In the third season finale of The Orville: New Horizons, “Future Unknown” closes things out with the wedding event of the year.
Last week ended with the surprise that many of us never saw coming: peace between the Union and Kaylon. Unfortunately, it also came with a tragedy in the Orville family as Ensign Charly Burke sacrificed her life. You would never have known that somebody had died because everybody is so joyous in this episode. But anyway, a familiar face makes it back just in time for the party.
The episode starts with Lt. Cmdr. Bortus (Peter Macon) and Klyden (Chad L. Coleman) renewing their vows by participating in a Moclan mating ritual. As a result, Isaac (Mark Jackson) decides to look up similar rituals in the database. It’s certainly secret that Issac and Dr. Claire Finn (Penny Johnson Jerald) have a relationship. Yes, it makes zero sense that human and sentient robot are in love with each other and yet, here we are. Of course, the episode finds humor in having Isaac approach Lt. Cmdr. John LaMarr (J Lee) for advice. It’s certainly among the worst pieces of advice ever and he has to deal with the ramifications. And then, we have Bortus and Lt. Gordon Malloy (Scott Grimes) wanting to serve as Isaac’s best man.
Outside of the wedding, the finale also sees the ship travel to Sargus 4. While in route, they receive a message from Lysella (Giorgia Whigham), who they interacted with during the first season in “Majority Rule.” Lysella had used her com scanner in order to contact the crew. As far as this episode goes, she has quite the roller coaster in a singular episode arc. Upon arrival, she’s all for seeking asylum with the Union and staying on board. Later on in the episode, Lysella starts feeling guilty about leaving her planet behind. Eventually, she comes to make the decision that is right for her. Could we possibly see her as a series regular next year? We’ll just have to wait and see.
“Future Unknown” is a solid episode to close out the season and potentially, the series. There’s no word yet about season 4 as of San Diego Comic Con. All episodes are coming to Disney+ on August 10 now that the third season is complete. I’m feeling hopeful that something will happen. But like everything in this industry, the numbers are what matter to executives. I mean, this series is the next best thing to Star Trek outside of all their offerings on Paramount+. It’s shown a lot of growth this season with a nice balance of comedy, drama, and politics. But anyway, season 4 would probably build on the Krill/Moclan alliance. Now that the Kaylon are Union allies, the Krill and Moclans are currently being set up to appear as antagonists going forward. There’s the question of what happens with Capt. Ed Mercer’s half human/half Krill daughter.
CREATOR: Seth MacFarlane
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Seth MacFarlane, Brannon Braga, David A. Goodman, Jon Cassar, Jason Clark and Howard Griffith
CAST: Seth MacFarlane, Adrianne Palicki, Penny Johnson Jerald, Scott Grimes, Peter Macon, J Lee, Mark Jackson, Jessica Szohr, Chad L. Coleman
The Orville: New Horizons streams new episodes on Hulu on Thursdays through August 4, 2022. Starting August 10, all episodes will be available to stream on Disney+. “Future Unknown” – Grade: 4.5/5
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