The Orville New HorizonsSeason 3 Ep 4: Gently Falling Rain review

Greetings everyone,

Today, we dive into the captivating world of The Orville, specifically delving into the narrative complexities of season three, episode four titled 'Gently Falling Rain.' A sneak peek into this perhaps overlooked series reveals its prowess in delivering meticulously designed CGI expressions of cosmic civilizations and its brilliance in reflecting on contemporary political scenarios cleverly disguised behind alien narratives.

This intriguing episode takes off with a dramatic speech by a female Krill, Taleah, against the union and alliance proposal. Eerily reminiscent of the infamous Nuremberg rallies and bearing an unmistakable hint of Trumpian influence, this scene introduces the protagonist. Revealed later to be the protective mother from season one and Captain Mercer's disguised lover from Season two, Taleah presents a captivating character sure to rivet you to the screen.

Cut to Earth; a comedic scene follows, a rowdy pub crawl, and an amusing take on the classic 'tomorrow' song from Annie. A promotion, a spark of romance, and an unexpected call from the admiral later, the Orville crew is on their way to Krill.

The Orville crew sets off to the neon-lit, commerce-centric Krill city of Galacos with its towering, awe-inspiring statues and grand halls. Amid this almost dreamlike setting, a crack about the grand Avis statue feels slightly misplaced, stirring a momentary discord. They meet the Supreme Chancellor, followed by a sudden turn of events where the Chancellor loses the election and is whisked away, leaving the rest under arrest.

Krill forces seize the Orville crew. However, they manage to escape after a fierce space battle, hinting at a directive 21, which turns out to be a strategic plan set for later in the narrative. The episode carries on with spectacular special effects to Taleah's unforgiving public execution of the Chancellor, her threat to terminate the union delegates, and her secret plan to spare Mercer.

In a sudden twist, the imprisoned Mercer finds himself attacked by a Krill group only to be rescued and introduced to Anaya, Taleah's secret child from him. This strange revelation carries the power to unite their people, setting in motion a race against time - on one side the arrival of a reinforcement fleet and the rescue of the Union representatives through directive 21, while on the other, a tense exchange between Taleah and Kelly.

The climax ascends to a nail-biting chase through the city, a daring escape, emergency docking into the Orville, and a captivated audience. The story concludes with a poignant father-daughter farewell and a reflective final glimpse of Taleah staring longingly at her daughter's image.

While 'Gently Falling Rain' isn't the finest episode of The Orville, it is a captivating narrative featuring beautifully crafted special effects, a compelling exploration of zealotry, and a plot mirroring our current political realities. However, much like the previous three episodes, it feels as though this story too is only a prelude to something greater. Perhaps, the possibility of a fourth season?

Regardless, The Orville merits recognition for its storytelling prowess and thoughtful presentation, far surpassing many contemporary shows in quality. An unfortunate lack of chatter around this remarkable series does not diminish its worth, but rather highlights the need for audiences to delve deeper into unexplored televised treasures.

Thank you all, and peace out.