I don't get why a lot of reviewers are saying this episode is about Bortus. The way I see it, this is a Keyali show. The episode showcased Keyali's compassion toward a marginalized Moclan individual, and her struggle reconciling her beliefs and her duty. In the end, duty came first. This is the very first Keyali show, and I am thankful for it.
The more you think about it, the less the episode is preachy. Unlike the episode "Cogenitor" of Star Trek Enterprise as another reviewer brilliantly suggested, this isn't the Federation messing with another culture. There are more grey areas and fruits for thought.
First, Locar initiated the relationship with Keyali, and confided in her. The Union didn't shove their values down the Moclan's throat. Second, Klyden is (probably) a Union citizen, living on a Union ship. As an immigrant/guest on the Orville, should Moclan culture come first, or Union values be upheld? If you are a Saudi touring/living in America, when a kid stole your wallet and you caught him red-handed, would you proceed to chop off his hands according to Wahhabi beliefs?
I believe the message of the episode is: What Klyden practices on his own on the Orville is his own business. But when it affects others' welfare, Union values should take precedence.
We have already seen this dilemma earlier this season when Klyden stabbed Bortus's heart. I don't think the viewers had any trouble agreeing that there shouldn't be stabbing on a Union ship, despite it being a legitimate act as per Moclan culture, involving two Moclan individuals. So why the double standard when it comes to LBGTQ, with equally dire consequences for the affected individual? It is not Earthly gay rights, but the Moclan judicial system. Locar wasn't just going to get bullied at school or turned away at job interviews (not that I condone them), rather, his life would be destroyed and his family disgraced. Where should Klyden (or any of us) draw the line? As Keyali said, Locar wasn't hurting anyone.
By the way I need more Katrudian. Its entrance... I mean his... his entrance is so hilarious and at the same time so hilariously bad that it is good! Did you notice all his tiny gestures? The entire scene is just so much fun to watch!
The more you think about it, the less the episode is preachy. Unlike the episode "Cogenitor" of Star Trek Enterprise as another reviewer brilliantly suggested, this isn't the Federation messing with another culture. There are more grey areas and fruits for thought.
First, Locar initiated the relationship with Keyali, and confided in her. The Union didn't shove their values down the Moclan's throat. Second, Klyden is (probably) a Union citizen, living on a Union ship. As an immigrant/guest on the Orville, should Moclan culture come first, or Union values be upheld? If you are a Saudi touring/living in America, when a kid stole your wallet and you caught him red-handed, would you proceed to chop off his hands according to Wahhabi beliefs?
I believe the message of the episode is: What Klyden practices on his own on the Orville is his own business. But when it affects others' welfare, Union values should take precedence.
We have already seen this dilemma earlier this season when Klyden stabbed Bortus's heart. I don't think the viewers had any trouble agreeing that there shouldn't be stabbing on a Union ship, despite it being a legitimate act as per Moclan culture, involving two Moclan individuals. So why the double standard when it comes to LBGTQ, with equally dire consequences for the affected individual? It is not Earthly gay rights, but the Moclan judicial system. Locar wasn't just going to get bullied at school or turned away at job interviews (not that I condone them), rather, his life would be destroyed and his family disgraced. Where should Klyden (or any of us) draw the line? As Keyali said, Locar wasn't hurting anyone.
By the way I need more Katrudian. Its entrance... I mean his... his entrance is so hilarious and at the same time so hilariously bad that it is good! Did you notice all his tiny gestures? The entire scene is just so much fun to watch!