This guide contains spoilers for Season Two of The Orville and onwards.In the world of The Orville, now three series in, the possibilities are endless. What originated as merely a Star Trek spoof has evolved to a find a voice of its own. Easing off on the more comedic elements that we have come to expect from the voice of Seth MacFarlane of Family Guy fame, and as the actual Star Trek series have only seemed to decline in recent years, The Orville has become a magnificent show in its own right.

Like a battleship uncloaking from deep space, The Orville has used the element of surprise on its audience — pleasantly surprising them that this is not merely a tacky spoof, but rather a show that can use its universe to address incredibly thought-provoking gender issues through the Moclan species, whether man can love a machine in Finn and Isaac’s relationship, and covering current human rights issues. The show approaches each new hard-hitting topic with a deft and nuanced touch coupled with cutting edge effects — a package that feels far afield from MacFarlane’s obnoxious Family Guy roots.

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Rivaling Star Trek’s own original series in terms of groundbreaking topics and messages, The Orville has become one of the better sci-fi shows on television in recent years. Take a look at its excellent cast of characters.

Ed Mercer (Seth MacFarlane)

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Rank: Captain

Species: Human

As a captain, Mercer does his best to balance the good of the crew with the clashing of personalities that it contains. Bright, courageous, and always cool in the heat of battle, Mercer is often prone to leading with his heart when he should be thinking with his head. After dealing poorly with his split from Kelly, the step up to The Orville is just the career change Mercer needed to get his life together.

Clare Finn (Penny Johnson Jerald)

Rank: Doctor

As the ship’s doctor, Finn is the first point of call for any medical emergencies — of which there are many. Between her being a single parent for her two boys, and having had a romantic relationship with fellow crew member Isaac, she finds herself somewhat trapped between balancing what she believes is best for her sons first, and herself secondary.

Kelly Grayson (Adrianne Palicki)

Rank: Commander

As Captain Mercer’s second in command, a clear relationship is a must. Unfortunately, the two of them used to date… until Kelly cheated on him with an alien. However, things seem patched up now, with Grayson even being the one to convince command that Mercer should be the one to receive the promotion to The Orville, she is the steady second in command that the captain needs to keep him on the right path.

The Kaylon

Having sent Isaac as a spy to gather information on the human race, their findings deemed that the human species was worth keeping… until they decided it was not. Highly developed, quick, and super intelligent, the Kaylon present the biggest threat to the galaxy. With high firepower and a double agent in Isaac, they could infiltrate the human race and the Union with ease. It was only when Isaac recognized how wrong he was that they could be stopped — for now.

Gordon Malloy (Scott Grimes)

Rank: Helmsman

Plucky and cocksure, Malloy is The Orville’s go-to pilot. With copper hair and always a witty quip at hand, he has become known for his unorthodox and sporadic namings of flight maneuvers to evade the enemy. Deemed one of the best pilots in the fleet, he first got the role on The Orville by being instated by Captain Mercer, his best friend.

Isaac (Mark Jackson)

Rank: Science Officer

Species: Kaylon

Ever since the Kaylon invasion of Earth, Isaac has been a devil’s advocate of a re-addition to a crew still at odds with having been enslaved. Previously, Isaac had acted as The Orville’s Chief Science Officer, providing vital info on species, planets, and how to properly approach situations — all without the handicap of emotions holding his process back. Isaac tried to deactivate himself after the attack on Earth which, alongside now regular Kaylon assaults, makes Isaac’s position in the crew still questionable.

Bortus (Peter Macon)

Rank: Second Officer

Species: Moclan

Proud and with incredible feats of strength (though not as strong as Talla), family is the most important thing to Bortus, with his mate Klydon and their son, Topa, living on board The Orville as well. Having served on The Orville prior to Captain Mercer’s installment, Bortus is one of the most experienced of the crew. His species, traditionally all male, face a crossroads when Bortus and Klydon birth a female child — something they feel must be corrected immediately.

Yaphit (Norm MacDonald)

Rank: Engineer

Species: Gelatin

As a top engineer, Yaphit assists with the maintenance of The Orville. Alongside Lamarr, Yaphit makes sure the ship is running at the most efficient it can be. Through his own natural biology, the Canadian-voiced Gelatin can manipulate his own shape into whatever form he desires — ideal for getting into crevices and into the heart of any machine. Yaphit was humorously voiced by the late, great Norm MacDonald, in his final role.

John Lamarr (J. Lee)

Rank: Chief Engineer

The playboy of the crew, Lamarr is a talented young engineer aboard The Orville who can more than once be seen shacking up with all sorts of alien babes. Heading the lower decks of The Orville, his easy demeanor hides a switched-on young man at the forefront of cutting edge technology. With some of the highest aptitude testing scores Union Point had ever seen, John has always been bright but covers it well in his laid back attitude and tendency for pranks with his friend Gordon.

Talla Keyali (Jessica Szohr)

Rank: Chief of Security

Species: Xelayan

Following Alara’s leave, Talla would replace her and fill the fellow Xeleyan’s position in the crew. Known for her calm demeanor and incredible super human strength, Talla is the ideal candidate to run security. Calm and tough, Talla is someone The Orville are glad they have on their side.

The Krill

Strong reptile types that stand on two legs, the Krill were The Planetary Union’s main threat at peacetime before the Kaylon conflict. Known for their strength and aggression, their pale skin resembles that of their god, Avis. Through his teachings, Avis deemed every other species inferior and soulless, and therefore unworthy of existence. It is only now, when the Kaylon threaten the entire galaxy, that the Krill can consider an alliance.