Tread Perilously is a podcast in which hosts Erik Amaya and author Justin Robinson watch the “worst” episodes of popular TV shows, attempting to determine if they would continue to watch the series based on the most off-key moments.

This Week: The Orville‘s “Sanctuary”

Tread Perilously takes its annual look at The Orville with “Sanctuary.”

When the Orville takes on two Moclan passengers, Bortus learns they are harboring an infant female. Soon, he assists them in their escape from the law against female Moclans on their home planet. When Captain Mercer finds out, he leads the ship into a nebula and discovers an entire colony of female Moclans. Now discovered, their leader Heveena plans to move their entire group, but Mercer suggests taking their plight to the Union Counsel and apply to be recognized as an independent world. And while the Orville remains in orbit over the colony to defend it from a Moclan ship, the Union worlds debate the issue of their sovereignty. Also, Dolly Parton is the voice of the revolution.

Erik immediately gets distracted by the surprising guest cast and the show’s expanded connections to Star Trek: The Next Generation — including episode director Jonathan Frakes! Justin notes some of the ways The Orville hits on subjects TNG was squeamish about. He also explains Moclan biology and society. Erik names one character “Alexander Rozhenko” and admits to getting distracted by Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.‘s very handsome Agent Keller. Sci-fi aliens get an examination, and Erik expresses his worries about Star Trek: Picard.

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