Opening question, what scifi show had Robert Picardo and was directed by Brannon Braga? If you say ST Voyager, - 5 points for you. The correct answer: The Orville :ep. Firestorm.
Ok The Orville is a somewhat cheesy comedy by Seth McFarland of Family Guy fame. However the show has hit the ground running with the kind of social commentary that Trek is famous for, and unlike the new "Star Trek Degeneracy", isn't about how evil you can make the "protagonists". This probably has something to do with the contributions by Brannan Braga, Jonathan Frakes, Patrick Stewart, and Robert Picardo, not to mention Penny Johnson as Dr. Finn. Considering the former Trek actors almost unanimous dislike of Discovery and CBS, I am happy they have come out to help The Orville become a success. Even the Kril, the adversaries of the Planetary Union resemble Deep Space Nine's Jem Hadar.
I admit it. Practically no one on this show shows any indication they have received any sort of training. Capt, Ed Mercer (Seth McFarland) is always snipping at his first officer, who happens to be his ex-wife. Bortus, from a planet without female, has to endure the protests of his mate, who complains spends too much time doing his job. The is also this green blob, voiced by Norm McDonald, who is always trying to attract Dr. Finn.
My favorite character is Security Chief: Lt. Alara Katan (Halston Sage). She is from a planet with extremely high gravity, which gives her tremendous strength. Trouble is, this is why she was fast-tracked into her position. She is very insecure. In the second episode Alara is placed in command of the Orville when Ed and Kelly go on what they think is a simple trip to rescue some refugees. Alara is terrified, and when Ed and Kelly are captured and wind up in an interplanetary zoo, Alara must either obey orders to return to earth or disobey and find a way to save the captain. Bortus is unavailable as he is tending his egg.
For a comedy, the Orville does an incredibly excellent record of examining social issues, just like that other show. There was an episode about transgender issues, religious fanaticism and terrorism (from a comedy show? Yes they actually pull it off), and an episode taken from taken from Netflix's "Black Mirror. There is also an episode where the show does a "holideck" episode the way Trek should have done them. Much better than Voyager's "Extreme Risk".
"Would you open this pickle jar for me"
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