Ep 12. Mad Idolatry

The Orville season 1 episode 12, titled "Mad Idolatry," follows the crew of the Orville as they encounter a society that worships technology. When the crew investigates a distress signal on an uncharted planet, they discover a primitive civilization that has developed a religion around their technology. The inhabitants of the planet view their machines as sacred and believe that the machines are responsible for their existence.

As the crew explores the planet, they begin to see the dangers of this belief system. The society is so reliant on their machines that they have forgotten how to live without them. When a power surge threatens to destroy the society's main power source, the crew must find a way to help the society without disrupting their beliefs.

The episode focuses on themes of technology, religion, and the dangers of blind faith. It asks the question of what happens when technology becomes so advanced that it starts to resemble a religion. The crew must grapple with the ethics of interfering with the society's beliefs, and whether it is worth it if it means saving lives.

Throughout the episode, the crew also deals with their own personal beliefs and how they relate to the society they are trying to help. Captain Ed Mercer, played by Seth MacFarlane, struggles with the idea of interfering with another civilization's beliefs, while Chief of Security Alara Kitan, played by Halston Sage, must confront her own religious beliefs.

As with the previous episodes of The Orville, "Mad Idolatry" is filled with both humor and heart. The crew must find a way to balance respecting the beliefs of the society they are helping while also ensuring their safety. The episode ends with a touching moment of compassion and understanding, as the crew realizes that sometimes the best way to help is simply to listen.

Overall, "Mad Idolatry" is a thought-provoking episode that explores the dangers of blind faith and the importance of respecting other cultures and beliefs. The Orville continues to impress with its unique blend of science fiction, humor, and heart, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.