While The Orville is mostly a loving homage to Trek, it does call it out on a few things. I think in the pilot episode (or maybe the 2nd), the seat belts in the shuttle save the day (the enemy that boarded it wasn’t wearing one, and an “all stop” had real-world results).
The only other call-out I recall is when Captain Mercer says “hail the other ship” and then immediately starts talking. The comms officer interrupts him and says “uh, I haven’t opened the channel yet”.
Season 3 was the biggest tone shift in the whole series. But you’re right.
The Pilot is Family Guy in Space, the rest of season 1 is Galaxy Quest: The Series (save for Firestorm which essentially a lost Voyager script). Season 2 is TNG with Stargate humor, and New Horizons is TNG crossed with Mass Effect.
sigh I require more!
It’s been a long time waiting for season 4, but it hasn’t been canceled yet. And every now and then Seth comes up for air and says to remain hopeful.
