The Orville Season 3 Episode 6 Review: Twice in a Lifetime
The Orville is able to pull off several different types of stories. Even though the last few episodes have been topical and heavily focused on social commentary, The Orville can still do a straight science fiction tale.
On The Orville Season 3 Episode 6, “Twice in a Lifetime,” Gordon is accidentally sent back in time to 2015. Once he’s gone, the crew heads to rescue him, but the mission to rescue him comes with some unexpected challenges.
“Twice in a Lifetime” is a sequel to the Season 2 episode entitled “Lasting Impressions,” in which Gordon falls in love with a simulation based on a woman’s phone they found in a time capsule. This time, though, the trapped-in-time Lt. Molloy actually tracks down the same woman, Laura (Leighton Meester), and begins a relationship with her. This relationship has heavily progressed by 2025, which is when Ed and Kelly show up to get him.
The Union has rules to time travel that technically make Gordon a criminal, but of course it’s much easier to be sympathetic to Gordon on “Twice in a Lifetime.” No one could really blame Doc Brown for starting a life on Back to the Future Part III either.
There are two major factors that stand out on “Twice in a Lifetime.”
The first is the powerful emotional undertone. Even though the situation is not particularly applicable to everyday life, the characters feel real because their emotions are real. Each actor is reacting truthfully to their (albeit absurd) circumstances.
If you watch “Twice in a Lifetime” and wonder what you would do in their situation, it’s easy to be sympathetic to all the characters involved. Ed and Kelly are rescuing their friend, and Gordon has a life in 2025.
Ed Mercer: Socks…are important!
The second factor that stands out is the performances. Particularly, Scott Grimes gives a stellar performance as multiple versions of Gordon Molloy. One the lost in time pilot, and the other a happy, 21st Century family man.
Grimes’ performance is mostly subdued and subtle, but there are clear emotional layers that are peeled back the deeper “Twice in a Lifetime” digs. It’s rare that performances like this get attention, but they should. Grimes comes across raw, real, and relatable.
So even though The Orville focuses less on social commentary and more on science fiction on “Twice in a Lifetime,” the episode works exceptionally well on multiple levels.
A few stray thoughts:
- Charly and Isaac getting a story together is really good — but it could have been a separate episode. Still, their relationship is complex and Isaac is hilarious.
- “Negative. Insemination has yet to occur.”
- The LaMarr and Tala budding romance is another interesting plot, but “Twice in a Lifetime” didn’t need to include it. I assume it’s going to be sprinkled throughout the season.
- I appreciate the slow and deliberate inclusion of humor. The Sox vs. Socks joke is incredible.
- There are many emotional moments and performances on “Twice in a Lifetime,” but one that shouldn’t be overlooked is that Gordon named his son EDWARD. After ED. Wrecked.
What did you think of this episode of The Orville? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Nick Hogan
Nick Hogan is an experienced podcaster and writer (particularly on media topics), who loves discussion and analysis of TV and is always looking for new shows to watch. He is also a parent who loves buffalo wings, blowing raspberries, and his beloved Cincinnati Reds.