The Orville - About A Girl - Advance Preview - “Choices”

One of the things people liked about Star Trek, the show The Orville pays homage to, is that the show was unafraid to take chances and tackle controversial issues. This week, The Orville takes a page from its predecessor in a tightly written and very dramatic episode, “About A Girl.”

This episode's description from the network is- The Orville crew is divided between cultures when Bortus (Peter Macon) and Klyden (Chad L. Coleman) debate if their newly born offspring should receive a controversial surgery in the all-new "About A Girl” in its regular Thursday night time slot.

I like that this show is unafraid to take risks by choosing to air an episode with such heavy dramatic overtones as this one in only its third episode. While there are those still trying to decide if the show is a drama or a comedy, this week, the votes are solidly in the drama column. The show takes a step back from the action and the broad comedy and is wonderfully directed.

In its first two outings The Orville, again despite mostly negative reviews, has struck a chord with viewers who are clearly enjoying this off-beat show. The show is setting ratings records for Fox, becoming the network’s largest drama debut in two and a half years. (SpoilerTV - The Orville - Largest FOX Premiere since Empire on Multi-Platform Viewers http://www.spoilertv.com/2017/09/the-orville-largest-fox-premiere-since.html )

Like last week’s solid outing, this episode showcases more of the individual cast members. In this case, Lt. Commander Bortus (Macon), a stoic Moclan – a single-gender species, and his mate, Klyden (Coleman). Their relationship is put to the test by the situation surrounding their newborn child, a female. Both actors give emotional performances while revealing more layers to the crew of The Orville.

Adrienne Palicki, as Commander Kelly Grayson, also has some very nice scenes highlighting an inner depth to her character. In all episodes that have aired so far, The Orville has been spot on in slowly showcasing specific characters, giving viewers the time and story-telling they need to become fans of the crew.

This interesting and thought-provoking episode of The Orville – airs tonight at 9C/10E on Fox. Are you becoming a fan of The Orville? Will you be watching tonight’s more dramatic episode? If so, tell us what you think in the comments.