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The Orville: New Horizons has covered many themes and current topics. It’s explored different relationships and gave us some of the best moments for the series. As the season went on, I was thrilled when it continued storylines that were introduced early on. The series works the best when storylines are given depth and have a chance to grow over several episodes.
Episode 8, ‘Midnight Blue’, explores the character of Topa, who was given several dramatic scenes in ‘A Tale of Two Topas’. Topa (Imani Pullum) felt unhappy as a boy and made the transition to female. She was born as a female, but it was against the Moclan laws to have a girl. Her fathers forced gender reassignment on her, but Topa eventually returned to who she was meant to be.
Moclan laws and The Sanctuary are once again explored in detail, which gives it depth it needs to be impactful. The Sanctuary is run by Haveen (Rena Owen), a female Moclan. She helps female Moclans live peacefully since male Moclans don’t allow rights for females and perform gender reassignment at birth for Moclans born as females. There is an agreement between the colony and the Moclans to not attack The Sanctuary. Part of that agreement also means that Haveen can no longer rescue female Moclan infants. Grayson and Bortus are sent to The Sanctuary to check in on the agreement but are caught in a story much bigger than them.
Topa joins her father and Grayson on the trip, which she is excited for since she will be able to see other women like her. There Haveen asks Topa to join her cause of saving Moclan women, which would go against the treaty that is in place. After her discussion with Haveen, she is kidnapped by Moclans and taken to a military base where she is tortured and interrogated to reveal the name of the Moclan who is running the operation.
The problem with this episode is its runtime. The episode pushes almost 90 minutes and at times the episode drags. While everything feels important to the storyline and the relationship between Topa and Haveen, it could have been significantly cut down. It isn’t till the 2nd and 3rd act that the show picks up. Mercer and Haveen have a strong conversation about what is right and wrong when it comes to her protecting female Moclan. Mercer wants her to admit what is happening, so the Union doesn’t have to disturb the Moclans.
The episode mixes intense moments along with brutal scenes. When Topa is tortured, it is surprisingly dark and graphic for the series. It does show how important it is to continue the cause and protect the women. The action in here is also top notch. It has a movie like feel to it that makes it thrilling to watch. The visuals this season have been stunning, but this episode offered quick action scenes with a lot of pay off.
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Relationships have developed throughout the season but one that could be the most shocking is between Bortus and Grayson. They spend a significant amount of time together and at one point they share a romantic look, which indicates some feelings for each other. Bortus explains that he appreciates what she has done for Topa and considers her to be part of his family. There is more to it, but their relationship felt rushed and out of place.
Episode 8 wasn’t the strongest episode but did offer some exciting moments for the series. It also had Dolly Parton singing, so that is a bonus! With only two episodes left, I am curious to see how the relationship between Bortus and Grayson will grow. I am also looking forward to more of Topa because she is quickly becoming a strong character within the show who deserves more screen time.
What did you think of this episode? Tell us in the comments section below!
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