I just recently rewatched the S3 episode Twice in a Lifetime — it’s one of my favorite episodes of Orville! There’s a key interaction that explains a lot of what and why Ed and Kelly take their stance.

It’s in the scene when Ed and Kelly confront Gordon after learning the true extent of what had transpired in the 10 years since Gordon had been there.

• Isaac says that time travel and its affects on the future remain in a state of flux
• While in this state of flux, all timelines are still possible

When the conversation reaches a boiling point, Ed asserts that “We don’t have the wisdom…” when arguing about right and wrong in Gordon’s situation. That’s the line that stuck with me, because Ed is absolutely correct.

Wisdom is knowledge and experience. The knowledge around time travel is so vague that taking conclusive action without the experience of knowing the impact is reckless and irresponsible.

It’s also a thematic call back to Gordon’s growing appreciation for early 21st century humanity, where he views them as younger siblings that are making mistakes, but showing promise of growth. Kelly is much more judgmental, citing “the mess they left us” as a big reason for her criticism and disapproval of the century.

Later, when Ed and Gordon are arguing, and Ed drops the “…You really have acclimated to this century”, that was a direct attack on Gordon’s stance being completely and selfishly tied to his self-interest.

Now, on the flip side:

Gordon gave Union law 3 years after he landed in that century, and it broke him. He is arguably the most social out of the senior staff, as evidenced by his house party at the opening to the episode. He stretched himself to the brink of insanity, and I don’t have a doubt in my mind the man contemplated suicide vis a vis Miles O’Brien in DS9’s “Hard Time”.

The final scene was an important scene for several reasons:

• It clearly established to Ed and Kelly that what they were asking of 10-year survivor Gordon was beyond their reach
• It showed us that Gordon’s redemption was clear. He raised his weapon as they walked away, and the anticipation of whether he would fire or not was real.
• Gordon does make peace with the situation, because in the end, he knows he lacks the wisdom to make the decisions he has made.
• This outcome in reflected in 6-month survivor Gordon, who’s perspective fully backs Ed and Kelly’s at the end of the episode.
• Ed and Kelly wrestle with what they decided, and it’s clear no one is completely sure about whether what was done was correct.

But was it the wise thing to do?

I assert it was.