IR TV Review: THE ORVILLE - NEW HORIZONS - EPISODE 10 (“Future Unknown”) [Hulu]

The trajectory of any series television season works on the context of closure. Does it create a path that completes or looks at growth in a certain way? “The Orville: New Horizons” has been exceptional in this regard this season with few if any missteps. The season finale [Episode 10]: “Future Unknown” is a continuation and culmination of this progressions and it works because it is both aware and organic of itself. After the destruction of a weapon of mass destruction and the sacrifice of Ensign Charly Burke in the previous episode, this episode does what it should and provides an epilogue in a way both balancing new frontiers but also indicating tempered approach, especially where technology and society is concerned. This works two fold with both the relationship of Claire and Isaac and how that culminates and how it interrelates to another person from a previous encounter.

The context of showing the balance in these two events works well because just one episode ago, it could have come crashing down. And more adventures might be in store. But with most of the actors' contracts up at the end of this season and creator/star Seth McFarlane busier than ever, it might be a little bit before everyone gets back to The Orville if at all. That said, the episode closes up the arc nicely while still leaving questions for the future but not nagging ones. Life goes on, and in concluding this season, McFarlane and his cast and writers (including Jon Cassar who also directed many of the episodes) created a season that stands up there with the best of science fiction television, saying something, being entertaining but also having some heart and humor about it. A

By Tim Wassberg