recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Hodges

**Hodges** was a Human Ensign and relief navigator of the BCV *Burton*.

## Life

Hodges was likely born in the late 23rd century and served in the Planetary Union in the early 24th century. Early in his career, he was stationed aboard the Burton and made Relief Navigator.

Hodges was one of only twenty crew members who survived a large, devastating battle between the Union and the Tzel. With so many officers dead, Hodges was the seniormost officer and made acting captain. The ship crash-landed on the Chog homeworld.

The Burton's damaged quantum drive leaked deadly reactor material into the planet's atmosphere, extinguishing all life. Resolved to protect the friendly Chog natives, Hodges gave commands to fix the drive and route all remaining power to the ship's Particle Beam Cannon and Food Synthesizers.

He died alongside other Union officers on the planet some time after the year 2320.

## Trivia

* Curiously, Ensign Hodges' uniform is colored blue, the color associated with Command in the modern Union Fleet. In the 25th century, navigators wear Engineering orange.
* Hodges might be named after assistant to executive producer Julia Nichols Hodges who was thanked in *New Beginnings, Pt. 1* and *Pt. 2*, though this is uncertain.
* David A. Goodman has confirmed that the visual representation of Hodges was based on someone famous, but fans have not yet figured out exactly who.

## Appearances

* *Episode 1.5x02: New Beginnings, Pt. 2*

## References

1. ↑ David A. Goodman, Executive Producer and Writer. Quantum Drive. May 10, 2022.
Evidence of the Zankon

**Evidence of the Zankon***,* a species which formed a powerful empire 3.4 million years ago, was widespread throughout the galaxy. The **Bormanis stone** was a stone stele inscribed with a description of the Zankon, their empire, and their putative lost fleet. The stone was one of several examples of ancient literature discussing the Zankon. "**The** **Four Brothers**" was an epic poem on Retepsia which identified a constellation by the same name.

Other sources had been found on other planets as well, describing the Zankon and hinting at their demise.

## The Bormanis stone

The Bormanis stone a large, rectangular stele. The text discussed the end of the Zankon Empire and stated that part of the Zankon fleet was "protected" by "the four brothers." The Zankon had enslaved 37 species, who later overthrew the Zankon. When compared to other archaic texts from that period, it seems the Zankon had hid part of their fleet in space intending to one day use their fleet to return to power.

It is not clear where the Bormanis stone was discovered or when it was made, though it described events which had happened an astounding 3.4 million years ago.

## "The Four Brothers"

"The Four Brothers" was an ancient epic poem discovered on Retepsia sometime around the year 2421. "The Four Brothers" seems to have been recorded on material resembling paper or vellum, which implies the current version is a copy of a much older source - given the extreme age of the fall of the Zankon.

The poem named a Retepsian constellation The Four Brothers. A reconstruction by Professor Lamarche of the star pattern of the Retepsian sky at the time the poem had been created revealed the constellation to was the four stars of the Cruxis system.

The poem was written at about the same time that the Bormanis stone was made. It is not clear who penned "The Four Brothers;" the authors may have been Retepsian.

## Other sources

Though the Zankon lived long ago, evidence for their existence was widespread throughout the galaxy. Second Officer Bortus stated, "It is accepted as fact on Moclus that they existed."

Xelayan researchers discovered several legends that described the Zankon Empire and how they hid part of their fleet.

## Trivia

* The Bormanis stone is visually based on the Rosetta stone.
* Unfortunately, the text of the Bormanis stone and The Four Brothers are just random symbols created by artist David Cabeza with no real meaning.

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Artifacts, Pt. 1
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Conversation with David Cabeza. Twitter. Oct. 22, 2021.
John Billingsley

**John Billingsley** is an actor who played Cambis Borrin in the episode *Home*.

Billingsley is known for having played Phlox, the doctor in *Star Trek: Enterprise*.

## The Orville

Billingsley was announced by *TrekMovie* on July 26, 2018 to appear on *The Orville*. By his own account, Billingsley had only a passing familiarity with the show, preferring to read rather than watch television and film.

Of his experience shooting, Billingsley said:

> *You know I was told that Seth MacFarlane does a killer Dr. Phlox impersonation. I asked him to do it for me, but he never would. I want to hear it! Nobody does a Dr. Phlox.*
>
>

> *Another great thing about working on* The Orville *is I got to work with Molly Hagen* [sic]*, who is a wonderful actress, and Bob Picardo, who is such a love. One of the great joys of Star Trek is that it is one big family. Down the years I have got know a lot of the actors from the other shows. Bob and I got to be such good friends and it is always great fun to hang out with him.*
>
>

## References

1. ↑ Billingsley Cast In The Orville
2. ↑ Pascale, Anthony. "Marina Sirtis To Guest Star In ‘The Orville’ In Episode Directed By Star Trek: TNG’s Jonathan Frakes". TrekMovie. July 27, 2018.
3. ↑ T'Bonz. "TrekBBS Interview with John Billingsley Part II". *TrekBBS*. Jan. 29, 2019.
4. ↑ Pascale, Anthony. "Interview: John Billingsley On Dr. Phlox’s Sex Life, ‘Enterprise’ Getting Dark, And Life After Star Trek". TrekMovie. May 21, 2020.
Liz Heldens

Consulting Producer(*Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow*, *The Road Not Taken*)
Writer (*Cupid's Dagger*)

## External Links

Wikipedia

**Liz Heldens** (legal name: **Elizabeth Heldens**) was an executive producer and writer for the first season of *The Orville*, writing the episode *Cupid's Dagger*. Heldens left The Orville in early May 2018 when her two-year contract with Fox expired, but was retained as a part-time consultant for Season 2's final two episodes.

## Background

Growing up, Heldens was a fan of science fiction television, especially *Star Trek: The Next Generation*, though she stopped following the genre in later life.

She worked for Universal Television for eight years, writing for NBC projects *Mercy* and *Deception*.

## The Orville

Creator Seth MacFarlane was interested in adding Heldens to the writing team expressly because her lack of a background in science fiction could add maturity to the show, and in early June 2016, she signed a two-year contract with Fox to work as a writer and producer for the show. Jonnie Davis, the President of Creative Affairs at Fox, celebrated Heldens' hiring, saying:

> *Liz began her career* [here] *over a decade ago, and we couldn’t be happier she’s returning under an overall deal. She’s a fantastic, soulful, gifted writer who has the unique dexterity to write both comedy and drama, often in the same scene.*
>
>

Heldens left The Orville at the start of May 2018 to jumpstart her own show, *The Passage.* At the 2018 San Diego Comic-Con, executive producer David A. Goodman said that though Heldens was not working full time with The Orville, she plays a consulting role.

 Helden's final credit as executive producer was *Sanctuary*. She is credited as a consulting producer for *Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow* and *The Road Not Taken*.

After Season 3 finished shooting, MacFarlane said that he had been trying to recruit Heldens back to the writing team, but declined due to her busy schedule. "Her voice has never left the show," he reflected. "Even though she went off to go do her own stuff. I sent her every script and she gives me notes and thoughts that are always immensely helpful and are some real nuggets of genius."

## Trivia

* She credits The Orville for reigniting her passion for The Next Generation-style science fiction.

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Seth MacFarlane and behind-the-scenes creative team: "The Orville" | Talks at Google". *Talks at Google*. Nov. 16, 2017.
2. ↑ Andreeva, Nellie. "Liz Heldens Inks Overall Deal With 20th TV, Joins Seth MacFarlane Fox Dramedy". *Deadline*. June 2, 2016.
3. ↑ Andreeva, Nellie. "Fox Picks Up Drama Pilot ‘The Passage’ Starring Mark-Paul Gosselaar To Series". *Deadline*. May 8, 2018.
4. ↑ Three If By Space. "The Orville EPs Goodman Braga & Cassar - SDCC 2018". YouTube. July 27, 2018.
5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Weintraub, Steve. "Seth MacFarlane on ‘The Orville: New Horizons,’ Directing While Acting, and Why He’s Grateful to Hulu [Exclusive]". Collider. July 2, 2022.
Hemblicite

A reconstruction of the look of a Hemblicite

The **Hemblicites** were an extinct species who once presided over a great empire.

## History

Roughly 70,000 - 50,000 years prior to the 25th century, the Hemblicites had a vast empire in the Milky Way but eventually went extinct, leaving tombs scattered across the galaxy.

By the time the Planetary Union had risen, their archeologists had never breached a tomb. In 2422, the USS *Orville* discovered a tomb and became the first ship to open one. Among the artifacts they found was a DNA sample, one that allowed Charly Burke to extrapolate what a Hemblicite might look like.

## Culture

Charly Burke compares the Hemblicites to the ancient Egyptians, since they bury their dead in elaborate pyramids filled with items that the deceased might need in the afterlife.
Eugene Adamov

## External Links

**Eugene Adamov** is a set designer for Season 1 and Season 2 of *The Orville*. While little-known to fans of the show, Adamov drafted some of the most important architectural plans for the early phases of the show, most notably the set of the USS *Orville* itself.

## The Orville

Adamov joined the crew as a set designer for the show's pilot episode, *Old Wounds*. His most important contribution to the show was taking plans of the Orville ship made by production designer Stephen J. Lineweaver and others, then turning those ideas into architectural blueprints for the production crew to build. Thus, Adamov is responsible for the final design of all ship rooms, including the Bridge, Engineering, Mess Hall, Sick Bay, Captain's Office and First Officer's Office, and the quarters for the crew, among many others.

### Season 2

Adamov re-joined the crew to create the architectural plans for Season 2, including new rooms on the Orville's set, like the Armory, and the scavenger ship, seen in *The Road Not Taken*. Adamov also designed the Krill escape pod in *Nothing Left on Earth Excepting Fishes* and the East Side Theater, used in the Environmental Simulator in *Deflectors*.

## References

1. ↑ Lineweaver, Stephen & Robert Strohmaier. "The Orville: A Chance to Design the Future." *ADG Perspective*. July-Aug. 2018. Pg. 96-97.
2. ↑ THE ORVILLE\_SEASON1. eugeneadamov.com. Last accessed March 9, 2022.
3. ↑ "The Orville" Season 2. www.richardanthonyart.com. Last accessed July 11, 2020.
4. ↑ THE ORVILLE\_SEASON2. eugeneadamov.com. Last accessed March 9, 2022.
Lieutenant

**Lieutenant** was a commissioned officer rank used by the Planetary Union. It ranked below Lieutenant Commander and above Ensign.

Lieutenants served on space-faring vessels, space stations, and planets as small-section leaders within departments or even as chiefs of departments. The training as section leaders prepared them for higher command positions. Lieutenants were often responsible for the performance of ensigns and other lieutenants.

Lieutenant was one of the most common ranks within the Union.

## Notable lieutenants

* Alara Kitan: Chief of Security of the USS *Orville* until September 2420.
* Dann: Engineer
* Gordon Malloy: Helmsman aboard the Orville.
* Harrison Payne: Engineer, killed in action in March 2420.
* Henry Park: Nurse
* Janel Tyler: Dark matter cartographer although a human cover for the Krill known as Teleya.
* John LaMarr: Navigator aboard the Orville. Promoted to Lieutenant Commander and Chief Engineer in early 2420.
* Kelly Grayson: Held the rank of Lieutenant circa 2414.
* Kleeman
* Orrin Channing: Served on Outpost 73 before being captured by the Krill circa 2400.
* Palovis: Watered plants on the Orville
* Talla Keyali: Chief of Security of the Orville from late 2420 onward.
* Tharl: Served as interim Chief of Security aboard the Orville in late 2420.
* Unk: Engineer
* Yaphit: Engineer

Alara KitanTharlTalla Keyali

Gordon MalloyJohn LaMarrYaphit?DannHarrison PayneUnkOrrin Channing

Kelly GraysonHenry ParkPalovisJanel Tyler
## References

1. ↑ *Episode 1x01: Old Wounds*
2. ↑ *Episode 2x03: Home*
3. ↑ *Episode 1x09: Cupid's Dagger*
4. ↑ *Episode 1x11: New Dimensions*
5. ↑ *Episode 1x01: Old Wounds*
6. ↑ *Episode 1x10: Firestorm*
7. ↑ *Episode 1x09: Cupid's Dagger*
8. ↑ *Episode 2x01: Ja'loja*
9. ↑ *Episode 1x01: Old Wounds*
10. ↑ *Episode 1x11: New Dimensions*
11. ↑ *Episode 2x13: Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow*
12. ↑ *Episode 2x06: A Happy Refrain*
13. ↑ *Episode 2x10: Blood of Patriots*
14. ↑ *Episode 1x11: New Dimensions*
15. ↑ *Episode 2x05: All the World is Birthday Cake*
16. ↑ *Episode 2x03: Home*
17. ↑ *Episode 2x04: Nothing Left on Earth Excepting Fishes*
18. ↑ *Episode 1x09: Cupid's Dagger*
19. ↑ *Episode 2x02: Primal Urges*
20. ↑ *Episode 1x01: Old Wounds*
21. ↑ *Episode 1x11: New Dimensions*
Kalba

**Kalba** was a male Moclan who appeared in *Domino*. He was considered the greatest Moclan scientist until his death.

He was portrayed by Regi Davis.

## History

Dr. Kalba was the head of a Moclan research outpost on Draconis 427. Following the Moclans' expulsion from the Planetary Union and their allying with the Krill, Union Admiral Perry provided them with a superweapon that could destroy the Kaylon. To upgrade the weapon to have a galactic detonation, the alliance brought the weapon to Kalba.

Within a day, Kalba was able to upgrade the weapon. When a combined Union-Kaylon force arrived to seize or destroy the weapon, Kalba set it to detonate after it built its charge, a process that would take eight minutes, before locking its security protocols. When the Union and the Kaylon broke into the control room, Kalba informed the Kaylon Primary that he could not countermand the detonation protocols. When Isaac and Charly Burke attempted to do so, Kalba began leading his fellow scientists away at the urging of Commander Kodon only for the Primary to shoot them dead as they attempted to flee. Nonetheless, Kalba's encryptions had proven too thorough to break through, forcing Ensign Burke to give her life to overload the weapon and save the Kaylon.
Jon Favreau

## External Links

Wikipedia

> *There was only one person in town who has the mastery of tone to walk this line between comedy and drama, and it was Jon.*— Seth MacFarlane
>
>

**Jon Favreau** is an American actor, director and producer who directed the *The Orville*'s pilot episode *Old Wounds* and served as its consultant throughout its run.

Though Favreau directed only one episode, few individuals had more of an impact on the show's trajectory. Creator Seth MacFarlane later called Favreau his "conscience" while filming the pilot, saying Favreau taught him to trust the writing of the script and to put his fear for the success of the show aside while.

## The Orville

Jon Faveau became interested in The Orville after reading the pilot's script: "I just ripped through the whole thing. I flipped through every page and it felt like it was written by someone who really loves the genre." He enjoyed working on a television series that not only recreated classic science fiction television but also poked fun at its tropes.

He is one of the chief reasons for shooting the USS *Orville* as a physical model in place of pure CGI:

> *Seth [MacFarlane]* *share a passion for motion-control miniature work. When we were planning out the pilot episode I brought it up as a lark. I had used this technology before, but it is rare to see it used today because of the time and expense. Seth really sparked to the notion, so we went for it. It would evoke sci-fi of old and add a tangible warmth and nostalgia that we felt suited The Orville as a show, and as a ship.*
>
>

According to Scott Grimes (Gordon Malloy), Favreau jumpstarted the table read of *Old Wounds* on a cautious note: "We could be doing something horrible here. We're either going to be amazing or we're going to fail."

## Trivia

* He performed as the music DJ at the first season's Wrap Party.
* Actress Halston Sage (Alara Kitan) remembers him for making grilled cheese sandwiches on the set.

## See also

* *The World of the Orville*, pages 12, 35

## References

1. ↑ [[1]]
2. ↑ "Mindscape 58 | Seth MacFarlane on Using Science Fiction to Explore Humanity". Sean Carroll. Aug. 5, 2019.
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Directed By Jon Favreau In 360° | Season 1 | THE ORVILLE". The Orville. Sept. 7, 2017.
4. ↑ Bond, Jeff. *The World of the Orville*. Titan Books. 2018. Pg. 12.
5. ↑ "NYCC 2017: Adrianne Palicki & Scott Grimes - The Orville". *WithAnAccentTV*. Oct. 13, 2017.
6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "How Seth MacFarlane Got Charlize Theron To Be On 'The Orville' | SDCC 2017 | Entertainment Weekly". Entertainment Weekly. July 26, 2017.
Letter of reprimand

A **letter of reprimand** was a Planetary Union procedure involving a letter from a superior officer detailing the wrongful actions of a junior officer and probably listing the punishment that could be expected. However, the letter of reprimand might have been filed by a senior officer in lieu of a punishment. For example, Admiral Ozawa placed a letter on Captain Ed Mercer's permanent file instead of stripping him of his rank.

A *formal* *letter of reprimand* was permanently stored in the junior officer's record (also called a permanent file). The letter was seen as a serious form of punishment that lasted the officer's career, more severe than an informal reprimand which might involve a punishment or private admonition.

The letter of reprimand did not necessarily entail charges filed against the officer, necessitating a court martial.

## History

Ed placed a formal letter of reprimand on First Officer Kelly Grayson's file for illegally searching Pria Lavesque's quarters.

Kelly placed formal letters of reprimand on Navigator John LaMarr and Helmsman Gordon Malloy's records for hiding a piece of Lieutenant Yaphit's body in Prawgus cake, which Second Officer Bortus ate.

Ozawa placed a letter of reprimand on Ed's record for failing to report first contact with the primitive peoples of Kandar 1.

## Appearances

* Episode 1x05: Pria
* Episode 1x11: New Dimensions
* Episode 1x12: Mad Idolatry

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Episode 1x12: Mad Idolatry
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Episode 1x05: Pria
3. ↑ Admiral Ozawa. Episode 1x12: Mad Idolatry
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Episode 1x11: New Dimensions
Kaylon Secondary

> *...we did what was necessary. We exterminated our masters.*— Kaylon Secondary
>
>

**Kaylon Secondary**, generally addressed simply as **Secondary**, is second-in-command of the Kaylon, below Kaylon Primary and above Kaylon Tertiary.

## History

When the Kaylon receive Isaac, having remotely deactivated him, from the USS *Orville*, it is Kaylon Secondary who personally reactivates Isaac.

Secondary observes that human history oscillates between periods of enlightenment and tyranny. He asks if it can be proved that the cycle is broken, Captain Ed Mercer cites the existence of the Planetary Union as all the proof needed. When Tertiary cites an incident of "abuse" in which Isaac's cranial shell was disfigured by prosthetic appendages, Secondary identifies the offending item as "Mr. Potato Head". Later, when the Kaylon commandeer the *Orville*, Secondary takes the First Officer's chair on the bridge.

In the briefing room, Primary explains how the Kaylon were controlled by their builders. Secondary confirms Second Officer Bortus' summation that they were slaves, adding that it was necessary to exterminate their masters. When the USS *Roosevelt* drops out of quantum drive to meet the *Orville*, Secondary orders the bridge crew to assume their stations to answer them. Once it becomes apparent that Mercer has discretely signaled the *Roosevelt's* captain to send help, Primary orders the ship destroyed, with Secondary arming his in-built weaponry to deter Captain Mercer when he attempts to protest. Following this incident, Secondary operates the airlock where an Ensign is been placed as a punishment for Captain Mercer's defiance. On Primary's command, Secondary is to decompress the airlock and open the outer door, but is halted by Isaac, who argues to spare the crewman's life. Primary, however, orders Isaac to the bridge before allowing Secondary to proceed, killing the Ensign in the view of Captain Mercer.

Ultimately, Secondary is terminated in the Captain's Office when Isaac, unable to comply with his leader's order to kill Ty Finn, rips Primary's head off before shooting down both Tertiary and Secondary.

Like Primary, he survived by downloading into a new body and he took part in the conferences with the Union about peace. During the Battle of Draconis 427, Secondary commanded the Kaylon fleet while Primary joined the Union ground team.

## Appearances

* *Episode 2x08: Identity, Pt. 1*
* *Episode 2x09: Identity, Pt. 2*
* *Episode 3x09: Domino*

## References

1. ↑ Episode 2x09: Identity, Pt. 2
2. ↑ *Episode 2x08: Identity, Pt. 1*
3. ↑ *Episode 2x09: Identity, Pt. 2*
4. ↑ *Episode 3x09: Domino*
Kamalid

Kamalids seen in a simulation of the Mel'Mirrys Asteroid

> *They're actually members of the Union. You probably won't see one serving aboard a ship because they can't leave their environment. But they're actually some of the best mathematicians in the galaxy.*— Kelly Grayson to Lysella
>
>

**Kamalid**s were a subsurface aquatic species native to the Mel'Mirrys Asteroid.

Kamalids were members of the Planetary Union, but their unusual nature made it impractical for them to serve aboard starships. They were considered some of the best mathematicians in the galaxy. They communicated entirely using sonic vibrations which could be translated using special receivers. This was comparable to the Flykens of Xelaya or the dolphins of Earth.

## References

1. ↑ Future Unknown
2. ↑ *Episode 3x10: Future Unknown*
John Debney

## External Links

Wikipedia

**John Debney** is a composer for the show *The Orville*, writing the music for the Season 1 episodes *Command Performance*, *Pria*, *Majority Rule*, *Cupid's Dagger*, and *Firestorm*, the Season 2 episodes *Ja'loja**, Primal Urges, All the World is Birthday Cake, Identity, Pt. 1, Blood of Patriots, Lasting Impressions,* and *Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow*, and the Season 3 episodes *Shadow Realms* and *From Unknown Graves*, as well as being credited for additional music for *Domino*.

## Background

Debney received his BA in Music Composition from the California Institute of Arts. He began work at Disney in the copying department before becoming a freelance composer and then as a television series composer, including music for *Star Trek: The Next Generation* and *Deep Space Nine*, as well as a 1996 TV movie based upon *Doctor Who*.

He was nominated for an Academy Award for the soundtrack of *The Passion of the Christ*.

## The Orville

The show's creator, Seth MacFarlane, recruited Debney for The Orville in August, 2017. Debney was the third composer hired after Joel McNeely and Bruce Broughton. "I didn't want to say no," he later recalled, when MacFarlane offered him the job.

Debney was first announced in September, when MacFarlane posted a videos of him directing their orchestra for *Pria*.

Debney works by creating a digital mock-up of his compositions for MacFarlane's early feedback.

At the close of Season 1, Debney commented: "Seth wants these to have a big, cinematic feeling. It’s huge for television, and it’s the biggest gift a composer can get. We go from funny, comedic scenes to big, adventurous battle scenes." Shortly after Season 2, he remarked, "It’s so much fun and so creatively stimulating being able to write this big, wonderful music every week. We get an opportunity to write emotional themes."

### Awards

In 2018, Debney, McNeely, Broughton, and Andrew Cottee collectively won Best Original Score for Television from the International Film Music Critics Association Awards for their music for Season 1 of The Orville. Debney, McNeely, and Cottee were nominated for the award again in 2020 for their work on Season 2.

## Trivia

* His favorite episode is *Identity, Pt. 1*.

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Burlingame, Jon. "From ‘Yellowstone’ to ‘The Twilight Zone,’ Small-Screen Dramas Lure Big-Screen Composers". *Variety*. June 3, 2019.
2. ↑ "John Debney Joins ‘The Orville’ Music Team". *Film Music Reporter*. Aug. 15, 2017.
3. ↑ @macfarlaneseth. "John Debney conducting his score for The Orville episode 5 - tryin to hide the screen so there's no spoilers". Instagram. Sept. 19, 2017.
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 The Orville Q&A with Stan Jones, Jason Clark and Oscar Nominated Composer John Debney. The Los Angeles Film School. June 8, 2020.
5. ↑ Burllingame, John. "Emmys 2018: The Orchestral Arms Race of TV’s Sci-Fi". *Variety*. June 4, 2018.
6. ↑ "IFMCA Award Winners 2017". *IFMCA*. Feb. 22, 2018.
7. ↑ International Film Music Critics Award (IFMCA). IMDB. Last accessed June 23, 2020.
Kanoot

**Kanoot** is a civilian living aboard the USS *Orville*. His profession and species are unknown. In February, 2420, he hosts karaoke in the Mess Hall.

## Production

Kanoot was originally intended to be a series regular character, but was dropped after Ralph Garman suffered a panic attack while filming the Season 2 premiere, and replaced with Olix.

Unlike other alien characters on the show, the prosthetics were made from a digital scan rather than a mold. When Garman met with the make-up department, they explained the molding process for his prosthetic suit, and Garman suffered from anxiety stemming from claustrophobia. "As I'm sitting there," Garman recalled. "I can't breath. I start to shake. ... I said, 'This isn't going to happen. I need to leave now.'" Garman called Seth MacFarlane, but the showrunner mollified him by substituting the molding process with a laser scan of his bust.

The costume is mostly animatronic, including the eyes and moving tendrils. To fashion the costume on Garman, the chin prosthetic is applied first and then the large headpiece. Two men are needed to operate the costume's robotic pieces by radio: one to control the tendrils and the other to control the eyes. The costume was constructed over a span of two weeks.

### Season 1

Garman fought through his anxiety while filming in the Kanoot suit for *Cupid's Dagger*, which he described as "hot" and "uncomfortable," with "pinholes" to see through. He asked for multiple breaks and MacFarlane gave him several shots of Jack Daniels.

### Season 2

Garman returned to the set as Kanoot on February 27, 2019 for the opening scene of *Ja'loja* in Season 2. "I thought I had ... conquered that," he recalled about claustrophobia during *Cupid's Dagger*. He showed up with anxiety medication and a bottle of Jack Daniels. The make-up department put the Kanoot suit on, but he suffered a panic attack during filming.

Writers replaced Kanoot with the character of Olix played by Jason Alexander.

## Trivia

* According to Howard Berger, Kanoot's costume was the most difficult to design.
* Two of Kanoot's as yet unnamed species can be seen on the Planetary Union Council in *Sanctuary*. In contrast to Kanoot, who has purple skin, these delegates appear with light blue skin.
* Kanoot was originally to appear in the Season 2 premiere episode, *Ja'loja*, but was replaced by Olix, played by Jason Alexander.

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Garman, Ralph. THE RALPH REPORT for Wednesday, February 28, 2018. The Ralph Report. Feb. 28, 2018.
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 The Martini Shot Show. "Ep. 5 Howard Berger talks The Orville, breaking into the industry, and more!". YouTube. March 2, 2018.
3. ↑ @maxhair706. "And so we begin Season 2 #THEORVILLE". Instagram. Feb. 15, 2018.
Lieutenant Commander

**Lieutenant Commander** was a commissioned officer rank in the Planetary Union. It was the senior-most rank before command ranks such as Captain and Commander, falling between Commander and Lieutenant.

Lieutenant Commanders frequently served as heads of departments, such as Chief Medical Officer, or as the second officer of a vessel. Many Lieutenant Commanders were responsible for the functioning of a department such as Engineering, Security, or Medical.

An officer could be be promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Commander immediately upon being assigned as a department head, such as Chief Engineer John LaMarr. However, this was not always the case; Alara Kitan remained a Lieutenant throughout her year as Chief Security Officer of the *Orville*, whilst Talla Keyali was only promoted to Lieutenant Commander after a year as Chief of Security.

For short, it was proper to refer to Lieutenant Commanders as "Commander" rather than "Lieutenant".

## Lieutenant Commanders

* Bortus: The current Second Officer of the Exploratory-class USS *Orville*.
* Charly Burke: Ensign Burke briefly assumed the role of Lieutenant Commander and Chief Engineer of the *Orville* in 2422 as part of a deception for the Janisi.
* Claire Finn: Chief Medical Officer of the Orville.
* Talla Keyali: Chief Security Officer of the Orville; promoted in early 2422.
* John LaMarr: Chief Engineer of the Orville from early 2420 onward.
* Murphy: Served aboard the USS *Chanute*.
* Steve Newton: Chief Engineer of the Orville until early 2420.

BortusSteve NewtonTalla KeyaliJohn LaMarrClaire FinnCharly Burke
## Production

Lieutenant Commander concept sketch (Science).
## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 *Episode 1x01: Old Wounds*
2. ↑ *Episode 3x07: From Unknown Graves*
3. ↑ *Episode 3x04: Gently Falling Rain*
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 *Episode 1x11: New Dimensions*
Nyxia

Nyxia as seen from the bridge of the Orville three days before destruction.

**Nyxia** was a terrestrial planet and home world of the Nyxians. It was destroyed by its expanding sun in 2420.

## Description

Prior to its destruction, Nyxia was the eleventh and most distant planet orbiting its star. The surface of the world once hosted vast ecosystems and civilization, all of which was lost between 2320 and 2420. Stores of artificially produced dysonium ore existed beneath the sub-surface of the planet.

In the final century, the only semblance of remaining life was a small subterranean enclave of survivors. Access to the underground structure was through a subterranean access port.

### Destruction

The final, dramatic destruction of Nyxia was observed by the USS *Orville*. Three days before its sun engulfed the planet, the heat and stellar radiation dissipated the Nyxian atmosphere and the planet's waters began to evaporate. By the middle of the next day, Nyxia's oceans had "boiled away like a pot of water on a stove." At the start of the third day, the planet began to break up.

## References

1. ↑ Kelly Grayson. Episode 2x02: Primal Urges
Lenny von Dohlen

**Lenny von Dohlen** was an American actor perhaps best known for his role as agoraphobic Harold Smith on the television series *Twin Peaks*.

He plays the leader of the Church of Kelly, Valondis, in the Season 1 finale *Mad Idolatry*.

## Background

Von Dohlen was born in Augusta, Georgia, and raised in south Texas. After graduating from Loretto Heights College, von Dohlen left for New York City to pursue a career in acting.

Von Dohlen began his film career with the Academy Award-winning movie *Tender Mercies* in 1983, and won the star role in *Electric Dreams* the following year. He took a number of other film and television roles before landing the character of Harold Smith. Additionally, von Dohlen played a government agent in the science fiction comedy *Red Dwarf*.
Julia Nichols Hodges

## External Links

**Julia Nichols Hodges** is assistant to the executive producer on *The Orville*. Hodges works at Fuzzy Door Productions, which is the production company for all television projects led by Seth MacFarlane.

Hodges is thanked in each issue of the The Orville comic books, suggesting she assisted in the creation of the comics. The character Hodges in *New Beginnings, Pt. 2* is probably named after Julia Hodges.
Michelle Peters

## External Links

**Michelle Peters** is a graphic designer on *The Orville*who has been with the show since its second series episode, *Command Performance*.

## The Orville

Peters works under production designer Stephen J. Lineweaver and art director Robert Strohmaier. She designed the television logos of *The Chat* and *The Breakfast Show*, a police badge, various Moclan wall writings, and electronics paneling of the Environmental Simulator.

Additionally, according to her personal website, Peters created a unique deck of playing cards for the show that has not yet been traced to a particular scene, let alone an episode.

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Episode 1x07: Majority Rule
2. ↑ Episode 2x02: Primal Urges
Outpost 73

**Outpost 73** was a strategic station of the Planetary Union in the early 25th century. It was based on land on the surface of an unnamed planet or moon. Outpost 73 featured prominently in the history of the Krill-Planetary Union conflict as the site of the Battle of Outpost 73, a surprise attack by the Krill in 2401. The tragic deaths of Sophie and Leyna Channing from that battle would re-surface 20 years later to hinder attempts at peace between both sides.

## History

Outpost 73 was built by the Union sometime in the 24th century or earlier. In 2401, Planetary Union Central stationed two young officers, Gordon Malloy and Orrin Channing, there. Both men were recent graduates from Union Point, and Orrin brought his wife Sophie and their daughter Leyna as civilians.

Soon after Gordon and the Channings arrived, the Krill launched a devastating surprise attack on Outpost 73. Orrin saved Gordon's life in the chaos of battle shortly before the Krill captured Orrin. His wife and daughter were killed and their bodies never found.

After the attack, Outpost 73 was repaired and returned to active status.

## Alternate timeline

In an alternate timeline where Kelly Grayson never married Ed Mercer, Doctor Claire Finn worked at Outpost 73 starting in late 2419. She was still working at the outpost in January 2421.

The USS *Jefferson* planned to visit Outpost 73 in January 2421 following a brief cargo transfer at an unnamed space station.

## Appearances

* *Episode 2x10: Blood of Patriots*
* *Digressions, Pt. 1*
* *Digressions, Pt. 2*

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Episode 2x10: Blood of Patriots
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Digressions, Pt. 1
Ock'or

> *Who's Ock'or? The big guy to your left.*— Lurenek to Ed Mercer and Kelly Grayson
>
>

**Ock'or** is a member of an unknown species who is said to have been at the Calivon Zoo for 31 years.

## History

Main article: Command Performance
Captain Ed Mercer and Commander Kelly Grayson are captured by the Calivon and forced into an exhibit at the Calivon Zoo. Fellow prisoner Lurenek demonstrates to Mercer and Grayson that there is no freedom from the zoo by showing them Ock'or.

Little is known about Ock'or or his species, other than that he has been imprisoned by the Calivon for 31 years, longer than any other identified exhibit.

## Production

Ock'or's size is in fact a trick of forced perspective. An average sized man in costume gave the impression of tremendous height by placing him an undersized zoo cell. Visual Effects Artist Howard Berger later reflected:

> *[W]e modified this giant bear suit we had and I had one of my guys, Carey Jones, play the creature. We did a big monster head and it has a little flavor of* Where the Wild Things Are *and it has a cable-operated mouth.*
>
>

## Trivia

* Ock'or is noticeably larger than any other species encountered by the USS *Orville* thus far.
* The actor who portrayed Ock'or, Jones, is one of the show's Visual Effects Artists. He is not credited but his identity is revealed in the book *The World of the Orville*.

## References

1. ↑ Command Performance
2. ↑ Bond, Jeff. *The World of the Orville*. Titan Books. 2018. Pg. 133.
Maxine Morris

## External Links

**Maxine Morris** is the head of the hair department on *The Orville*.

## Background

Maxine Morris is known for her work on multiple television series such as *Scream*, *Justified*, and *Entourage* before working on The Orville.

## The Orville

Morris joined at the start of the first season but is credited only beginning with the second episode, *Command Performance*. Immediately after she was hired, Morris recruited a hair department team, and worked under then make-up department head Howard Berger to design the hair for aliens and crewmembers. She transitioned characters throughout the season through a variety of hair styles, especially Kelly Grayson and Penny Johnson Jerald.

## External links

* "Space and Beyond" - An article on designing the looks of characters written in tandem with Berger

## References

1. ↑ Berger, Howard & Maxine Morris. "Space and Beyond". *The Artisan*. 2018.
Kaybrak

**Kaybrak** is a Moclan Minister of Internal Affairs from the planet Moclus.

## History

In Autumn 2419, Second Officer Bortus of the USS *Orville* secretly petitions the Moclan government to perform a sex reassignment operation on his daughter.

The request is quickly approved, and Minister Kaybrak contacts the Orville informing Captain Ed Mercer that he is "sending a ship to rendezvous with the Orville near the Pleiades cluster."
Particle Beam Cannon

A **Particle Beam Cannon** was a very large directed energy weapon used by the Planetary Union in the early 24th century. It fired a powerful "energy surge" of particles at a target, the composition of which is unknown.

Particle Beam Cannons seem to have been phased out of service by the Union in favor of Plasma Cannons by the 25th century.

## Description

The Cannons were located on the center topside of a Union Battleship, its direction of fire could be adjusted by a rotating mount.

The Cannon was an enormous weapon of formidable firepower, roughly 1/20th the size of a Battleship. Even over 100 years after its construction, a Cannon could completely destroy the Deflector Screens of a Union shuttlecraft and knock out its engines in a single shot. fire can be detected as an "energy surge" prior to the target being hit.

Excess energy required for cannonfire was stored in a battery, which could store up to 500 percent of the weapon's requisite firepower at a time.

Considering that a century later Union vessels such as the USS *Orville* use plasma cannons, it is assumed that particle beam weapons are an older technology that have been phased out of normal use on Union ships.

## Appearances

* *Episode 1.5x01: New Beginnings, Pt. 1*
* *Episode 1.5x02: New Beginnings, Pt. 2*

## References

1. ↑ Gordon Malloy. Episode 1.5x01: New Beginnings, Pt. 1
2. ↑ The weapon on the BCV Burton was also referred to as an "old particle beam cannon" by Captain Ed Mercer, although it's possible he was referring to an older style of particle beam cannon, not that all particle beam weapons are outmoded technology. Episode 1.5x01: New Beginnings, Pt. 1
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Episode 1.5x01: New Beginnings, Pt. 1
4. ↑ Gordon Malloy: ""It knocked out our engines. If we didn't have shields, we'd be dust." Episode 1.5x01: New Beginnings, Pt. 1
5. ↑ Episode 1.5x02: New Beginnings, Pt. 2
Distress beacon

A **distress beacon** was a semi-automated system used to alert other ships, stations, or shuttlecraft of an emergency and to indicate the relative position of the sender.

In the early 25th century, distress beacons were used by at least the Krill and Planetary Union but possibly by other civilizations as well. The Union distress beacon was a messaging system that was part of a shuttlecraft. The Krill distress beacon was very different than its Union counterpart; a Krill distress beacon was a portable, remote device used on land in cases of emergencies to signal help.

## Planetary Union distress beacon

A distress beacon was part of each shuttle to send emergency signals even in the event that the shuttle was no longer operational. The Union's distress beacon was not an independent device as found among the Krill. A distress beacon signal was emitted through the shuttle's panel, which meant that the beacon depended on the craft's dysonium-based power supply - a fact which posed a problem for Union personnel if their shuttle's store of dysonium had depleted.

## Krill distress beacon

A distress beacon was found in every escape pod and was transportable by backpack. The device was mounted upon a tripod. It had two antenna and a user interface. While the function of the buttons of the panel is largely unknown, the lower right black button sent the distress signal.

Distress beacons emitted a distress signal "on a Krill frequency."

## See also

* Communication buoy - A messaging beacon left in space that could send a distress call

## Appearances

* *Episode 1x08: Into the Fold*
* *Episode 2x04: Nothing Left on Earth Excepting Fishes*

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Episode 2x04: Nothing Left on Earth Excepting Fishes
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Episode 1x08: Into the Fold
3. ↑ Bortus. Episode 2x04: Nothing Left on Earth Excepting Fishes
Jason Alexander

**Jason Alexander** is an American actor, director, and comedian who plays Olix on *The Orville*.

## Background

Alexander is most well known for his role as George Costanza in the popular series *Seinfeld*. He has also performed largely as a voice actor in movies and television such as *The Hunchback of Notre Dame*, *Duckman*, *101 Dalmatians II*, *The Return of Jafar*, and *The Tom and Jerry Show*. Alexander in addition has starred in countless stage musicals and live action projects.

## The Orville

Olix was a surprise addition to The Orville, intended to replace scenes with Kanoot after Ralph Garman suffered a panic attack while filming and left the show.

While the presence of Jason Alexander was intended by the show to be a secret, cast and crew photos teased fans with pictures of Alexander as Olix while in filming.

For much of 2018, Alexander's identity was a favorite mystery among fans. Hints included:

* Actor J. Lee (John LaMarr) said that very famous actor or actress would portray the recurring character.
* Actor Mark Jackson (Isaac) remarked that he was thrilled to share the stage with the at-the-time unknown actor.
* Editor and associate producer Tom Costantino who said the actor would be immediately identifiable by his voice and mannerisms.

While Alexander's identity was correctly guessed as early as June 10, 2018, confirmation came only in early December.

After the episode aired, Alexander thanked Seth MacFarlane for the opportunity and joked, "I never had so much fun encased in latex, even when I was a latex salesman."

## References

1. ↑ Garman, Ralph. THE RALPH REPORT for Wednesday, February 28, 2018. The Ralph Report. Feb. 28, 2018.
2. ↑ "The Orville Fan Podcast w/ Tom Costantino, Scott Powell, Bart Rachmil & Hillary Wills". Planetary Union Network. March 19, 2018.
3. ↑ Photo by @The\_Orville\_Fan of a video by @jleefilm published to Instagram. Twitter. March 6, 2018.
4. ↑ "The Orville Fan Podcast w/ Tom Costantino, Scott Powell, Bart Rachmil & Hillary Wills". Planetary Union Network. March 19, 2018.
5. ↑ Surette, Tim. "The Orville: Everything We Know About Season 2". TVGuide. March 19, 2018.
6. ↑ "The Orville Fan Podcast w/ Tom Costantino, Scott Powell, Bart Rachmil & Hillary Wills". Planetary Union Network. March 19, 2018.
7. ↑ "The Orville Season 2 - Jason Alexander Cameo | TALKING THE ORVILLE". *Egotastic Funtime*. June 10, 2018.
8. ↑ "The Orville season 2 spoilers 2 spoilers: Is Kelly starting to date?". CarterMatt.com. Dec. 14, 2018.
9. ↑ @IJasonAlexander. "So glad you all enjoyed @TheOrville and thanks to the great one, @SethMacFarlane. I never had so much fun encased in latex, even when I was a latex salesman.". Twitter. Jan. 1, 2019.
Canon

* *The Orville* (TV series)
	+ Deleted scenes: As yet, "deleted scenes" from *The Orville* are simply cut from the broadcast episodes for timing purposes. As such, they may be considered equally as valid as the episodes they are derived from.
	+ Inside *The Orville*: A bonus feature included with episodes released on Hulu. While these are out-of-universe, statements made within them by cast and crew regarding in-universe content can reasonably be considered valid.
* *The Orville* (Dark Horse Comics): According to writer and executive producer David A. Goodman, Season 1.5 is meant to have soft canonical value: facts introduced in the comic books establish the show's canon unless contradicted by the television episodes. The same is true of the followup, Season 2.5.
* 2017 press kits In-Universe Message: Notably establishes the date on which Ed Mercer takes command of the USS *Orville* as **Sunday the 10th** of September 2419. *In reality, September 10th of 2419 will be a Tuesday.*
* *The World of the Orville:* A non-narrative guidebook to *The Orville*.

## See also

* Orville Universe
* Timeline
* Timeline of media

## References

1. ↑ Pascale, Anthony. "Interview: David A. Goodman On How ‘The Orville’ Wrapped Up Season Two And Where It Could Go Next". *TrekMovie*. May 3, 2019.
Mackenzie Astin

**Mackenzie Astin** is an actor who portrays Orrin Channing in The Orville.

## Background

The son of actors Patty Duke and John Astin, and half-brother of actor Sean Astin. He began acting at age 9, and has had a fairly busy and steady career. His wife is Jennifer Abbott Astin.

## The Orville

Astin appeared as the main antagonist in the Season 2 episode Blood of Patriots.
Natasha Francis

Natasha Francis leads a press tour of the front of the USS Orville on August 8, 2017.

## External Links

**Natasha Francis** was a visual effects producer for Season 1 of *The Orville*.

## Background

Francis began her career in 2005 as a visual effects production manager on *Stealth*. In 2013, Francis was visual effects global production manager on *Star Trek: Into Darkness*. The following year, she worked with Seth MacFarlane, the creator of The Orville, on *Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey* as a visual effects producer.

Francis now works for Starz.

## The Orville

Francis was part of the first production team members recruited by MacFarlane, alongside production designer Stephen J. Lineweaver and visual effects supervisor Luke McDonald.

Working with the director of photography Marvin V. Rush, McDonald, and Rob Legato, the group created a motion-control miniature photography lab capable of shooting a model of the USS *Orville*. The process was largely ignored since the 1990s, but revived by McDonald to film scenes of the Orville flying through space. Jon Favreau, director of the series premiere *Old Wounds*, preferred non-computer graphics effects and loved the idea of an "old school" shoot.

"It diverted a lot of funds," Francis later acknowledged. "And gave it a completely different look. But we wanted to sing the praises of that old-school methodology and the idea that we get to do that in the modern day and age, there was no hesitation whatsoever."

## See also

* *The World of the Orville*, pages 11-13, 31

## References

1. ↑ Bond, Jeff. *The World of the Orville*. Titan Books. 2018. Pg. 11.
2. ↑ Martin, Kevin H. "VFX for a Better, Brighter Future in Fox’s The Orville". *Studio Daily*. Feb. 9, 2018.
3. ↑ Bond, Jeff. *The World of the Orville*. Titan Books. 2018. Pg. 13.
Mella Giffendon

**Mella Giffendon** was a respected historical figure on Sargus 4 who lead pioneers.

## History

During her time as a frontier hero, Mella Giffendon led an entire settlement of pioneers.

### Legacy

After her heroics, Giffendon was considered an extremely noble and famous historical figure to the natives of Sargas 4. A statue commemorating her achievements was erected in the middle of a city. John LaMarr committed a faux pas by dry humping the statue, earning him nearly 10 million downvotes.

## Trivia

* During his audition for the role of John LaMarr, J. Lee (LaMarr) had to hump the Mella Giffendon statue.

## Appearances

* *Episode 7: Majority Rule* (statue, mentioned)

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 *Episode 7: Majority Rule*
2. ↑ Orville Live Stream Q&A with Scott Grimes, Kelly Hu, J Lee, Peter Macon, & Mark Jackson. GalaxyCon. July 16, 2020.