the show's reliance on this style of humor makes it less sophisticated than the space operas that frankly need a bit more relief. With shows like Star Trek: Discovery and The Expanse taking themselves too seriously, a bit of healthy, if occasionally embarrassing, humor can indeed balance the narrative. This has been a common pattern in many space operas, where light-hearted moments can soften the intensity and provide a welcome breath of fresh air.
Season 2 was perhaps viewed with hope that things might improve. Unfortunately, they didn't. There was continuity and consistency, which is commendable, but the humor remained a challenge. Though bad humor can still be entertaining, it's clear that The Orville could have benefited from a more nuanced and balanced approach to its storytelling.
Conclusion: How to Balance Dark and Light in Space Opera
In conclusion, while The Orville shows promise with its lighter side, its reliance on consistent cringe moments means it often falls flat compared to more thoughtful space operas. Galaxy Quest's success was in its self-awareness and satirical take, while The Orville has yet to find that balance. For fans of Star Trek, the hope is that The Orville will find its place within the genre by learning from both Star Trek Discovery and Galaxy Quest's experiences.