Top 10 Episodes of The Orville

There’s no sugarcoating it — most folks probably steer clear of The Orville because it’s from the creator of Family Guy. I can understand the hesitancy. However, those folks are missing out on some of the best science fiction on the market, and that’s not hyperbole. With the show’s rebranding as The Orville: New Horizons to usher in its move to Hulu for season 3, Seth MacFarlane and his team have taken the series to new heights (or horizons, if you will). 

The Orville excels where other sci-fi series falter in some respects. It doesn’t shy away from hot-button, relevant topics. The show seems to possess a prescience, with one of its episodes, “Gently Falling Rain,” touching on abortion the day before Roe v. Wade was overturned. 

It’s immersive science fiction at its best, carving out an intricate mythos in which we can escape. The Orville is also bitingly funny, thought-provoking, the source of many of my tears, and brimming with heart. 

So, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite episodes for your reading pleasure. Spoilers ahead, peruse with caution!

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“Identity” Part 1 and 2 (2.08 and 2.09)

While I’m not ranking this list, if I had to, the “Identity” two-parter would undoubtedly be in the top five. For me, the Kaylon narrative in season 2 cracks the show wide open, allowing its true essence to take center stage. It’s the framework for the third season, New Horizons, wherein we shift beyond a lighthearted sci-fi comedy. It feels like the first time The Orville kicks the stakes into overdrive. 

What’s more terrifying than a species of AI overtaking your ship and threatening to extinguish all “biologicals?” Couple that with stunning space visuals, high-octane action, and Isaac betraying the Kaylon, and you’ve got a recipe for science fiction gold. It packs a hefty punch. 

This story is a real turning point for Isaac, as he sacrifices himself to save humanity from his species. His surprising loyalty is one of the highlights for me.

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“A Tale of Two Topas” (3.05)

Season 3’s “A Tale of Two Topas” is the unofficial closing chapter to “About a Girl.” Lt. Cmdr. Bortus and Klyden’s child, Topa, learns about the controversial surgery performed to make him a male. He declares he wants to live as the gender he was born as, female, even though the Moclus culture believes all females are vastly inferior to males. Bortus supports Topa, while Klyden’s prejudice clouds his judgment. After Isaac reverses the effects of the initial procedure, we see Topa finally live free as herself. Unfortunately, Klyden departs the Orville, but not before spewing vitriol at his daughter. 

When this episode aired, Twitter became the breeding ground for polarizing, heated debates. Was Seth MacFarlane and co. supporting trans rights or fanning the flames of antagonism? My two cents? It’s abundantly clear that the writers support a person’s decision to live as their authentic selves, regardless of whatever form that takes. That screams pro-trans to me.

“A Tale of Two Topas,” like the last entry, would be in my top five favorite episodes of The Orville. It’s an incredibly resonant, relevant, uplifting, and powerful story. I profusely wept when Topa walked on the bridge for the first time as her true self. I cried even harder when Bortus told his daughter she was perfect. 

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“Lasting Impressions” (2.11)

In “Lasting Impressions,” Lt. Gordon Malloy becomes smitten with a woman named Laura Huggins after the crew opens a time capsule from 2015. Of course, she’s long dead, as we’re over 400 years into the future. So, Gordon takes Laura’s phone from the capsule and recreates her in the environmental simulator, as one does.

After spending time with her in the simulator, Gordon falls deeply in love with Laura, but her ex-boyfriend impedes the pair from taking things to the next level. Gordon rewrites the simulation to ensure Laura winds up with him; however, he loses control of the narrative.

Up to this point, Gordon was viewed as solely comedic relief. “Lasting Impressions” showcases another facet of the Union’s best pilot, and from there, The Orville found more intriguing ways to explore the nuances of Gordon’s personality. “Lasting Impressions” is fun and heartbreaking in equal measure. 

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“Majority Rule” (1.07)

The crew travels to Sargas Four, an Earth-like planet whose inhabitants live and die by “The Feed.” Think that one Black Mirror episode with Bryce Dallas Howard or a more extreme version of the Community episode about MeowMeowBeenz. The ruling majority has the power to “downvote” you, which can lead to death. When Lt. Cmdr. John LaMarr grinds on a statue for fun in public, said public furiously downvotes him, sending him down a near-fatal path of terror. 

“Majority Rule” is immensely timely given our dependence on social media. It’s utterly frightening because we, as a society, could easily go this route. Before you know it, we might govern each other by “likes” and “downvotes.” It’s a well-written, hard-hitting piece of science fiction.

Thankfully, one Sargas Four inhabitant saves John from a public execution. He’ll probably think twice about dancing again. 

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“Twice in a Lifetime” (3.06)

Laura Huggins returns in “Twice in a Lifetime,” one of the strongest episodes of season 3. The Orville tackles time travel, a standard, ambitious staple of any sci-fi series. Scott Grimes churns in a show-best performance, stripping away Gordon’s comedic artifice to reveal the beating heart of a man suffering from loneliness. It’s a visceral, searingly vulnerable performance. 

It’s especially gut-wrenching when Capt. Ed Mercer and Cmdr. Kelly Grayson must persuade Gordon to leave behind the life he carefully curated with Laura. His presence in the timeline could disrupt the future, unraveling devastating repercussions for humanity’s natural progression. 

“Twice in a Lifetime” presents a profoundly thought-provoking ethical dilemma, with top-tier storytelling and excellent work from Grimes. 

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“Firestorm” (1.10)

I always adored Lt. Alara Kitan and was saddened when Halston Sage left The Orville in early season 2. “Firestorm” is a fantastic Alara-centric outing, putting this badass Xelayan’s physical and mental abilities to the test. The narrative focuses on Alara’s doubts about herself when a crew member dies amid a fire on the ship. So, Alara invokes Directive 38, locks herself in the simulator, and endures a grueling, terrifying simulation wherein she encounters and overcomes her worst fears. 

Sage delivers a solid performance, taking the audience on a journey through a U.S.S. Orville that doesn’t seem right. It’s an immersive, visually captivating episode introducing horror elements into The Orville universe.

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“The Road Not Taken” (2.14)

Named after the famous Robert Frost poem, “The Road Not Taken” delves into choices and consequences while paying homage to Star Wars™. MacFarlane and the writers explore parallel universes via the disastrous fallout from Kelly’s decision in the previous episode. Plus, we get the exciting return of Alara Kitan as a Resistance leader. Who could ask for more?

Young Kelly’s choice to reject young Ed in the final moments of “Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow” unravels a chain of events that finds everyone branching off in various directions in “The Road Not Taken.” It allows the writers to play with different character dynamics. The subject matter is nothing groundbreaking, but it makes for a thrilling, white-knuckled installment.

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“Domino” (3.09)

Ensign Charly Burke will go down in Union history as a bona fide hero. “Domino,” clocking in at almost an hour and a half, plays like a legitimate sci-fi feature. When the Orville creates a powerful weapon capable of incinerating Kaylon fleets in seconds, naturally, the Union hopes to utilize it to destroy the species as a whole. Initially, Ed objects to this, calling it what it is — mass genocide. 

What transpires next is a narrative that dissects the political and ethical repercussions of “playing God.” There’s an unexpected betrayal among the Union ranks, along with an incredibly choreographed, brutal fight sequence between Kelly and the Krill Supreme Chancellor Teleya. 

However, the most gut-wrenching moment comes from Charly’s sacrifice to save the Kaylon, a race she loathed but died to protect. Isaac’s poignant, touching eulogy illustrates the breadth and depth of her sacrifice as the Kaylon finally join the Union.

“Domino” is peak Orville. I would show this episode to anyone considering giving this show a whirl, but it would spoil too much. 

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“Krill” (1.06)

For me, “Krill” is when I knew I would love The Orville forever. While there’s no doubt the first two seasons were more whimsical and lighthearted tonally than season 3, “Krill” strikes a nice balance between levity and drama. It also plays a significant role in the show’s canon. It’s our introduction to the Krill, a formidable power player in this universe and antagonist to the Union.

Additionally, this episode marks the first time we see Teleya, a Krill woman who infiltrates the Orville while wearing cloaking technology. Well, to be fair, Ed and Gordon sneak onto a Krill vessel first. Teleya shifts drastically from somewhat ally to Ed’s lover to vehement foe. 

“Krill” is funny, thought-provoking, and exciting — all the elements necessary for an episode of The Orville.

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“Future Unknown” (3.10)

The finale of The Orville: New Horizons is a touch lighter than its predecessor, “Domino.” By “touch,” I mean a lot. MacFarlane and the writing team sought to bring us a soothing palate cleanser after the trauma we endured in the previous episode. Dr. Claire Finn and Isaac’s wedding is lovely, with heartwarming moments from the rest of the cast. Alara returns for the ceremony, which is a beautiful surprise. 

“Future Unknown” features a stellar musical performance from Scott Grimes, along with Peter Macon dishing out the hilarity as Bortus tries to (ineptly) perform his best man duties. Bortus, typically stern in demeanor, impersonating Elvis Presley might be one of my favorite comedic bits on the show. 

Perhaps the title hints at the show’s unknown future, as Hulu has yet to greenlight a fourth season. Maybe it merely highlights the lack of clarity on the horizon for the crew of the U.S.S. Orville. What else is there after you save the universe and bring notorious Union antagonists to heel? (Hint: A lot.)

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What are your favorite episodes of The Orville? Keep the conversation going with other fans over at side.show/geekgroup, and don’t forget to Let Your Geek Sideshow!