The two properties are now so unofficially intertwined thatThe Orvillecould easily be misinterpreted as part of theStar Trektimeline.
Star Trekis one of the oldest andmost successful sci-fi franchises of all time.
Interestingly,The Orvilledoes streamline the concept ofStar Trek’s Federation and how it interacts with Starfleet.
Interestingly,The Orvilledoes streamline the concept ofStar Trek’s Federation and how it interacts with Starfleet.
InStar Trek, Starfleet is an Earth-based organization that characters like Captain Picard and other officers belong to.
As a Vulcan/human hybrid, Spock’s story revolved partially around the concept of embracing his human side.
Custom Image by Yeider Chacon
As a Vulcan/human hybrid, Spock’s story revolved partially around the concept of embracing his human side.
Since then,otherStar Trekcharacters have experienced similar journeys.
Theoverused sci-fi tropeallows the story’s characters to explore deeper into the universe than would otherwise be possible.
Created by Seth McFarlane and set in the 25th century, The Orville follows the crew of the titular ship and its captain, Ed Mercer (McFarlane) as they explore the galaxy. Inspired by Star Trek, it also spoofs the sci-fi classic, taking a comedic approach to its serialized story and science-fiction premise. Adrianne Palicki, Penny Johnson Jerald, and Scott Grimes star alongside McFarlane as part of an ensemble cast.
Even on the outside,The Orville’s ships don’t look that far removed from theirStar Trekcounterparts.
Both franchises base this structure on the system found in the US Navy.
This isn’t especially surprising given how many nautical terms also apply to space travel in science-fiction.
The most likely explanation is thatThe Orvilletook this course of action becauseStar Trekalready had.
For instance,the Moclans inThe Orvilleseem very much like a take onStar Trek’s iconic Klingons.
MacFarlane has made an effort to separate the them, but the initial influence is easy to spot.
Similarly, Xelayan characters like Alara and Talla appear to be based heavily onStar Trek’s Vulcans.
While conflict is rarely an intention for either body, space is a dangerous place.
As such, they need to be able to defend themselves.
To do this, they need weaponry that at least matches that of their respective enemies.
Where Starfleet traditionally uses Photon Torpedos, the union has Plasma Torpedos.
Where Starfleet traditionally uses Photon Torpedos, the union has Plasma Torpedos.
In short,there’s no firepower boasted by a Starfleet ship that would leave a Union ship wanting.
However, that doesn’t necessarily make them the story’s main character.
It isn’t just in front of the camera thatStar Trekpersonnel involve themselves with the production ofThe Orville.
Brannon Braga has also been in the director’s chair, a pivotal figure from theStar Trekgolden age.
Adrianne Palicki, Penny Johnson Jerald, and Scott Grimes star alongside McFarlane as part of an ensemble cast.
