That actually wasn't too bad.
Palicki had a tough task but she pulled it off. And time travel shenanigans always offer the opportunity for goofing around (sorely lacking in S2). The Captain acting like a shitheel when he was all like "if you don't take me back I'll bang your younger hotter self".
(Only problem was, I don't think that douchebag move was intentional. I fear the writers honestly believe asking for permission makes it okay. As if people, especially women, in the future are immune to insecurities based on looks and age...
)
So I'm actually stoked for the next episode! Speculation time!
I realize the alternate timeline is there to suck, so I'll accept that the next episode must end with Kelly deciding to accept that second date with Ed after all. But please pretty please let the explanation not be "Kelly becomes Captain and is bad at it". Or, even worse, that the Union needs Captain Perfect Mercer for its existence!
There can be any number of explanations that doesn't suck, so it's too soon to fear either of those two. For example: Gordon's hot-shot piloting skills are needed, and he's only aboard because Mercer chose him. Or maybe Mercer actually needs to fail during one of the Orville's away missions, and without Kelly's rejection, he's not the Orville's captain during the right time. The possibilities are endless.
I'll take most anything, really. Except McFarlane writing himself into the role of a flawless hero with a blindingly smug smile.
