THE ORVILLE 1x06 "Krill"

DISCLAIMER: I am likely about to butcher spellings of words related to The Orville and its universe.

The Orville has fought hard against its misrepresentation as a comedy in all of the FOX promos with some dramatic but ultimately uplifting and thoughtful storylines; "Krill" was an unhappy deviation from that formula. This newfound dark tone was apparent not only in the murky and pale Krill colours, but in the choice to have nearly the entire episode take place on a Krill ship, with a significant part of the plot involving Krill children learning of the species' religious beliefs in scenes that felt uncomfortably like indoctrination.

The Krill become suspicious of Ed and Gordon
All images: FOX

   And ultimately, it didn't feel like this episode really knew where it wanted to end up. A very solid beginning on The Orville itself gave way to an Ed- and Malloy-centric episode where they lurched from one Krill ritual to another, the pair desperately guessing Krill customs in hopes they would not give away their human natures.

   But most problematically, this is an episode of wasted potential: the Anhkana (the Krill Bible) that Ed and Malloy sought was a lazy trope to begin with. It could have elevated itself into an excellent plot catalyst had it been the sole focus of the episode, giving us a truly deep insight into what appears to be the series' main villains but, instead, the plot diverged into something equally uninspired: Ed and Malloy's desperate attempts to prevent a Krill bomb blowing up the planet Ronna 3. While they were successful, we as an audience come away from this episode knowing just a single new piece of trivia about the Krill: that they believe only Krill have souls and therefore everything is theirs to rule over. And that didn't keep the promise the synopsis made to us, meaning, in the end, all the Krill's belief amounts to is a slight variation on the elitism Isaac embodies, but it could have been so much more had the episode been chosen as the villain piece to "About a Girl", instead of a thematic brother (indoctrination) to "If The Stars Should Appear".

   But "Krill" was not comprehensively weak. The opening scene of the episode embodied the light-heartedness the show has made its trademark thus far, with most of the main cast gathered in the mess hall gossiping. Along with an utterly hilarious scene in which Bortus is peer pressured into consuming various non-foods to prove the rigidity of the Moclan digestive system (including a napkin, a cactus plant and a glass), we learn more of Alara's relationship, previously alluded to on a number of occasions. By this point, her relationship has ended due to her ex's hangups over Alara's super strength. This kind of continuity in minor character background is something I love, and it's a thoroughly excellent example of the smart writing across the series as a whole thus far.

   Equally, Malloy pointing out the Krill captain has stabbed his newly regenerated leg is something that may not have been missed had the line been excluded, but should be lauded for its inclusion. It too reinforces the strength of continuity that The Orville, under Seth MacFarlane, excels in, even if some of these last few episodes have been average in their main storyline.

That's where I think The Orville is at this point. The first three episodes have been by far the strongest, for those episodes took character points and had the plot zero in on them (think Alara growing into her role as Lieutenant, or the Moclan trial on gender). The most recent three have lessened the emphasis on the characters in lieu of a compelling individual storyline, to mixed results. In my opinion, "Pria" is the only episode of it, "If The Stars Should Appear" and today's "Krill" that can hold a candle to those opening three episodes.

   The Orville seems to be muddling, a little directionless, into the middle of its season. But if there's one more thing "Krill" does do successfully: it sets up a chilling warning that we have not seen the end of this species as antagonists to the Union. The Orville has a fight coming, and it had better be ready.

   I know I am.

RATING: 7/10

POINTS OF NOTE

• Just like all of the aliens in this show's universe, the Krill are very pleasing to the eye. The symmetry of their facial structures reminds me of the Moclan make-up, which is my very favourite of all the aliens featured so far in this series.
• It's interesting that Malloy was quite happy to shove a cactus into Bortus's mouth for fun, but when he had to voluntarily eat Krill food (which looked like garbage) to maintain his cover, he couldn't do it.
• Katniss Everdeen.
• LaMarr: "You're just gonna have to date Isaac here."
  Isaac: "I am fascinated by the interpersonal relationships of biological organisms. I would be happy to attempt sexual relations with you, Lieutenant."
  Alara: "Er ... I'm actually just sorta working on myself right now ... but thanks."

EPISODE 1x07 "Majority Rule" PROMO