Posted in: Preview, streaming, TV | Tagged: bctv daily dispatch, preview, streaming, television, The Flash, The Orville

The Flash Deserves Better; The Orville Deserves Season 4: BCTVDD

I'm interrupting today's regularly-scheduled BCTV Daily Dispatch format to offer some thoughts on two big topics that have been buzzing around in my brain over the past 24 hours. With The CW's Grant Gustin & Candice Patton-starring The Flash, my take is relatively fresh since the network announced only yesterday that the last remaining Arrowverse series would be ending its run with an abbreviated 13-episode ninth season. But when it comes to Hulu & Seth MacFarlane's The Orville: New Horizons, my perspective has been a slow build that's taken on a higher level of importance in my mind's "pop culture pantheon.

"The Flash" Deserves Better (and So Do Arrowverse Fans): Look, there's going to be a ton of time to pick apart this decision as well as how The CW, Warner Bros Discovery, Paramount Global & the studios collectively cluster-f***ed how they brought the Arrowverse to an end. But with WBD & PG looking to rid themselves of The CW as their focus shifts to streaming and Nexstar Media Group waiting in the wings to (possibly) take the network in a different political/societal direction… sadly? I'm not surprised. And yet, there's something about 13 episodes that feels like a slap in the face… like it's more of a dismissive after-thought to placate a fanbase they still need to keep watching. And that's where Arrowverse fans can take a page from the playbook that Netflix-Marvel fans did to get Marvel Studios to begin recognizing & respecting their shows (Daredevil, Punisher, AKA Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, etc.). Never let them forget that it was the Arrowverse that got folks to take spandex in prime time seriously, and that respect will be given. And a special note to The Flash EP & showrunner Eric Wallace. I know you have eight seasons' worth of story to bring to a proper closure, but you're also carrying the weight for the entire Arrowverse, too.

"The Orville" Deserves Season 4… Is This Still A Question? Look, I find myself in a very unique position when it comes to The Orville. About a week or so before the third season, I binged the first season & I loved it. Like, seriously fell in love with it. But I wasn't able to binge the second season before the third hit, which meant that I knew the first season and was actively reading & copy-editing our reviewer's coverage of "New Horizons," which meant that I also knew what was going on this season. So with that said and with the understanding that I still need to knock out Season 2, it's been a long time since I've seen a series show that much growth within the span of soon-to-be three seasons. Seriously, if the first season was that strong and the current season is firing all engines, it's safe for me to assume that the "bridge" season will also impress.

While I know the folks might be sick of the "Star Trek" comparisons, in this instance? It's more about how they contrast in that I can appreciate both for two very different reasons. With the "Star Trek" universe, I feel like I'm watching a grand ideal of what the future and humanity can be. Essentially, hopes, aspirations, and dreams are portrayed against a backdrop that's a promise of a better tomorrow. But with The Orville, I feel like I'm being presented with the same hopes, aspirations, and dreams, but in a way that breaks it down to our day-to-day lives. While "Star Trek" is about the future, The Orville is about the "beautiful disaster" process that allows us to make it to that future and the hardships, sacrifices & tough choices that are necessary along the way. Throw into that mix a third season that makes every episode look & feel like a mini-movie, an ensemble cast on par with any going in television right now, and writing that stays with you well past the final credits, and it should be a no-brainer. The Orville has earned and deserves a fourth season, Hulu. There are still far too many "new horizons" for the crew to discover.

Now here's a look at today's BCTV Daily Dispatch, our rundown of television/streaming coverage from the past 24 hours:

George Takei Shares Nichelle Nichols Memories: More Star Trek Tributes

Better Call Saul S06E11 "Breaking Bad" Recap: Now That's How It's Done

WWE Raw Preview: SummerSlam Fallout, Tag Title Match, and More

WOW – Women Of Wrestling Returns to TV on September 17th

My Hero Academia "Laugh! As If You Are In Hell": Never Change, Deku

Quantum Leap: Georgina Reilly Joins NBC Revival in Key Recurring Role

James Gunn Clears Up GOTG Holiday Special Phase 4/5 Confusion

Let The Right One In Teaser Stakes Out October for Showtime Debut

The Flash: Danielle Panabaker Responds to Season 9/Series Finale News

Andor: New "Rogue One" Prequel Spinoff Series Images, Key Art Released

The Boys S04 Adds Valorie Curry, Susan Heyward; Crovetti Promoted

The Flash: Arrowverse Series Ending Run with 13-Episode Season 9

Star Trek Universe Family & Friends Pay Tribute to Nichelle Nichols

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners: Netflix, Studio Trigger Release Anime Trailer

She-Hulk Preview: Bruce Shows Jen There Are Perks to Being a "Hulk"

Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin E04/E05 Preview; RAS on Easter Eggs

Better Call Saul: Worlds Collide in S06E11 "Breaking Bad" Key Art

My Hero Academia OVA "Hero League Baseball" Hits Home Run: Review

Titans Season 4: "Vengeful" Brother Blood; Jay Lycurgo as Blood Boy?!

Jersey Shore: Family Vacation S05 Builds to Mike vs Angelina Smackdown

Secret Invasion Confirmed Crossover Event; Cobie Smulders on Nick Fury

Andor Moved to September with 3 Eps; Official Trailer Released

Better Call Saul, Sandman, Rick and Morty & More: BCTV Daily Dispatch;

Here's today's BCTV Daily Dispatch "Long-Distance Dedication": Steve Aoki ft. Travis Barker with "You're the Best Around"

Enjoyed this? Please share on social media!

Stay up-to-date and support the site by following Bleeding Cool on Google News today!