'The Orville' Recap: 'Command Performance'

Written by John Edward Betancourt

THIS IS THE EMERGENCY SPOILER ALERT SYSTEM...YOU ARE ADVISED TO READ AT YOUR OWN RISK...

There really is a lot to like when it comes to Seth MacFarlane's new show, The Orville. It's hilarious for starters, and a breath of fresh air as well since it's positive outlook and lighthearted style of storytelling separate it from the rest of the science fiction pack. But of course, the real draw to the series is the fact that MacFarlane and company pay great homage to Star Trek and the wonder that it inspired in all of us and as I settled in to watch the second episode of the series, 'Command Performance', I really only had one question on my mind, was Seth going to take this series to the next level and bring another element of this storied franchise into the fold?

Specifically, I'm referring to the fact that Trek as a whole has always been big on social commentary by putting the characters into situations that reflect our world and our time, and as it turns out, the answer to my question was a resounding yes. MacFarlane did indeed add plenty of relevant commentary into this episode, but he injected a few extra surprises into this story as well, since he also made sure to pay homage to one of Trek's most iconic episodes, while at the same time, maintaining the wonder that made the pilot episode so incredibly magical. But, before we get to discussing the reflections upon our modern world that this episode offered up, I really want to focus on what made this episode so unique and different, specifically...its look at the perils of command.

Because when you think about science fiction as a whole, and shows likes this for that matter, we rarely think twice about the person who is chosen to sit in the big chair once the Captain leaves the ship. The officer who takes the Conn does so without question or fuss, which is why I truly appreciate the fact that Alara basically freaked out over being in charge, and made mistakes along the way as well. It shows that command of that many people cannot be an easy thing in the slightest and it was wonderful to see her go through a true trial by fire and figure out how to become a quality commander and a better person for that matter in the process.

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But truly the centerpiece of the night was Mercer and Grayson's storyline since the two of them were kidnapped by a species known as the Calivon, and were forcefully put on display in a Calivon Zoo. While this allowed for some quality character development to occur between Ed and Kelly, since they were able to answer the burning question as to whether or not they would have made a great couple, this is where the series paid big time homage to Star Trek since the whole notion of being on display in a zoo is incredibly reminiscent of The Original Series pilot episode, turned regular episode, 'The Cage', and once you got past the wonder of that tribute...that's where the social commentary came into play.

In fact, I have to admit the commentary in this particular episode ended up being quite cerebral, after starting out in fluffy fashion with a speech from Kelly about how mankind evolved beyond the point of trapping animals in zoos. If anything, leave it to this show to reflect upon our world in comedic fashion since the brainy commentary came by way of what Alara gave the Calivon in exchange for letting Mercer and Grayson go free...planet Earth's entire catalog of reality television, and the wonder and awe that the Calivon gave these shows, spoke wonders to our own world and how perhaps...modern man is no different from the Calivon, since we have no problem with the menagerie we've created to look into other people's lives...  

In the end however, I really, really loved this episode. It was filled to the brim with incredible charm, perfectly timed jokes and every time I settle in to watch this show, I'm instantly reminded of the wonder and awe that came with enjoying science fiction like this my youth and I truly cannot get enough of it. Not to mention, it was incredibly stunning to see a show this young drop that kind of commentary into our laps and if The Orville already has something to say about our world two episodes in, then it's clear that the sky is the limit when it comes to this series, and I cannot wait to see what other wonders await us as this series rolls on. Until next time.

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