Sfdebris.net

Chuck's standard scoring system is to wait for a series to be over then we know the average, we know the worst and can score accordingly. Until then he scores with words: recommended, avoid etc.

I propose a system for scoring Orville even while the show is still running. This week's episode referred to TNG the Outcast; Isaac stranded with Doctor's childern referred to VOY Tuvok stranded with alien childern; planet where Time goes faster like VOY.

When the episode is a new story, then score it with words as usual. When the episode refers to an extablished story, then take the score of the original episode and plus or minus points depending on whether ORV does it better or worse.

TNG Outcast v ORV: both had sad endings, ORV had better sad ending because we are emotionally involved with the characters. Take the original score +3
Stranded with Children: ORV involved continuity, the dreaded 'c' word, so +, the reveal was not retarded, so more +; VOY, the grandma was SOOOO cute therefore original score -1. Or indeed however Chuck decides episodes are better or worse.

Scoring an episode of one series based on a similar episode of another series doesn't seem all that fair, after all, what about those episodes that are themselves based on other works? There are very few original works in science fiction, mostly re-interpretations and re-imaginings of classic tropes - there are just as many works that add something new as there are works which are purely derivative.

This is a case where patience is a virtue. Why not wait 5 years and enjoy the whole show first?

That would get complicated very quickly. Already there have been multiple Orville episodes that are at least a composite of multiple sources (not to mention their own original elements). Which score do you compare that to?