Stephanie Camello Explains Why "The Orville" Is the Perfect Trifecta of Space Dramedies

To Stephanie Camello, The Orville encompasses 3 key elements that make it not only successful and likable, but reminiscent of timeless space classics. Together, the perfect trifecta of Star Wars and Star Trek all wrapped snugly in Seth MacFarlane's comedic style make this the best space dramedy of our time.

Star Wars Elements

1) Relationship drama exists between the leads. The ongoing relationship between Captain Ed Mercer and Commander Kelly Grayson is the main ongoing relationship tug-of-war. The series begins with them married but Kelly cheats on Ed and the marriage is dissolved. However when Kelly joins Ed's ship as lead Commander a year later, the dynamic goes from awkward sarcastic anger from Ed to remorse from Kelly to a "will they, won't they" relationship that ultimately ends up with them becoming good friends as they do their jobs together on the ship. This is quite similar to the relationship in Star Wars between Princess Leia and Han Solo. While they don't have much of a past, there is the awkward tension of "will they, won't they" that teeters nicely with Han's sarcastic confidence while they both do their jobs on their ship. Having the dynamics created by a romantic relationship between the leads gives The Orville a continuing story line on which to base their various adventures.

2) The intelligent robot. Issac is just like C-3PO! Star Wars has the smart and quirky golden robot C-3PO which is quite similar to The Orville's Issac. Both have superior intelligence and aren't afraid to let people know it either. Plus their exterior robot builds are very similar as well.

3) Laser battles and journeys to other planets. Similar to the adventures the characters in Star Wars take to the various planets and see different creatures across the galaxy, so do characters on The Orville in their journeys to different planets where they see weird creatures and experience confrontations which often end in battle. The battles are also similar in that the main weapon is a deadly laser. However, The Orville has more of a laser-gun while Star Wars has the famous light saber sword.

Star Trek Elements

1) Just like the hierarchy on Star Trek, The Orville has titles like Captain, Commander and Lieutenant. 

2) The way in which both command stations are situated on the ships are similar. The half-moon shape with the Captain and Commander in the center giving commands to the workers on the side is very reminiscent of the traditional Star Trek command station setup.

3) Character similarities are abundant. Like Star Trek: The Next Generation, you've got the other-worldly creature Worf from another plant just like Bortus. And like Deanna Troi on Star Trek who is half-human with super powers like her extra sensory abilities of telepathy is similar to the Xelayan characters Alara Kitan and Talla Keyali with their superior strength.

Seth MacFarlane Elements

1) Comedy and sarcasm galore. In perfect Seth MacFarlane fashion, there is never a dull moment on the comedy front. Many of the lines from Ed and Kelly are sarcastic quips that showcase both the characters' and the actors' personalities.

2) Similar to his cartoons and movies, there are many references to pop culture (both new and old) sprinkled throughout that always provide a moment of "I haven't heard that song in forever" (like with Dolly Parton's "9-5" song played during a battle) or of eye-spying things like Kermit the Frog sitting casually on Ed's desk or the Wright brothers' model plane as an excellent ode to Mr. Orville Wright, not a mere coincidence from Mr. MacFarlane!

3) Superb acting, writing and producing are always seen from Seth as he conquers all mediums with style and grace.

Now there are probably many other comparisons but these are the main similarities from a broad observation. But in Stephanie Camello's opinion, The Orville is the best space dramedy out there today and everyone should check it out on Hulu! Season 3 should be out some time this year, but Seasons 1-2 are ready to binge!