Patrick Goodman is back again, this time with some content for the Star-Trek-inspired series The Orville. I’ll admit that I’m not well-versed on The Orville but it’s surprisingly popular among Trekkies and sci-fi fans. This isn’t the first time we’ve had Orville content on Continuing Mission either so the crossover possibilities are rich.
The commanding officer of the Orville is Ed Mercer, a gifted but emotionally damaged Human male played by the show’s creator, Seth MacFarlane. The show opens with Mercer walking in on his wife in bed with someone else which sends him into a tailspin for a year. Finally, out of desperation and a need to fill captain’s seats, the Planetary Union puts him in charge of the mid-level Orville on an exploratory mission. Having always dreamed of serving on an exploratory craft and eager for a second chance, Mercer accepts the position and a series is born.
Whether using Mercer in an Orville campaign or porting him over to the Star Trek universe, this is an interesting captain. He’s got undeniable ability and a fierce loyalty to friends and crew, but he’s not a polished and classic captain in the mold of Picard or Kirk. His personal life also enters into his professional one, though it’s not as tragic as Ben Sisko or as complex as Michael Burnham. He’s a colorful NPC and one that you can certainly use in your campaign no matter what story you are telling.
Click on the image below for the PDF.
I’ll admit, it took me a long time to give The Orville a chance but, when I finally did, I wasn’t disappointed. In all reality, I was surprised. I was expecting something lowbrow like Family Guy but it actually seems like a good Star Trek fan film. Seth McFarlane’s living out his dream, but he hasn’t gone overboard.
Totally agree. Moreso than Discovery, it tends to give me more of the good feeling at the end of each episode I’ve come to expect from Star Trek.
Honestly, I like both shows.