The Orville (TV Series) Electric Sheep (2022) User Reviews

Another "Claire and her A-hole Kids" Episode? Not great

[boborlarry · 7/10 · 31 August 2022]

Okay I was trying really hard to like this episode but everyone else is right. This is not a great start for this season. While I understand what they're trying to do by making Isaac the pivot point, the Marcus and Charly characters are way over the top. To be honest, I get the inclusion of Claire's kids but every time I see them I just want to scream. I hate being "that guy" but if I treated my mother the way they do, I'd have been grounded for life and then some. Probably worse than that.

Introduction of both Charly and the Pterodon seems a bit gratuitous and forced. While I understand the "macguffin" needed with both of them, it just felt kinda uncomfortable.

Also, most of the humor seems to be missing from this episode. Guessing that was a conscious choice given the subject matter, but once again it feels a bit uncomfortable.

What The Hell Happened Here?

[b5erik · 6/10 · 4 June 2022]

The Orville has always been a fun, lighthearted Science Fiction adventure show with a lot of humor and some outstanding comedy at just the right times.

For two seasons The Orville was a bright light giving people something fun and entertaining to watch. It made the viewers feel good.

Now, in a dark time (a pandemic that has killed millions, a horrible war in Eastern Europe, the fallout on the world oil market raising gas prices through the roof, overall inflation, mass shootings, people losing their rights in the highest courts, and dark political stuff that is truly frightening) - we NEED that lighthearted, fun, escapist adventure more than ever!

So what did Seth MacFarlane do?

He went ultra serious. Not just serioius, but unhappy, UN-fun, and somber. That bright light that made people feel good went out, and left only darkness.

To make matters worse, MacFarlane retconned a bit of Season 2 to match the story he wanted to tell here. Isaac was a hero who saved not only everyone on the Orville, but everyone on Earth. He was also the Planetary Unions greatest ally and weapon in fighting the Kaylon. No one knows the weaknesses of the Kaylon more than Isaac.

Yet, somehow, MacFarlane has turned a huge part of the crew against him, treating him like a villain. They hate Isaac. Never mind that he saved their lives and betrayed his own, "People," in doing so. He gave up EVERYTHING to save them. But, no, that doesn't count. He's a villain in their eyes.

Now, that would almost be fine if he had set up this turn of events in previous episodes (following Identity Parts 1 & 2). A line of dialogue here and there indicating some kind of resentment towards Isaac in the last 4 episodes would have set this up so that at least it made some kind of sense.

But Seth didn't do that.

He also didn't set up ANY kind of negative feelings from Gordon towards Isaac. All of a sudden Gordon is a racist jerk. He hates his good friend and practical joke buddy, Isaac because... He reported on the biological life forms that he encountered so Primary and the other Kaylon in charge could decide whether or not they believe the biologicals (as they call them) should be preserved. Isaac wasn't part of that decision making process, and once he found out about the decision he constantly tried to keep Primary from killing people (the guy who got spaced as one example). When Primary told Isaac to kill Ty, Isaac destroyed Primary and shut down all the Kaylon on the ship. He saved everyone on the ship.

And people hate him?

Please.

The topic of suicide is rather heavy, and arguably inappropriate for a show like The Orville (where the tone has been upbeat and fun, even in the serious episodes).

This was just a huge disappointment, and the retconning of details from Season 2 made it even worse. It wasn't a bad episode, but it wasn't nearly as good as the first episode in three years should have been.

Where's the humour?

[Gr33ntomato · 8/10 · 2 June 2022]

I was positively foaming of delight when I started to watch the episode. All the shiny new sfx and new locations are eye candy for sure, even Isaac had a nice new makeover. There were a few tense scenes and serious moments to boot, but fell way short in the humour department. I mean, I know this episode focused on a more mature and serious subject matter, but I missed the odd comedic encounters we got from the other seasons. Perhaps they're saving those moments for the other episodes? We shall have to wait and see.

After a long hiatus an improbable show is back

[Nightmarelogic · 9/10 · 2 June 2022]

Wow. You can't help comparing this to TNG at times and how Star Trek wrote Data. If Star Trek had written Data like this even a little fans would have gone crazy and yet Isaac as a character is fascinating. "Electric Sheep" is a beautiful exploration of hatred, self loathing, and ultimately forgiveness. And all done with an Android who supposedly can't feel any of those. And yet the ending with Claire yelling at him trying to convince him logically that suicide is never the answer was extremely well done.

Loved how Marcus played a heavy part of the show. I have always said that one of the things I really like about the show is how human all the humans are. The kids act like kids and the adults act like kids as well at times. The fact that Claire has children isn't something that isn't important to her character and the fact that Isaac really did betray her family is very important to their story as well as his.

Not a big fan of Charly at this point but I am not sure we are supposed to be. She is the unknown on a crew that is mostly known. She is also the one who seems to be the most angsty and standoffish with a crew that is mostly already jelling. That being said I get her reasons for not being cool with Isaac and I like the idea that she might never be but after talking to Marcus helped Isaac anyway. Not for Isaac but for Marcus and maybe because she didn't want to be "that person."

Awesome opening episode after a long hiatus.

Aging Like a Fine Wine

[nebula0024 · 9/10 · 3 June 2022]

This show really seems to have hit its stride. The first season was appealing, but the jokes were laid on a bit thick. The second season saw the writing improving and easing back on the awkward comedy. This season is hitting us hard right out of the gate with some pretty heavy emotional and moral storytelling, with a few light gaffs sprinkled in between. Personally I really think this show has a ton of potential and the writers seem to recognize that. Like many have said, it's a real throwback to classic Star Trek in many ways and I can't wait to see where this goes. I truly hope this series continues, as I believe there is a place for it among other sci-fi classics.

Variable episode

[bobetjo · 6/10 · 13 June 2022]

An episode that seems to be dividing reviewers. And, in my opinion, they are all right.

The reviewers who comment that a sense of fun and humour is missing are right. This is a character examination of Isaac and the effect of his presence as an enemy species and also a turncoat who saved hundreds of lives. It does feel darker. Whether The Union would continue to allow such an intelligence source to serve or not is moot. For the purposes of this show he does.

Some reviewers have commented on the treatment of suicide in the show. It is hard to believe that the showtunners did not seek advice. My view is that Penny Jerard did a great job as Dr Finn when she explained about confusing the present with the future. I won't say more because this is a review, but one sentence was both obvious and groundbreakinly enlightening.

The acting was good, as always. The effects very nice although a little long winded. The story of inter crew tension could have been diluted into an arc.

Cinematography and storyline are A++

[vabeachmatthew · 10/10 · 2 June 2022]

First off, it seems to me (and my wife) that the cinematography is brighter and clearer, like they took it to a new level. Secondly, the storyline is very gripping and def kept us engaged. With the full 1 hour of the show, I felt everything after the 42 min mark was 'bonus content' - truly a spectacular way to start off the 3rd season!

I cried a couple of times

[dave42c · 2 June 2022]

A very moving show, which I was not expecting.

After 3 years of missing this show, I was expecting some light-hearted, silly fun. And even though I am an advocate of our right to die, this show was surprisingly good at portraying the pain of losing someone you love.

Plus, CGI was impressive!

To heavy for first episode.. and wooden acting

[bjjao · 6/10 · 2 June 2022]

I've missed Orville, but this episode was not very good, or seemed to be a good choice for a first episode after a 3 year break.

Also it seemed that there where a lot of "wooden" acting. For example captain and number 1 sitting on the bridge scenes seemed weird. The scenes with the engineering LT where quite bad, and he did not seem to be able to act very good.

Overall not the Orville I remembered.

Better Trek than Trek

[vic_ferrari-90051 · 10/10 · 2 June 2022]

Once again proving The Orville is more, and better, Trek than Kurtzman Star Trek.

Seth is much better at dealing with difficult and complex themes and issues than anyone writing or directing any of the current Star Trek shows.

This is not the Orville that I use to know...

[Nostromo21 · 6/10 · 2 June 2022]

Not sure which first two seasons all the 10/10 fanboys watched, but it wasn't the same one I did. The Orville was always a Comedy-Drama - emphasis on the 'comedy'. This episode had none, zero, zilch. It was jarring. I can watch This Is Us for pure misery & despair. Not sure what Seth was thinking here for a season opener, but if you can't make jokes about controversial topics in your own comedy show, perhaps pick a different topic for the opener? Or take a good look at someone like Gervais, who does know how to make you laugh about any topic whatsoever. Thank God for Strange New Worlds if this is what the entire third season will be like, is all I can say. Not my Orville, sorry.

--- EDIT: ep 2 seems to be proceeding along the same all too serious path. Not sure where the original writers went but they've taken an easy 9-10/10 S1-2, down to a 5/10 poor Star Trek knock-off in S3. Watch Strange New Worlds instead folks & RIP Orville.

Suicide as a response to pain

[cesarcastrolopez · 9/10 · 2 June 2022]

Seth MacFarlane once again demonstrates that his comedy is merely a pretext to introduce us to deep and lurid topics.

A must-see episode for those who enjoy controversial topics disguised as entertainment.

Suicide is the most violent act a human being can commit, it expands like a shock wave of pain.

... it brings on many changes.

[bosporan · 7/10 · 2 June 2022]

Following Isaac's betrayal, the crew shun and despise him, despite his actions having eventually saved them. New Ensign, Charly Burke is particularly vociferous and carries animosity due to losing a friend. Isaac's response is typically extreme and it is unclear he has made things better.

This is a contrived story which tackles a controversial topic and lacks any avenue for humor. The outcome is quickly obvious, making it less effective. It is, however, required to rehabilitate Isaac with the added advantage of properly introducing Charly.

A necessary episode to clear up some past anomalies and lay the foundation for the season.

Not a strong start

[AlexanderJB · 3/10 · 6 July 2022]

I cannot stand the new ensign Charly. How is someone with so much hate allowed to be a bridge officer? All of the lines that attack Issac simply astound me, and the members of the crew that support her on this feel incredibly out of character to do so. It is not a strong start at all.

Stunning start to a long awaited third season

[phildeer · 10/10 · 2 June 2022]

Wow. This was everything they'd promised and more. Better visuals and production values than the first two series, but the storytelling was right up there too and the exploration of the questions of grief and suicide where on point.

I can't wait to see what the rest of the series will bring!

Outstanding writing ,acting and cinematography!

[skip-98756 · 10/10 · 2 June 2022]

This was quite an episode! The beauty of the new CGI was incredible and levels above previous seasons, just gorgeous! Eclipsed only by one of the best written stories I have seen/felt in a long time...Powerful topic matter, portrayed so sensitively.

Loved this story , and love Isaac's character who reminds me so much of Data in behavior and mannerism... This series and the new trek Strange New worlds are some of the very best of space scifi at this time, along with the superb series Halo... Great stuff for scifi lovers!

Too heavy for a season pilot

[Ropiel · 6/10 · 2 June 2022]

I sure missed The Orville,it looks great and overall fill that space opera need but this start felt a bit out of place,

Sure a lot of stuff happened in season 2 which needed closure and this show can't be the parodic joyride season 1 anymore,its now its own thing and takes it to the next level

Now my problem is that after two years i think the pilot still should have been something lighter,explore a new planet,present a new intrigue show us the main cast interact to pull us back into that story and that's not what this first episode did it went straight to the point (which can be a good thing but isn't in this case)

It went really heavy and that first episode felt overall more down to earth than what we are accustomed to, which is great The Orville is now what modern Star Trek should be instead of a parody but this closure should have been kept for like episode 3 or 4 or something

I needed time to remember who everyone was and what's their connection and that first episode doesn't give you that sadly (a short recap could have helped too)

For a finale note i think Isaac should have stayed dead,that save was way too deus ex machina for my liking and it could have gave the tone for a more serious season

Pretty excited to see the rest nonetheless,welcome back !

Great Sci-Fi is back.

[lisawaters-05786 · 10/10 · 2 June 2022]

Loved the first episode of Season 3. Great story and amazing special effects. This is one of the best Sci- Fi shows on TV right now. I highly recommend watching Seasons 1 and 2 on HULU.

Eh, it wasn't bad, but...

[brian-r-solem · 6/10 · 16 June 2022]

Isaac's eyes are too high on his head. It's a small thing that's bothered me from the first episode. I even tweeted Seth Mcfarlane about it. I can handle it, but I really wish they'd fix it.

We back, better than ever!

[MadKDog · 10/10 · 2 June 2022]

Wow we back, Season 3 usually the down time, "it's gone wrong should have ended by now.. ' but no. Strongest it has ever been, it has diverted from comedy to drama. As a fan of the characters, I loved it. Will return to comedy in the next few episodes, who knows? But I'll be watching. Brilliant writing, special effects top notch, whats not to like?

Glad it's back!

[zjcqthh · 7/10 · 6 July 2022]

Very glad the show is back, haven't seen other episodes yet but hoping this a Harley character isn't recurring. She was so annoying it was hard to watch each scene she was in. Annoyed mall chick in space.

Change in tone

[Procyon_ · 9/10 · 2 June 2022]

All around it's a good episode, however it is a slight change of tone of previous Orville seasons. There is much less comedy and season three episode one. This is fine, however the first five minutes have more comedy than the rest of the episode. So the tone was a bit off throughout the episode for me simply because I was expecting more zingers.

I'm fine with this show overall in the future being more of a drama than a comedy, because it reminds me much more of Star Trek the next generation than Star Trek Picard on Star Trek discovery. It's reminding me now or Strange New Worlds. Seth is good in mimicking a Picard TNG style in his own way.

Great entertainment, could have been better

[melee3 · 6/10 · 3 June 2022]

I agree with another reviewer who commented on why is everyone so against Isaac when all was fine in season 2 after the fighting. This episode would have worked better in season 2. But it was fun entertainment, just a little off.

The biggest complaint I have is with the test run on the new shuttle. It was flying around the space station with other ships and they were blasting away at the practice targets with real phasers?!!!! Where did the phaser blast go when they missed? That was target practice around real people-would that really be allowed? It was just a little too unbelievable.

And throwing in another fight with the Kaylons to throw in some excitement just came out of nowhere. That was strange.

I'm also not a big fan of the new drama queen. Good grief, get over yourself. I foresee a lot more whining from her.

WTF was that?

[yossarian-67887 · 5/10 · 6 June 2022]

Looking forward to an episode of fun, maybe the odd moral dilemma, and light heartedness. And we got none of that...at all...and the Orville goes right off the rails.

Isaac saves the Planetary Union from utter destruction ...and the survivors WHINE about him still being around?

He made the conscious choice to turn his back on his own people and help us. If it weren't for him, everyone in the Planetary Union would be dead or being hunted down.

Even the testing of the fighter ...in a live fire exercise ...IN AND AROUND THE SPACEDOCK?!! For a moment I thought 'Oh probably lower power laser settings.' NOPE, a drone explodes into flaming wreckage hurling towards a station section. Jeesh. It was like a microcosm of the episode...pretty to look at, but what a train wreck.

Change isn't always good...

[tomrduggin · 5 August 2022]

So, I've recently binged the first two seasons of the Orville, and probably enjoyed it more than I expected (being a MacFarlane fan, I figured there would be more Family Guy-esque humor, but it turned out to be a more serious, and rather politically pointed series than I expected). This season started with a dark tone, which is fine, but it's so scattered and busy, and the music is overwhelming. The storyline is fine, but it seems the personality of the main cast is scattered in this particular episode. Maybe it changes moving forward, but the Hulu version didn't hold my full attention out of the gate.