I had high hopes for this season... key operating word being, "had". I was hoping this season would be better but it's somehow gotten even worse than last season. I truly feel sorry for Jodie Whittaker, it really feels like the writers are setting her up to fail.
Craptastic storytelling/ supporting actors (The New Master) has made an avid Who fan not want to watch the show anymore. And the ignorant are going to say "because they made The Doctor a woman!" When it lies solely on the writers, directors, and producers not Jodie in the slightest.
3rd most likeable version of The Doctor (imo) yet the last 2 seasons are the most disliked seasons I've ever watched and I've watched every episode of the New Who at least 4x, these last two seasons are single watch only if that...
The sophomore season of The Orville has aged well. The cast feels comfortable to a point where it has a strong Cheers vibes to it -- the Orville is a spaceship where everybody knows your name.
One of the major misconceptions of the first season was that The Orville is a comedy, owing much to its creator, Seth MacFarlane. While the show is occasionally very funny, it is sci-fi above and all. It has stronger Star Trek vibe than Star Trek: Discovery that is airing on the same night.
Seth MacFarlane continues to demonstrate his deep respect for science, and his surprising humanist side. Many episodes are thoughtful, respectfully presenting both sides of the coin without being preachy.
While the series lacks cinematic depth of Star Trek: Discovery, it looks and feels just as expensive. And I think the decision is entirely intentional. Just tune in, sit back, and enjoy the stress free hour of great sci-fi.
