The Orvillle

[SpottyBumPony]

Caught up with The Orville last night and it was about Topa feeling he wasn't right/didnt fit in. My first reaction was that it would be a gender affirming episode but I was really surprised.

Topa who was born female but altered at birth to present as male (for cultural reasons) felt incomplete. A female office, Kelly, took her under her wing and 'helped' him discover he was born female. One of his fathers was in support of Topa knowing and the other not, in the end the crew and Dad 1 supported Topa in reverting the changes to become the sex she was born as, female.

Topa was much happier and more content in her biological body. It was lovely to watch

Disappointed, I was expecting a thread about Keith Harris !!

I'm happy to see this here because I was halfway through writing a post on it myself, although you've put it far more succinctly than me. I've found it interesting to see how The Orville have used Moclan culture to explore themes of gender.

Like you I watched these episodes with a GC eye and was pleased with how the episode played out. I especially liked the part when Kelly said that despite the artificial exterior, Topa is still female. So I was surprised, when I looked on Twitter, to see so many people congratulating them on their trans representation. It made me question if I'd misread the intention of the episode entirely.

The more I've thought about it, the more I've thought that perhaps Topa's story is intended to draw parallels to people with DSD. Either way, it's been really interesting to watch but I think, perhaps, it's meaning is open to interpretation.

So I was surprised, when I looked on Twitter, to see so many people congratulating them on their trans representation. It made me question if I'd misread the intention of the episode entirely

Seems odd doesn't it. The child IS female and was forced to go through sex reassignment as a baby, just like one of the parents because their society places no value on females.
The child isn't trans, and they are clearly stating that altering your body will not change your biological sex.

I got bored after the first series so not watched anymore but it does seem Seth isn't on board with gender ideology.

Yes, the point was that biological sex was not shameful and let Topa be a whole individual

I seem to be developing an unhealthy obsession with the guy who plays the captain, so I have just found out he also the show's creator, not just ridiculously good looking but ridiculously multi-talented, and judging by his wikipedia, pro-gay rights and at least mildly GC. [Unhealthy obsession deepens]

I am obsessed with the Orville and absolutely love the fact that Seth McF pitched it as a Star Trek piss take and grew it into the most beautiful Star Trek homage.

I really enjoyed this episode and thought he trod a very fine line between both ‘camps’. I said to DH at the time that it was cleverly done, the TRAs would say it affirmed Topa’s true gender and normal people would say it proved no one can change sex and transing children is abhorrent.

Everything about the Orville is wonderful IMO.

I've never heard of it before but now I'm intrigued and, a little, invested. I'm assuming a TV show?

It's basically Star Trek but less phoney and "perfect". And by phoney I mean, when the crew drink, they actually get drunk. When a starship suddenly appears and fires on them, the at least one crewman would say, "Oh shit!" Or something as realistic as any real person would. Some of the crew have one night stands and some fall out with their bosses and get fired. Some characters are racist/xenophobic as you would also find in any other random sampling of humans. It's a comedy version of Star Trek but also deals with serious issues.
When it's serious it can make you cry big ol' snotty sobs. When it's funny, it's so funny that you may find yourself peeing a little.

Yes, it’s on Disney plus.

Have you seen the YouTube video of him doing the speech from Taken in the voice of Kermit the Frog? Funniest thing I’ve seen for a long time!

I thought they did really well with Topa, when I started I was expecting something clunky and OTT (much like Star Trek discovery). But actually they pulled off a really thoughtful episode.

The Orville in general is amazing, a wonderful homage to Star Trek/sci fi, relevant and infinitely superior to the bore fest that is Discovery. Genuine, complex female characters with full backstories, plot lines and growth.

And can we all take a moment to appreciate Gordon/ Scott Grimes ❤️ what a great character.

Same!

Yes, there is something about Gordon's twinkling eyes and boy-ish demeanour. It's a good job I'm not on the crew. I'd embarrass myself.

Didn't even realise this was in feminism etc board by the way, I was initially looking on telly addicts to see if there was an Orville thread, then used the search function. Me and my increasingly problematic affection for Ed and, I now have to admit to myself, Gordon, would probably fit in better on Telly Addicts. My wikipedia discovery of Seth McFarlane's views has certainly fanned the flame. The Topa storyline was a clue.

'Eyes' you say! 'Twinkling'...? Right, I'm sold. Watching it next week.

Worth noting that Seth was one of the first to call out Weinstein (when presenting the Oscars). And yes, I definitely would!!

I absolutely love the Orville, it is well written and not afraid to explore difficult subjects. Also, Dolly Parton cameoed in it.

I just read your user name and said out loud 'Oh no! Not Glen'.

Yes, completely agree. It’s out Star-Treking Star Trek at the moment, a joy to watch.

I do think the Topa story was deliberately and masterfully managed, especially if you think of the climate in the US, and I can only imagine what the entertainment industry is like.

He can also sing, very well. Frank Sinatra style.

He's really politically minded and from what I've seen, an all round "good guy". No rumours of seedy behaviour etc etc.

I haven't gotten around to watching The Orville yet but it is Seth MacFarlane, creator of Family Guy. And while Family Guy hasn't been as forthright as South Park has at times been on issues relating to transactivism, it's obvious that the writers on it have their issues with aspects of it. This scene for example.

Dolly Parton's cameo was brilliant. The whole show is great, yes it started out as a comedy but its evolved into really good quality sci-fi. With real characters and great humour to boot

@@JustFrustrated Doesn’t he do the voice for Mike the Sinatra-singing mouse in Sing?

I’m always on the lookout for good hearted shows we can watch as a family. Would The Orville be suitable for a reasonably sophisticated 11 year old anyone?

Probably, there are a few bits which may be a bit to much or go over their head, but on the whole its relatively light-hearted but touches on good social issues

I think it was very cleverly done. Thought provoking without being preachy, something a lot of shows struggle with.