AlexanderJB Reviews

The Orville: From Unknown Graves (2022) Season 3, Episode 7

Too many plots

[5/10 · 4 September 2022]

In sci-fi, it's common to have episodes with an A-plot and a B-plot. Often times these plots are entangled and can lead to collective resolution. The issue with this episode is it combines two full episodes, which means we have two A-plots and two B-plots.

There is a highly interesting Kaylon storyline which explores emotion, the creation of the species, and more. These topics certainly deserve an entire episode and it's a shame they had to share screen time with an additional topic.

On the other hand, there is a completely separate storyline regarding about matriarchic societies. This entire storyline is weaker and is out of place with regards to the kaylon plot.

Additionally, John and Talla have zero chemistry on screen so let's not continue down this route, and Charly is still just a bad person.

Blown Away: Episode #3.9 (2022) Season 3, Episode 9

A complete anomaly

[3/10 · 28 July 2022]

JOHN S. SHOULD HAVE WON! This is complete BS! It's clear this piece and his previous one were absolutely excellent! I just don't understand how this decision was made on the merit of the pieces.

Serenity (2005)

What could have been

[8/10 · 14 July 2022]

Everytime I watch this movie I shed a tear for Joss Whedon's original vision. If only fox hadn't shut him down, we could have fleahed out these stories over many seasons.

Avenue 5 (2020–2022)

Bad writing strikes again

[4/10 · 13 July 2022]

You cannot simply have out of touch rich people, imperfect "relatable" protagonists, and a catastrophe plot, and call your show a satire.

I saw the cast for the show and was really looking forward to it. Unfortunately the show spent so much time trying to make characters relatable rather than likable. They sound too much like teenagers at a family reunion.

Not to mention the bad satire comes off as being kind of preachy. On the bright side some of the characters get a few good verbal jabs in there which made me chuckle, but not much more.

The Orville: Twice in a Lifetime (2022) Season 3, Episode 6

Wrong side of the argument

[4/10 · 8 July 2022]

This episode is the opposite of the usual, it focusses on the characters rather than the sci-fi.

The problem with this episode is in it's messages and morals. Once again, the captain, first officer, & company are are the bad guys. IDK what McFarlane is going for with this season, but the crew is coming off as righteous jerks multiple times. I just don't think their stances and methods are correct in the slightest and at the end of the episode it feels like the bad guys won.

Not to mention, they spent a significant amount of time on Charlie and Isaac for literally nothing to change in their characters. Wasted potential.

There are still almost no jokes, but "The Door or the Floor" is a good line.

The Orville: Mortality Paradox (2022) Season 3, Episode 3

Writing and cast have problems

[6/10 · 6 July 2022]

This was a well written episodes with a solid plot and acceptable dialogue. The problem is that a portion of the cast/characters are still not fitting in.

I am so tired of ensign Charlie yelling at Isaac for no reason. It comes off as childish and hateful and not worthy of a bridge officer. I'm tired of people agreeing with her when it is out of their character. I am also tired of the security chief being such a flat character. She can't deliver the tough lines and her character lacks depth as a result.

The Orville: Electric Sheep (2022) Season 3, Episode 1

Not a strong start

[3/10 · 6 July 2022]

I cannot stand the new ensign Charly. How is someone with so much hate allowed to be a bridge officer? All of the lines that attack Issac simply astound me, and the members of the crew that support her on this feel incredibly out of character to do so. It is not a strong start at all.

The Orville: A Tale of Two Topas (2022) Season 3, Episode 5

An emotional writing problem

[3/10 · 6 July 2022]

This episode is the latest in a series of issues. At this point it is clear that the show will use Bortus's family as an avenue to examine issues regarding gender, family, and sexuality. The problem is that Bortus and his family lack emotional depth. Bortus doesn't even seem to love his husband. These are heavy topics with a large amount of grey area. The story lines are already walking a tight rope. It doesn't help that this "family" is so stoic or angry.

Given that over arching criticism, this episode has a few poor writing points of it's own. The crew is constantly interfering in the lives of Bortus's family, which is a major issue. These are topics for the family to grapple with. It's different if they invite friends to help, but currently the crew bud in to family matters. There are so many pieces of dialogue that attack the ears with their cringe. The topic is not a bad one to explore, but it was done poorly.

The Orville: Gently Falling Rain (2022) Season 3, Episode 4

Less than subtle politics

[5/10 · 6 July 2022]

The "allusions" to the current USA politics are a bit obvious. I don't necessarily have a problem with this when done smoothly, however there are a few bumpy spots.

At least the blonde ensign didn't say some stupid hateful line this episode.

Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

You actually believe what's happening!

[10/10 · 5 June 2022]

This movie was so refreshing! Top Gun: Maverick is everything an action movie should be. The premise is simple, there's a team with a simple yet challenging task. No extremely high stakes, no confusion; you actually believe what's happening. The writing was solid, which is a lot to ask for these days, add in the excellent acting and special effects and you got yourself a movie!

The Orville (2017–2022)

Had to change my rating

[7/10 · 22 May 2022]

This show is funny, hopeful, and thoughtfully written. Sure there were some cookie cutter sci-fi tropes, but the characters made it feel real.

Season three has issues. The cast has changed, the show lost some real talent. The characters themselves have flattened; no one has interesting characteristics or quirks. Finally the writing has fallen off. I no longer feel like the captain and his crew are even on the right side of the issue half the time.

I've watched this show in it's entirety. I'll give it one more season for the quality to return, but the decline needs to stop here.

The Aeronauts (2019)

Decent story line, not a true story

[7/10 · 20 January 2022]

I would rate this movie higher if it didn't rewrite history based off a modern political motivation. The female balloonist was actually a man by the name of Coxwell. Kinda takes the air out of the balloon...

Otherwise I thought it was well executed, great acting and visuals.

Counterpart (2017–2019)

Creativity and Acting

[10/10 · 19 January 2022]

I'll be brief: To all the amateur scientists in the comments, I actually hold a degree in physics and the science checks out enough for me.

To everyone else, this show has a truly unique premise and amazing acting to back it up. I only recognized JK simmons and Richard Schiff, but I love seeing quality acting from people I don't associate with other roles. This is not cookie cutter TV show and I love it!

It's a shame the show ended, felt a bit rushed. Nevertheless, it was a hell of a ride!

Lost in Space (2018–2021)

Season 2 was half baked

[5/10 · 29 August 2020]

Season 1 is awesome, season 2 was a steady decline. Lot's of plot holes and a lack of character motivation. It's a real disappointment.

Another Life (2019–2021)

Science Fiction without the Science

[1/10 · 4 November 2019]

I gave up when she looked at a star from a glass window bubble. Every other second the show breaks science. Now I can look the other way, if the story and characters are good enough. But the plot is non-existent, and the characters do nothing but yell or wine like children. These are the people earth chose to make first contact?