Ep 2. Primal Urges

The Orville is a science fiction dramedy following the crew of the titular starship as they navigate the ups and downs of interstellar exploration. In season 2, episode 2, titled "Primal Urges," the crew members must face a difficult challenge as they encounter new species and personal issues.

The episode begins with Commander Grayson, who is trying to adjust to life on the Orville after being away from her family for so long. She is struggling to reconnect with her son Ty, who has grown distant from her. As the starship reaches a planet inhabited by an intelligent alien species, Grayson is tasked with leading the landing party in an effort to make first contact with the beings. Grayson's personal issues are brought to the forefront when she discovers that the aliens have a different concept of family and relationships, which threatens to further alienate her from her own son.

Meanwhile, Captain Mercer is dealing with his own problem - a recurring nightmare that he is unable to shake. He turns to his ex-wife Kelly for help, and they end up spending the night together. The following morning, Kelly encourages Mercer to seek counseling for his nightmare, but he is reluctant to reveal the details of his dream to anyone except her.

As the episode progresses, the crew discover that the planet is inhabited by primitive creatures who are quickly evolving into sentient beings. The process is accelerated by the introduction of a special serum created by the planet's original inhabitants. The crew must navigate a delicate balance between respecting the natural progression of evolution and the benefits of an accelerated process, while also trying to prevent the new species from wiping out their predecessors.

As tensions rise and the stakes grow higher, the crew must confront their personal demons and darker impulses in order to save the inhabitants of the planet and prevent disaster from befalling them all. In the end, they must learn the importance of embracing the unknown and accepting diverse perspectives, both in terms of alien species and personal relationships.

Overall, "Primal Urges" is a thought-provoking episode that explores complex issues such as family relationships, emotional trauma, and the ethics of interfering with natural evolution. It is a standout episode of the second season and represents one of the many strengths of The Orville - its ability to blend humor, drama, and science fiction in a satisfying and entertaining way.