IR TV Review: THE ORVILLE - NEW HORIZONS - EPISODE 7 (“From Unknown Graves”) [Hulu]

Like existence, the notion of identity is also a continuing idea in the current season of "The Orville". In Episode 7: "From Unknown Graves", the texture of a longer episode is able to let a couple different ideas move while not sacrificing subtlety. While not as great as Episode 6: "Twice In A Lifetime", it definitely integrates the character beats with an undeniability as well as creating an effective relay at points to the Kaylon backstory which intersects with unique but simple progression of Isaac. This works on many levels but also relays in the ideas of emotion. At times, the melodrama which he has to integrate to almost plays too much inside the scene but it has a reason which does pay off. At the same time Grayson and Mercer need to initiate a new contact for the alliance which plays with the idea of gender roles. It uses comedy in an interesting way without being too slapstick and yet still keeps the story grounded.

The balance with McFarlane and the other producer/writers definitely continue to make these stories undeniable with the "comedy frosting" producer Brannon Braga mentioned to this reviewer at the beginning of the season continually more and more crisp. The LaMarr/Talia interaction is funny but not really used to full effect although it gives them a bit more to work with. Even Charly (Anne Winters) has a little more growth through the anger her character shows but the underlying relation to the world (like Tasha Yar in TNG in many ways) is still forming (it is her first season though). "The Orville: New Horizons" with Episode 7 continues evolving while make sure each character gets their due...some more than others. B

By Tim Wassberg