A gravitational anomaly catapults Kelly, from years in her past, to the present day. But can Lt. Greyson fit in in her new old life?

An Adrienne Palicki showcase, this episode finally gives the Orville’s most competent officer a moment in the spotlight. Two at once in fact. The gradual reveal that Kelly was a party monster a few years ago could have been played cackhandedly but here it feels like a natural evolution of the character. Palicki subtly alters her usual portrayal too, Commander Greyson almost viscerally uncomfortable around her more relaxed, looser younger self.

Even then the episode could have fallen over if either had been played for laughs. Instead, this becomes something akin to and worthy of comparison with the two Rikers storyline on The Next Generation. However, here the focus is far more internalized as the show has been all season. It’s also surprisingly even handed. Kelly is confronted with her younger self and doesn’t like what she sees. Kelly is confronted with her older self who has failed to achieve any of her goals and likes it even less.

That all works brilliantly, as does Ed and Kelly 2’s choice to pursue a relationship. This was the part I was most afraid of but it pays off beautifully. Ed sees another chance to do things right. Kelly, both of her, sees the same. None of them arrive at the same point and thankfully none of them arrive at the ‘Ed Mercer! Wounded BoyMan! Amateur stalker!’ nonsense of the very first episodes. Instead, the moment where Ed apologizes to past Kelly for all she’s about to go through with him is genuinely touching. And the moment she returns to the past and dumps him is both understandable and immensely disturbing.

There are strong rumours the show won’t be back for a third year and that’s a real shame if so. I worry it’s become too un-MacFarlane like for fans and people who were worried about it being a MacFarlane show simply stayed away. This episode, driven by character, honesty and choice and still finding time for a badass action sequence, shows just what those folks are missing if so.

Verdict: A great set up to the finale of an extraordinarily strong season.10/10

Alasdair Stuart