Future Unknown

Season	Episode
3	10

Air date

August 4, 2022

Writer

Seth MacFarlane

Director

Seth MacFarlane

Composer

Joel McNeely

Date

August - September 2422

Production Order

Previous episode
Domino

Chronological Order

Previous release
Domino

Future Unknown is the tenth and final episode of the third season of The Orville. Isaac proposes to Claire Finn. Meanwhile, an unexpected visitor seeks asylum aboard the USS Orville but struggles to adjust to life in the Planetary Union.

Future Unknown was written and directed by Seth MacFarlane, with music by Joel McNeely. The title is understood to refer to three different concepts: The uncertainty of life, the trajectory of the civilization of Sargus 4 (which is a metaphor for present-day Earth), and marriage. Additionally, the title is a "meta" reference to the unknown status at the time of airing of whether the show would be renewed for a fourth season. Gordon Malloy summarizes the point of the episode with the final line: "The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time."

The finale was warmly received by fans and critics alike. Apart from the fact that Future Unknown marked the end of Season 3, it also used the final recording of actor Norm Macdonald as Yaphit. The episode holds an 8.2 rating on IMDb.^[1]

Plot[]

Act 1[]

Isaac walks the halls of the USS Orville to the tune of Henry Mancini's "Bachelor in Paradise," visiting his stations, handing Doctor Claire Finn a banana, and getting to his chair on the bridge. The Orville is on its way to Listak 2, where Bortus and Klyden will renew their vows in a ceremony known as the Commencement Rite of the Kazh-gahl. Bortus will attempt to catch Klyden. The next morning, the Rite begins, with Captain Ed Mercer officiating. Bortus and Klyden disrobe and the chase begins. Bortus catches Klyden after an intense pursuit, and the two mate.

Back on the Orville, Ed and First Officer Kelly Grayson speak with Admiral Tom Halsey regarding an upcoming relief mission to Sargus 4.

Isaac queries the ship's Computer for cultural traditions associated with bonding on Earth. He finds Claire in the Mess Hall, kneels, presents a ring, and asks her to marry him. She stares at him, stunned.

Act 2[]

Claire takes Isaac to her quarters to find out why he proposed. He believes that, based on average courtship duration and her current age, it is the right time. Claire insists that it is about why he wants to marry, she also wonders what will happen after she dies. He states he might select a new companion (which makes her scoff in response), but he would also monitor the wellbeing of all of her descendants. Claire is speechless.

That evening, Claire, Kelly, and Chief Security Officer Talla Keyali weigh pros and cons of marriage. Claire knows that under his cold circuitry, Isaac loves her. Ed then shows up, and they ask his opinion. He suggests Claire should ask her children.

About 12 minutes from Sargus 4, an unexpected call comes in from Lysella - a coffee barista who had helped them when John got in trouble on the planet. She requests the Orville get her, and Ed reluctantly agrees. In the Briefing Room, Lysella takes off her Vote Badge and vows never to wear it again. She petitions for asylum, Sargun society is turning into a mob-run witch hunt. Ed and Kelly tell her that once she joins, she cannot return. Ed assigns Kelly as her guide to orient her to the ship and life in the Planetary Union.

Act 3[]

Gordon pranks John in Engineering, telling him Ed wants him to join the landing party to Sargus 4. Isaac enters to announce a new calibration program for the dysonium injectors. The three and Lieutenant Jenny Turco discuss his marriage proposal and learn Claire has not accepted.

Claire finds her boys, Ty and Marcus, in their quarters. She is a bit nervous to admit that Isaac proposed, but they already heard the rumor. The boys approve; if Claire wants to marry Isaac, Marcus says, "then what are you sitting around talking to us for?" They hug. Claire finds Isaac and accepts.

Isaac enters Kelly's office and asks if she wants to go on a date and have sex. "Pretty good, how are you?" she quips, then asks why he would say something like that. Isaac says John recommended he not limit himself to a single woman. Kelly is not surprised but says Isaac should not tell anyone about what he said.

Kelly meets Lysella in the Mess Hall. Lysella asks why people work if all their needs are met. Kelly answers matter synthesis may have replaced money, but benefiting society keeps people working. Kelly then promises to take Lysella out for entertainment at 1800 hours.

Later, Claire asks Kelly to be her maid-of-honor. Kelly accepts and is flattered, though she divulges Claire's fiancé just asked her out. Claire is furious. She confronts Isaac, who is apologetic, and then confronts John. She gives him a tongue-lashing in front of Jenny, Yaphit, and Brosk and warns him never to advise Isaac again.

Kelly shows Lysella the Environmental Simulator and a simulation of the interior of the Mel'Mirrys Asteroid. Mel'Mirrys is a beautiful place of subsurface ice, glowing radioactive decay, and the Kamalids, a member of the Union. Kelly promises that there are other places in the galaxy that make Mel'Mirrys look "dull."

Isaac asks Helmsman Gordon Malloy to be his best man for the wedding. Bortus interjects to say he is remarkably funny and the best candidate for the job. Isaac accepts Bortus and Gordon is stunned. in the Astrophysics Lab, Isaac contacts Kaylon Primary to invite the Kaylon to the wedding. Primary finds the tradition illogical but affirms that the Kaylon fleet will attend.

Act 4[]

Kelly takes Lysella to the quantum core up close. Lysella says that everyone on Sargus 4 is angry all the time and the world is growing dangerous, yet she feels guilty for leaving. She wonders if Sarguns would be better people if they had the Planetary Union's technology. Kelly tells her that she is being too hard on herself and invites her to Claire's bachelorette party.

Gordon is livid that Bortus "bullied" his way into being best man. Just then, a sandwich appears that Gordon had sent forward in time three months ago using the quantum accelerator.^[2] He takes a bite and feels better.

Kelly, Talla, and Lysella talk bachelorette party, but Lysella is astonished when the others mention the capabilities of a Food Synthesizer for the party. Lysella wants to show Sargus 4 this device, but Kelly and Talla explain how it is against the law. Talla suggests that they return to planning the party, but Lysella says that she is tired and goes to lay down.

The men assemble for Isaac's bachelor party in a simulation of an old Las Vegas cocktail lounge. They are non-plussed with the bar until Bortus, dressed as Elvis Presley, appears onstage. Only the alien Engineering crew-members and Klyden seem to enjoy it. Meanwhile, the bachelorette party proves much wilder, a frenzied nightclub complete with a Kaylon stripper. Talla notices Lysella is not there. Back at the bachelor party, Bortus nearly puts them to sleep with a slow performance "Love Me Tender."

The next day, Lysella meets Kelly in her quarters. Lysella feels guilty and wants to return. In the matter synthesis room, Claire tries on different dresses for Kelly, Ed, and Talla. Kelly announces Lysella wants to go home. This time, the officers are unsure whether it is permissible to let her return. Talla believes it to be a risk of cultural contamination, while Kelly thinks if Lysella talked it would be unbelievable to the other Sarguns. Ed agrees on the condition that this is Lysella's last chance to switch.

Act 5[]

Lysella gets on a shuttlecraft, ready to return home, when an alarm sounds. They discover a comscanner in Lysella's bag with designs for matter synthesizers, environmental simulators, and scanner arrays. Kelly takes Lysella back to the Environmental Simulator and runs a program of Gendel 3 in 2235, a planet which strongly resembles Sargus 4. Kelly then advances to 2240. The planet is now a barren wasteland with a mutated, feral man scampering about. Kelly explains early Union explorers were once more like missionaries than observers. They found Gendel 3 a world of divided nation-states, threatening each other with nuclear weapons. The Union shared highly advanced technology in the hopes Gendel 3 would leap forward into an era of peace. Instead, wars erupted and a population of nine billion was wiped out within five years. Kelly says Lysella cannot pull Sargus 4 into the future. "They have to do it on their own."

On the bridge, the crew detects the approach of a massive Kaylon fleet - the Kaylon are Isaac's wedding guests and the whole planet of Kaylon 1 was invited. Talla sends word to Planetary Union Central so no one panics. Claire arrives at the bridge. A call comes in from the lead Kaylon ship. There is not enough room for all the Kaylon, so Isaac tells Primary they will broadcast the ceremony to the vessels. Primary agrees and congratulates Isaac.

The wedding commences in the Environmental Simulator. Isaac appears in his human form, and Ty bears the ring. Claire proceeds, escorted by Marcus. Ed officiates and calls for the two to read their vows. Claire says that some women shut their eyes and dream, but others open their eyes and hope; dreams are what you create for yourself, while hope lets the universe decide. She is glad she opened her eyes. Isaac says he is unable to reciprocate love, but the only time he made an error in judgment was after she had terminated their coupling. He prefers not to experience error, and she could ensure his continued efficiency. They exchange rings. Then Ed pronounces them husband and wife.

At the reception, Claire finds Lysella, who has decided to stay in the Union. Kelly and Claire introduce Lysella to the Kaylon. Next, Ed approaches Kelly with a special surprise, Alara Kitan, who is back for the wedding. Alara now designs tactical outposts for the Xelayans.

Bortus delivers a speech as best man, but his Moclan sense of humor falls flat and many of his quips are offensive. Isaac interrupts and turns the speech to Gordon.

Gordon gives a lighthearted speech that goes over much better and wishes the two a long, happy marriage - but if not, Isaac is fully recyclable. Everyone applauds and Claire asks Gordon to sing a song. He performs James Taylor's "Secret O' Life." Kelly slips her hand into Ed's and the two exchange smiles. The camera watches the Orville sail away as Gordon says the secret of life is enjoying the passage of time.

Production[]

Writers wanted this episode to have a natural conclusion to Season 3 in case the show was not picked up for Season 4, while leaving open aspects of the story in case the show is renewed.^[3]

Due to the global Covid-19 pandemic shutting down production, this episode was not filmed until the year 2021. New restrictions and scheduling conflicts due to Covid-19, as well as three pregnant co-stars, made filming Season 3's remaining five episodes extremely difficult. As a result, the production leaders decided to shoot all of the five episodes at the same time, an unprecedented and surprising move. "It's unbelievably difficult," director Jon Cassar reported in May 2021. "But we're doing it. We're holding onto the tone."^[4] Despite Seth MacFarlane being credited for this episode, the challenges of shooting during a global pandemic meant both MacFarlane and Cassar directed scenes as time and schedules allowed. "It's almost like we're co-directing at this point," Cassar surmised.^[4]

The bachelorette party scenes took an extremely long time to film. According to actress Penny Johnson Jerald (Claire Finn), the experience was "exhausting" but "so much fun." The filming was under extreme heat, around 110 degrees. Jerald was thoroughly impressed with the Paul Len, the professional dancer playing a Kaylon stripper, dancing in the suit in the heat.^[5]

The wedding scenes took three days to shoot. The crew had made only one wedding dress, so Jerald was not allowed to sit to prevent wrinkling. Instead, she had a special board inside the dress to lean on. Jerald remembers most how the forest looked "enchanted" and smelled wonderful.^[5] Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the crew had to constantly move the actors around in otherwise awkward positions to create the illusion of many characters standing next to each other on camera without violating health restrictions.^[5]

Trivia[]

Gordon Malloy insists that being a best man at a wedding requires a "tonal balance" for humor and sentimentality. "Tonal balance" is an extremely common phrase that showrunner Seth MacFarlane uses with the crew behind the scenes to describe how he wants The Orville to strike a balance of comedy and drama.
Make-up artist Dirk Rogers makes another secret cameo in this episode as Tongue Alien. Rogers has appeared throughout the series in small roles.
This episode marks the first time Talla and Alara appear together in the same scene. They did not meet in The Road Not Taken, even though both characters show up.
Bortus is depicted as a somewhat poor singer in this episode, which goes against A Tale of Two Topas in which he performs a stirring recital.
This episode is the final performance by Norm Macdonald as Yaphit while the actor was alive.
In "Inside 'Future Unknown'," a bonus feature available on Hulu, executive producer Brannon Braga states that it felt right to end on a lighter note following the events of the previous episode. The renewal of Bortus and Klydens' vows was inspired by a reality series that Braga is obsessed with, Discovery Channel's Naked and Afraid. Director Jon Cassar describes shooting the scene as having been very interesting, having naked guys running through a forest all day with a big tackle at the end, a fun way to start the episode. André Bormanis, screenwriter and co-executive producer, states that one of the great things about the series is it being about a hopeful future. Mark Jackson, Isaac's actor, describes Isaac's proposal to Claire as what we've all been waiting for, while Penny Johnson Jerald, Claire's actor, states that it happened so fast.
The dancing Kaylon stripper at the bachelorette party was not played by Mark Jackson (Isaac) but a professional dancer named Paul Len.^{[n 1]}

References[]

Admiral Thomas Halsey recommends not sending Chief Engineer John LaMarr to Sargus 4 after what happened last time. Tom is referring to the events of Majority Rule, where the Sarguns arrested John and nearly lobotomized him. Gordon's prank saying LaMarr will be in the landing party refers to the same incident.
The wedding orchestra plays Vivaldi's "Winter" from "The Four Seasons" and Bach's "Air on the G String."
Gordon sings "Secret O' Life" from James Taylor's album JT.
Ed's speech at the wedding is drawn from Captain James Kirk's speech at a wedding in the episode Balance of Terror in Star Trek: The Original Series. (See Influences of The Orville.)

Comparison of speeches: *Star Trek* and *The Orville*
James Kirk	Ed Mercer
Since the days of the first wooden vessels, all shipmasters have had one happy privilege. That of uniting two people in the bonds of matrimony.	One of the great privileges that has always been bestowed upon ships captains since the days of the ancient seafaring vessels is the honor of uniting two people in matrimony.

Kelly tells Lysella that interference with a culture's development is to play God. Two years prior, Kelly interfered with development of the Kandarians in the episode Mad Idolatry, who deified and worshipped her.

Timeline[]

This episode takes place three months following Twice in a Lifetime, as Gordon receives the sandwich that was displaced by the Aronov device.
It is revealed that the Planetary Union was founded sometime before 2235 and that early Union explorers acted more like missionaries than observers before discovering the devastating effects that sharing technoloogy could have on a society.
This episode continues the events originally seen in the first season's Majority Rule. In the approximately three years since, the government of Sargus 4 has become even more repressive.
This episode is also the culmination of the romance between Claire and Isaac that originated in Into the Fold.
In the book The Guide to The Orville, Lysella Ravada writes on September 26, 2422 that:
- She has been on the Orville for a month, placing her date of joining the ship in August 2422.
- Claire and Isaac married two weeks prior, or about the first week of September 2422.^[6]

Mistakes[]

Kaylon Primary is completely unfamiliar with the custom of a wedding, which seems difficult to believe because the Kaylon share all information between each other, and it seems impossible they would not have encountered the tradition through Isaac. Additionally, Primary had read the book Roots in Identity, Pt. 2. The novel features multiple weddings and marriages.
The Orville is surrounded by the Kaylon fleet, who are there to observe the wedding. When the camera pulls out to the exterior of the Orville during the reception, the Kaylon ships are nowhere to be seen.
- This might be explained that the Kaylon stayed for the wedding ceremony and left before the reception.
Ed says that ship captains have always had the honor of marrying people. This is a common myth. Ship captains do not normally have this ability.