Reviews

The plot, and execution, of this episode shows that this show is far more than a parody - and that Seth has a deep understanding of the type of writing that made Trek matter back in the day.

The central issues (whether parents have the right to make life changing decisions for their children and gender rights (for starters)) were dealt with in a mature, sensible and engaging way - without feeling "preachy".

An excellent episode, where the cast and crew of the USS Orville finally get to earn the right to stand beside those of the USS Enterprise as equals in narrative.

In the very first episode, I was amused when they forgot to hide a camera tower that was visible in the middle of the frame as the main characters have run for their lives. I then discovered that that was the least of this shows issues.

Somehow, though, this is like some sort of slow-moving car crash that you simply cannot stop looking at and wondering if it could actually get any worse.

The first plot line (fly around randomly and find the cure for animal mutations while being attacked by animals and baddies) is resolved - only for it to be rebooted with an almost exact repeat of the same plot, but with a slightly different motivation (fly around randomly and find the cure for human sterility while being attacked by animals and baddies). Seems like the next reboot will be to fly around and find the cure for the zombie, mutant animals.

Literally nothing on the show makes sense. Main characters repeatedly fail to take simple actions to solve problems (like not shooting the baddie between the eyes before saving the magically- restored-to- life son character). They fly in an airliner that seems to be made of stronger plot armour than Iron Man.

So, the plot is unimportant. The characters do not inspire loyalty or pathos. The special effects are straight from 1989 (or The Asylum - same thing really). The acting is more wooden than Thunderbirds. Yet it continues, while shows like Dark Matter get canceled. And I keep watching it. Wondering why, but unable to walk away.

This film is in the tradition of The Asylum's mock-busters, but is taking a very different tack to the film that has inspired it. For a low budget production, especially one from this production house, the effects are not actually all that bad - certainly watchable. The acting is also, whilst not perfect, far from terrible.

The plot is fairly predictable, using the usual "family vs environmental disaster with long car chase" format employed in a lot of this company's work but the end result is certainly watchable and fairly enjoyable in an non-challenging way.

This is the level that The Asylum should be aiming for more of its low-budget productions - before then aiming a bit higher if possible.