‘The Orville’ Recap: ‘Sanctuary’

Written by John Edward Betancourt 

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

I suppose I only have one major complaint when it comes to a vast majority of science fiction shows, in that, few of them ever finish what they started. Because on multiple occasions, we’ve seen a sci-fi series introduce a powerful storyline, the kind that should have lasting repercussions on the characters that drive the story and the universe they inhabit, only to see everything back to normal a week later, and well…that’s just silly. Because the finest stories out there find a way to introduce the consequences and the fallout that come from epic events and that’s why I’m such a fan of The Orville, since this is a series that embraces what comes next in regard to life-changing moments for the crew and last night’s triumphant return of the show, reminded us all of that fact.

For ‘Sanctuary’ was a story that called us back to the ever powerful first season episode ‘About a Girl’, since it showed us more fallout when it comes to the close-minded nature of the Moclan culture all while providing us with a few epic surprises along the way. For a pair of Moclan guests aboard the ship were mysteriously using more energy than they should have during their stay, and when Bortus was asked to discover why they felt need to secretly syphon a little extra juice from the engines, he stumbled upon one heck of a shocker. Because it turns out that these guests were actually parents of a baby girl and they were transporting her in secret in the hopes of making it to another world where they would be granted asylum and be given the opportunity to raise their child free from the barbaric views of Moclan culture and well, this twist set up the next stunner of the night.

Because once the Captain came to discover that Bortus kept this quiet, he had the crew set an intercept course to make sure the parents’ story checked out, only to find that their ship snuck into the heart of a nebula and toward a planet, where thousands of female Moclans lived in secrecy, and they were led by the greatest writer to ever live on Moclus; Heveena. Yes, the woman who once hoped to change the course of Topa’s life was once again working to make the universe a better place for Moclan women and this discovery put Ed and the Union in quite the precarious place. For an attempt to grant this world sovereign rights led to conflict with Moclan leadership, to the point where Moclus almost left the Union, and while all of this was truly captivating, as was the use of Dolly Parton as a rallying cry, Bortus’ journey in this tale is what continues to haunt me, in a good way, a day after this episode. 

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I say that, simply due to the fact that we saw the Commander in new light in this tale. Because while he has played along with some Moclan customs in the past in order to prevent any more trouble for he and his family, it would seem he’s finally had enough of his world and what it stands for, something that was evidenced by every single action he performed in this tale. After all, he fought against Klyden’s narrow-minded teachings to Topa in regard to how females should be treated, and he made the conscious choice to keep the female infant that was smuggled aboard a secret and the wonder of his growth in this tale didn’t end there. Because what truly impressed me, was how he called Klyden to the carpet in front of Commander Grayson, pointing out the lack of respect he had for women in general, and the fact that he was willing to face his own kind in combat to keep those women safe and really, this episode put Bortus in quite the heroic and enlightened place when all is said and done.
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However, while that would have been enough to make this episode worth everyone’s while, Bortus wasn’t the only character dedicated to equality and unity. Because while the crew of the Orville risked life and limb to keep the sanctuary planet safe, Ed fought an equally important battle back home on Earth, as he stood alongside Heveena to help fight for her planet’s sovereign rights and he pulled out all of the stops to make that happen. Because he was quick to point out the Union’s hypocrisy in turning a blind eye to this kind of ugly discrimination so that Admiralty could continue to heavily arm the fleet in response to the Kaylon threat, and that was downright refreshing to say the least, as was his ability to slice through the song and dance the Moclan delegates put on display while their forces pushed to bring the female colony back home, and while this one didn’t end in the happiest of fashion, it sure did leave me satisfied.

For a stalemate is better than the alternative and while this episode may have pushed through some familiar territory, that’s not a bad thing if you ask me. Because seeing our characters represent the best parts of what the Union and this series stands for is always a treat and it was equally as awesome to see the consequences of the mess involving Topa continue to be explored. Yet, while all of this was fascinating to watch in its own right, we do need to take a moment and talk about the incredible fan service present in this tale. Because not only did Ted Danson and Victor Garber return for this one, we were also treated to a bevy of Star Trek related cameos. I mean come on, Marina Sirtis, Tony Todd and F. Murray Abraham in one episode? That’s just nerdy heaven and speaking of Mister Abraham, I couldn’t help but wonder if his appearance here and the battle for the sanctuary planet served as an homage to Star Trek: Insurrection. Either way, this was a fine way to kick off the home stretch for season two of The Orville and I cannot wait to see what wonders lie ahead as we close in on the season finale. Until next time.

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