Ep 7. Majority Rule

In the seventh episode of The Orville's debut season, entitled "Majority Rule," Captain Mercer and his crew respond to a distress call from a nearby planet. Upon arrival, they find a civilization that utilizes a social media-like system in which citizens vote on each other's behavior. Those who receive enough negative votes are subjected to punishment, ranging from public shaming to permanent exile.

As the crew attempts to rescue a team of researchers who have fallen afoul of the planet's system, they become embroiled in the society's politics and must navigate the repercussions of their actions in a system where the majority always rules. Along the way, they are forced to confront their own preconceptions and biases, as well as the dangers of allowing mob mentality to dictate justice.

"Majority Rule" is a thought-provoking episode that explores themes of democracy, individualism, and the power of social media. While the show's humor and lightheartedness are still present, the episode also delves into deeper ethical questions and highlights the dangers of allowing public opinion to be the sole arbiter of justice.

Throughout the episode, the crew grapples with the complexities of a society where conformity is encouraged and dissent is punished. They must navigate the nuances of a system that values popularity over fairness, and work to prevent their own biases from impacting their judgments.

As with previous episodes, "Majority Rule" also explores the personal lives of the crew members. The episode contains subplots involving Bortus's egg-laying, Yaphit's unrequited love for Dr. Finn, and Mercer's ongoing attempts to win back his ex-wife. While these subplots provide humor and emotional depth, they are never allowed to detract from the episode's central themes.

Overall, "Majority Rule" showcases The Orville's ability to blend humor with more serious subject matter. It is a standout episode that offers thought-provoking commentary on the dangers of blindly following the crowd and the importance of individualism in a democratic society.