radunn

1. It is *essential* to have watched all of the episodes of the series prior to watching this film - this film is by *no means* a "stand alone".

2. This film takes all the best aspects of the series (cast, writing, direction, filming, etc) and boosts it to a whole new level.

3. It would be fantastic to see see more like this!

It is interesting to read some of the comments and criticisms regarding this series - apparently we can have police dramas; medical dramas; legal dramas, etc that take "creative license" to wander outside the parameters of what is considered "realistic"; *but* when it comes to a series set in space, suddenly everything has to be exactly correct and accurate.

So, let's state the obvious - portraying a series in reduced or micro-gravity is *hard* when the film set is located on Earth. It takes an enormous amount to effort with regards to practical and CGI effects to pull off, so it requires a degree of "granularity" in how detailed and accurate such things can be.

Secondly, some people have criticized the portrayal of astronauts and ground support staff. This is a work of *fiction*, it is not a documentary or a biopic (which often stretch the truth anyway). This is a drama relating to people, their relationships and how a group of diverse individuals can solve problems together under difficult circumstances.

So, with all that out of the way, this is actually a very well thought out and acted story, with *sufficient* effects to create the impression that the key characters are actually traveling through space (and is it just me, or does the idea of a ladder leading down from a zero g environment to an almost "normal" gravity one seem scary?? What happens if you fall from the top?? But I digress).

I *might* concede that some aspects of the story are somewhat "sanitized", but it's not enough to detract from the overall tone of the series.

AWAY has a difficult setting, which identifies a number of issues that "real life" has yet to find actual solutions for - including the psychological effects, which I think this series tackles quite well.

AWAY tells a story that in the very near future will actually happen - as well as being a great story, I think this series provides a great "preview" of the issues people might encounter.

It's a shame we get to see the how this story progressed.

Okay, so if you have a massive budget and large sphere of influence in a series like this, you should occasionally "push the envelope" and be as creative as possible.

While some might consider this episode "woke", I thought it was very well written, directed and acted, featuring a very special cast.

I don't think I have enjoyed an episode of "The Orville: New Horizons" (or the previous series) more than this one - it also *clearly* shows what can be done when you aren't restricted to a "1 hour" TV format; the extra time adds great depth to the story.

Well done!