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#4357601 - 05/16/1708:13 AMRe: Forget ST Discovery, I'll be Watching This
[Re: F4UDash4]
#4357615 - 05/16/1710:57 AMRe: Forget ST Discovery, I'll be Watching This
[Re: F4UDash4]
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Looks like this is the closest we'll be getting to a tv series version of "Galaxy Quest".
“Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.”
#4357708 - 05/16/1706:46 PMRe: Forget ST Discovery, I'll be Watching This
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That's going to be great! Lets hope Fox doesn't screw this up.
#4357796 - 05/17/1710:39 AMRe: Forget ST Discovery, I'll be Watching This
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Originally Posted by Khai
...fox?
dead show walking! it'll be cancelled ....
Don't be so sure. Family Guy is still running on Fox and American Dad was on for about 5 years. Even the Cleveland Show that got bad ratings from the beginning was on for about 4 years.
If this show fails it will be because of the science fiction element and not because it's on Fox.
Last edited by PanzerMeyer; 05/17/1710:40 AM.
“Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.”
#4357811 - 05/17/1711:39 AMRe: Forget ST Discovery, I'll be Watching This
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Originally Posted by EAF331 MadDog
Originally Posted by Khai
Ah, but it's SF on fox.
Remember the track record on this.
Space above and beyond Dollhouse Firefly Terminator chronicle And yes, even Futurama
So.... Not holding out much hope for season 3 (or even season 2)
THat goes for all the networks, frankly. And regardless of genre.
+1
How many space-based sci-fi shows have been on ABC, NBC or CBS over the past 10 years? I can't think of a single one.
I'm not counting Discovery since that will not be on broadcast TV.
“Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.”
#4358271 - 05/19/1704:38 PMRe: Forget ST Discovery, I'll be Watching This
[Re: F4UDash4]
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The only show on that list I'm going to check out is "The Orville". I would like to check out Discovery but I'm not going to sign up for the CBS pay service.
“Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.”
"How many space-based sci-fi shows have been on ABC, NBC or CBS over the past 10 years? I can't think of a single one."
no idea... I'm British you see...
#4358448 - 05/20/1705:54 PMRe: Forget ST Discovery, I'll be Watching This
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Originally Posted by Khai
"How many space-based sci-fi shows have been on ABC, NBC or CBS over the past 10 years? I can't think of a single one."
no idea... I'm British you see...
Ok so how many original space based sci-fi shows have been on the BBC and Sky over the past 10 years?
“Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.”
#4359120 - 05/24/1702:42 AMRe: Forget ST Discovery, I'll be Watching This
[Re: F4UDash4]
Hell yeah, the wife will love this one. Need to get her up to watch this. Oh wait. That would not be a good idea. She better be really awake to watch this. Better yet, I`ll send the link on facebook messenger. She is always awake for that.
So, a review is out of this show, and it's not good. Reviews and reviewers are not always good indicators of the success of a show, but they do bring up things that I think sound like valid concerns. One I had before reading the review was how would a 60 minute sit-com work, and that seems to be a factor in the negative review, to some degree (a 6-minute sit-com would be too long, but apparently this isn't exactly a sit-com, both of which are part of the problem). Some possible very mild spoilers here:
""The Orville" (Sept. 10, Fox) is fall's freshest breath of air. It's the latest brainchild of Seth MacFarlane, who also stars. Thanks to his bad-boy image as the force behind such cheeky projects as "Family Guy" and "Ted," this enterprise (pun intended) is almost certain to initially catch viewers by surprise. Why? It's more drama than comedy. And while adopting the futuristic visual flair of circa-1960s "Star Trek," it's no snarky "Star Trek" spoof, but a sincere homage in the form of a space adventure series in its own right."
"In the vast library of socialist books, there’s not a single volume on how to create wealth, only how to take and “redistribute” it.” - David Horowitz
#4378021 - 09/06/1701:01 AMRe: Forget ST Discovery, I'll be Watching This
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I think it's going to be it's own thing. People expect a comedy being Seth, but I suspect it'll be good scifi that's *also* funny. Where Kirk was overly cool to be hard scifi, this will be funny instead. I just hope that new, hard to describe type of show doesn't doom it like Firefly. This might be the next great scifi show that people don't appreciate until it's gone if they don't play it right.
I think the way it's being marketed makes it look like a comedy, which may not help gain viewers. I saw "A Million Ways To Die in the West" with Seth MacFarlane and it was supposed to be a comedy, and it just didn't work for me. It wasn't terrible, it just wasn't particularly good. And knowing MacFarlane's approach to things, I just suspect it will try for stupid humor that is in-congruent with the seriousness of the show. I also know MacFarlane is fairly political, so references to gender identity concern me as well. But, hoping to be surprised.
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“Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.”
#4378383 - 09/07/1706:09 PMRe: Forget ST Discovery, I'll be Watching This
[Re: F4UDash4]
Have seen several reviews ripping the show a new one! I hope they're wrong.
"In the vast library of socialist books, there’s not a single volume on how to create wealth, only how to take and “redistribute” it.” - David Horowitz
#4378389 - 09/07/1706:33 PMRe: Forget ST Discovery, I'll be Watching This
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#4378661 - 09/09/1712:10 PMRe: Forget ST Discovery, I'll be Watching This
[Re: Nixer]
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Originally Posted by Nixer
Originally Posted by PanzerMeyer
Interesting review from Variety on the pilot episode,
Exactly! I just said "interesting" in an attempt to be politically correct.
Having said that, I am going to at least watch the pilot episode before I make any judgement.
“Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.”
#4378798 - 09/10/1701:31 AMRe: Forget ST Discovery, I'll be Watching This
[Re: F4UDash4]
"In the vast library of socialist books, there’s not a single volume on how to create wealth, only how to take and “redistribute” it.” - David Horowitz
#4378913 - 09/11/1703:18 AMRe: Forget ST Discovery, I'll be Watching This
[Re: F4UDash4]
I liked it, didn't love it. The humor is juvenile / sophomoric. First episode started off slow but got better, I hope the series does the same.
"In the vast library of socialist books, there’s not a single volume on how to create wealth, only how to take and “redistribute” it.” - David Horowitz
#4378917 - 09/11/1704:06 AMRe: Forget ST Discovery, I'll be Watching This
[Re: F4UDash4]
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I'm going to keep watching, but they better bring it in the coming episodes or they're living on borrowed time. The show needs more identity as sci fi action or straight up comedy and less of the other. As the pilot was, it was pretty weak in both areas. Galaxy Quest did a better job of the mix, but it had a different premise. Pilots are tricky. They may find their footing, don't want to judge too soon.
I liked it, didn't love it. The humor is juvenile / sophomoric. First episode started off slow but got better, I hope the series does the same.
Pretty much my feelings as well. I'd say it was more comedy than anything, and while I wasn't laughing much, just kind of a chuckle here and there, I wasn't bored watching it.
Ken Cartwright
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I'll watch the next couple episodes, but, my expectations dropped substantially. I doubt, if their pilot "splash" was the best they can do, I'll see the entire season.
On a personally amusing note, I'm not much of a TV guy so, while I'd heard of Seth MacFarlane, I had no idea what he looked like... So, while watching the trailer for the show (during football), I couldn't help but wonder why "Peter Brady" was the captain of a starship -- No, really. At first glance, they look (to me at least) like the same guy...
Cheers, 4 <S!>
#4379281 - 09/12/1710:57 PMRe: Forget ST Discovery, I'll be Watching This
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Yeah, they look like they could be brothers.
“Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.”
#4379300 - 09/13/1712:13 AMRe: Forget ST Discovery, I'll be Watching This
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And if you close your eyes, you wonder why Brian from Family Guy is a star ship captain.
#4382443 - 10/02/1706:32 AMRe: Forget ST Discovery, I'll be Watching This
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I'm a week behind, due to having to stream on Fox's app because of the local broadcaster being a directv holdout. The show is much better than the pilot let on. Good stories and the comedy is toned down a bit from what I expected after the pilot. Still funny but it isn't the focus. It does have an original Star Trek vibe to it. This and ST Discovery make a good combo and they don't exactly compete thanks to their different approaches.
So, interesting set of people working and appearing on this show.
Liam Neeson guest starred last week, Charlize Theron this week.
Jonathan Frakes directed tjhis weeks episode, Brannon Braga two weeks ago, last week was by another Trek allumni who directed TNG, DS9, Voyager and Enterprise episodes. The pilot was by Jon Favreau.
#4383544 - 10/06/1703:55 PMRe: Forget ST Discovery, I'll be Watching This
[Re: F4UDash4]
The cultural references to 20-21 century are silly and much of the comedy is sophomoric but overall I still enjoy the program.
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#4383553 - 10/06/1704:18 PMRe: Forget ST Discovery, I'll be Watching This
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I know what you mean, but that's the comedy side coming out. The Friends reference was kind of funny though.
So, interesting set of people working and appearing on this show.
Liam Neeson guest starred last week, Charlize Theron this week.
Jonathan Frakes directed tjhis weeks episode, Brannon Braga two weeks ago, last week was by another Trek allumni who directed TNG, DS9, Voyager and Enterprise episodes. The pilot was by Jon Favreau.
Both Liam Neeson and Charlize Theron were in "A Million Ways To Die In The West," so I wonder if Seth McFarland is friends with them or something. Interesting to see who else is participating.
I liked the last episode, and it seemed to have a little less sophomoric jokes, but it also seemed to me like the story ended kind of abruptly, and there were a few loose ends or things not explained well (see in spoiler tags below).
Maybe I missed it, but it looked like the zapping of Isaac was some sort of a plan, but it was never explained, and they never covered if he got back into his body, and if it was still functional. If it was all part of the plan, it seems like Malloy wouldn't have said what he did in sickbay.
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Doesn't bode well when an episode missed a broadcast date, especially on fox.
Supposedly they skipped this past Thursday so as to not compete with the Dodgers/Cubs game.
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#4386376 - 10/23/1702:29 PMRe: Forget ST Discovery, I'll be Watching This
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That was a very smart move by Fox. Sci-Fi cannot compete with sports. It will lose every time.
“Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.”
#4387921 - 11/02/1707:21 PMRe: Forget ST Discovery, I'll be Watching This
[Re: F4UDash4]
"In the vast library of socialist books, there’s not a single volume on how to create wealth, only how to take and “redistribute” it.” - David Horowitz
#4387926 - 11/02/1707:34 PMRe: Forget ST Discovery, I'll be Watching This
[Re: F4UDash4]
He, the sci fi seems hidden or dressed in the admittedly sophomoric humor but it’s pretty good sci-fi nonetheless. I predict a short lifetime followed by cult fandom.
I've watched three episodes. It must be me, I guess. It's just NOT making me laugh. I don't think that it's all that funny. I'll watch more...I'm trying to like it. Maybe it'll get better.
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#4391355 - 11/25/1708:37 PMRe: Forget ST Discovery, I'll be Watching This
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It isn’t reallly supposed to be a comedy, it’s classic Star Trek with a looser sense of humor. Not that you have to like it, it’s certainly different and a new type of show.
#4391599 - 11/27/1712:06 PMRe: Forget ST Discovery, I'll be Watching This
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Agreed Raw.
I think it's fair to say that that threw off a LOT of people including me was the assumption that "The Orville" was going to be some kind of parody comedy show simply because the show's creator and lead star was the same guy who created Family Guy.
Last edited by PanzerMeyer; 11/27/1712:08 PM.
“Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.”
I think it's fair to say that that threw off a LOT of people including me was the assumption that "The Orville" was going to be some kind of parody comedy show simply because the show's creator and lead star was the same guy who created Family Guy.
That, and the fact that the ads focused on the humor.
The humor is pretty constant throughout an episode, so it's certainly got more comedy than an average sci-fi show, which I think makes it a little bit of an odd duck, programming-wise. I've found that there will be a fairly significant action that took place, followed immediately by some form of low-brow humor, and it just kind of jars me out of the action. I'm not sure if the action is a setup for a joke, or is actually significant.
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I think of it as happening on two levels - the deeper sci-fi story which tends to be pretty intelligent the surface reaction of the cast which tends to consist of one-liners. I also think there is a disconnect between the crew behaving in a less disciplined manner and the more traditional way these types of characters are typically portrayed.
#4391725 - 11/28/1712:12 PMRe: Forget ST Discovery, I'll be Watching This
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So basically it seems like "The Orville" falls in somewhere between the dark tone of Battlestar Galactica and the comedic tone of Red Dwarf.
“Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.”
#4391756 - 11/28/1703:51 PMRe: Forget ST Discovery, I'll be Watching This
[Re: F4UDash4]
I think the problem for me is that it's trying to be both at the same time, and I am not sure it works. When you know a show is dark, with maybe a few humorous comments mixed in every so often, you know what the intent of their actions are. Same as when it's a comedy, where you know that something is a setup for a joke and it's not going to be a big deal. On Orville, you can't tell, and sometimes aren't sure if you should take something that happens seriously, or just as a joke.
And JohnnyChemo's comment about the crew is a good point - it's hard to think of anything being thought-provoking sci-fi when the crew seems to always be goofing around and are not really acting like a crew, but more like a bunch of college students.
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No single drop of rain feels it is responsible for the flood.
The episode where they had to get a copy of the alien's "bible" to me was a good example of how the comedy didn't seem to fit the seriousness of the story. The navigator and captain were under cover and just being total goofballs talking to the aliens, coming up with names that didn't work, etc. It made it hard to take anything they were doing seriously.
Ken Cartwright
No single drop of rain feels it is responsible for the flood.
Season 2 premiered last night, sadly it's just more of the same IE the sophomoric humor. I keep reading people's comments saying that The Orville is so much like older Treks series and I just don't see it. TOS, TNG, DS9, VOY, ENT all had humor but they didn't make the crew appear to be incompetents for a joke... but that is the extent of Orville humor. Or so it seems to me.
"In the vast library of socialist books, there’s not a single volume on how to create wealth, only how to take and “redistribute” it.” - David Horowitz
#4492608 - 10/12/1912:28 PMRe: Forget ST Discovery, I'll be Watching This
[Re: F4UDash4]
Reading my last post from almost a year ago I must say season 2 didn't get better and the show did move in the right direction overall, IMO.
But what brings me back to this thread is the now month old news that hasn't been mentioned in the forum: The Orville is moving to Hulu. I guess that means I will binge watch season 3 at the end.
"In the vast library of socialist books, there’s not a single volume on how to create wealth, only how to take and “redistribute” it.” - David Horowitz
#4600950 - 06/03/2201:59 PMRe: Forget ST Discovery, I'll be Watching This
[Re: F4UDash4]
New Season, new name apparently: "The Orville: New Horizons"
I found the first episode of the season to be formulaic, entirely predictable, boring and mostly a rehash of what has been done before with "non emotional characters" like Spock and Data in the Trek universe. Hope it gets better.
"In the vast library of socialist books, there’s not a single volume on how to create wealth, only how to take and “redistribute” it.” - David Horowitz
#4601490 - 06/10/2202:06 PMRe: Forget ST Discovery, I'll be Watching This
[Re: F4UDash4]
Predictable, formulaic, done before and done better. Wooden acting and predictable lines. Either be a serious space scifi show OR a comedic space scifi spoof, the mix they're trying to do doesn't work, it comes off as a bunch of bumbling teenagers in space.
Someone infected with an alien parasite wouldn't be isolated? Or even strapped down to the bed? You could still have him break out of isolation / break free of restraints, but to not even try? Ridiculous.
And the worst part, how many crew members did Orville just lose? Didn't even try to get them back, no attempt at finding a cure. Just threaten to kill them with a virus then abandon them. Oh yeah, the doctor says there's no trace of human DNA left... but she's sure she can get through to Paul in the engine room? How does that work? No trace of human DNA but Paul is still reachable within this creature? Ridiculous.
And the trope of hideous, barbaric, animalistic creatures that growl, grunt and bare their teeth like alien carnivorous space bears... and yet have developed interstellar space travel is just moronic.
"In the vast library of socialist books, there’s not a single volume on how to create wealth, only how to take and “redistribute” it.” - David Horowitz
#4601504 - 06/10/2207:55 PMRe: Forget ST Discovery, I'll be Watching This
[Re: F4UDash4]
So far I’m disappointed as well by season 3. I was slightly bored by episode 1 which imo dragged. Episode 2 was a new low. Monsters, bad sets, cgi and acting. Either season 3 is worse than season 2 which had the Kaylon attack and the time paradox potential introduced, or The Orville was only good because STD and Picard were so incredibly horrible. I feel completely detached an uninterested in the fate of this crew.
I agree with your observations in the spoiler section F4UDash4.
