As a Moments subpage, all spoilers are unmarked as per policy. You Have Been Warned.
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Season 1
"Old Wounds"
- Ed asking Kelly to stay on as XO. Even though he's still struggling to trust her again, he admits that her staying is what's best for the ship and that she was a great help.
- The Reveal that Kelly was the one who advocated for Ed to get command in the first place, and that she sees it as a way to apologize for destroying their marriage.
- Learning that Ed and Kelly rescued the young alien boy from the zoo.
- Alara deciding to go against the admiralty's orders, wherein she is instantly forgiven by her crewmates.
- Alara, who spent most of the episode in a crisis of confidence, receiving a commendation for her actions.
- Despite the baby being made male during "About A Girl", Bortus still plans to love it just the same, and he and Klyden decide to stick it out together.Bortus: We must give him a good life, whoever he becomes.
- And before that, his revelation: rather than a cliché change of mind to the human perspective, it's the act of realizing that he might be taking away his child's future that compels him to change his mind.
- And at the end, Bortus gives his child a Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer toy. This somewhat implies that Bortus will tell his son about being born female, teach him to embrace who he is, and aspire to go behind Moclan societal bounds.
"And if the Stars Should Appear"
- Mercer's awestruck "My God!" at the sight of a city-sized spaceship. Seth MacFarlane shows serious acting chops with those two words perfectly summing up the joy of exploration and discovery that he wanted the show to return to the sci-fi genre.
- Alara admitting to Grayson that Mercer has so far been the only guy who isn't the slightest bit intimidated by her Super-Strength.
- In a way that crosses with Awesome. Everyone barging down the door and being Big Damn Heroes by rescuing Grayson. Notable for the brief pause Mercer gives to make sure Grayson's okay before he starts laying into her torturer.
- When they open the dome, giving the ship's denizens their first view of the nighttime sky, even the episode's villain looks up with a face of dawning wonder.
"Pria"
- After Pria's scheme has been revealed, Mercer apologizes to Grayson for not believing her, instead having thought she was acting out of jealousy for his attraction to Pria. He promises not to doubt her again, which is a pretty big declaration, given his established issues with trusting her.
- A bit sideways, but Kelly's epic smackdown of Pria after her sabotage and betrayal were revealed. Sure, Kelly was protecting the ship...mostly. The fact Pria also broke Ed's heart and was threatening his life by that point probably didn't help matters.
- In a way only a comedy series can manage; Malloy admitting to the comatose Isaac that he forgives Isaac for amputating Malloy's leg in his sleep, admitting it was Actually Pretty Funny (their tech is advanced enough that Dr. Finn growing him a new one is pretty routine).
"Krill"
- One Krill child (Coja) is particularly curious and asks about Earth and the Union from Ed and Gordon (in disguise).
- Lysella turning off the Apology Tour broadcast without downvoting the person being judged. Sargun society as a whole might not be there, but at least she has changed for the better.
- Isaac's emotional learning and growth. From almost dismissively popping Marcus' knee back into place at the start of the episode to getting 'angry' and 'annoyed' (insofar as he's capable of) to being an emotional support for the Finns culminating in him offering his hand to the Doctor and calmly encouraging Marcus on how to shoot better.
- Isaac protecting Dr. Finn's kids is great enough, but Finn thanking him at the end is the capper. Turns out the kids grew rather attached to Isaac.Isaac: May I make a final observation? Your children are unruly. Disrespectful. Volatile. And highly unpredictable. I am quite fond of them.Finn (smiling): Welcome to the family.
- Isaac repeating the story of "Peter Rabbit" to the Flynn boys, using Claire's voice. He may not understand emotions, but he is able to comfort the boys nonetheless.
- When Kelly is singing at karaoke night, Ed has a happy smile on his face and cheers her enthusiastically when she finishes, the implication being that they enjoyed such activities before their relationship turned sour.
- When Bortus takes the stage, everyone cheers him on (until he shouts at them to be silent).
- This episode marks the end of Ed constantly bringing up that Kelly cheated on him, due to the reveal that she was likely affected by alien pheremones when she did it and thus not fully culpable for her actions at the time.
- Chief Engineer Newton talking about Lt. Payne after his death.
- Ed helping Alara firstly by refusing her resignation then giving her some sage advice for her situation, and then allowing Alara to create the simulation again after refusing a second attempt by Alara to resign.
- Ed later praising Alara for "owning" every crisis thrown at her in the simulator, followed by a scene where Alara goes to bed and falls asleep with a smile on her face.
- The scene where Alara is debriefed at the end shows her surrounded by her closest friends in the crew, and (with the exception of Bortus and Isaac), they're all out of uniform (their jackets are open), emphasizing the fact that this is a family, not just a crew.
- This is the first time in a while where we saw Bortus and Klyden not fighting as a couple, and even celebrating Ed's "victory" at the Moclan Hot Potato game.
- Isaac offers to stay on a planet for 700 years to help fix Kelly's mistake despite himself having no personal investment in the matter, other than maybe vague curiosity. His offer also comes with his fellow officers trying to object, despite being told - outright - that his body is built to last. They care about him as an individual, artificial or not, and he them.
- The In Spite of a Nail ending, where the planet's civilization has evolved into a spectacularly advanced society of peaceful explorers, even with Kelly's interference. Also heartwarming is how the envoys from the planet can meet their erstwhile god with no ill will, giving a rationale to absolve Kelly of guilt that if not her, their primitive ancestors would just have deified something else. And it's strongly implied they took care of Isaac while he waited, too, accepting him into their civilization.
Season 2
"The Ja'loja"
- As awkward as the concept of the Ja'loja is, it's rather sweet that Bortus wanted all his friends there.
- Dr. Finn and Isaac have continued their friendship from "Into the Fold", with Isaac helping Dr. Finn when Marcus is accused of hacking the food synthesizer.
- Ed gets an opportunity to sabotage Kelly's new relationship when she and Cassius have a misunderstanding. He decides to be the bigger man and offers Cassius advice to win Kelly back.
"Primal Urges"
- The survivors of the planet's storms discover that only 40 of the 70 people left can be saved. After deciding the children will all live, the rest of the group draw lots. Their First Minister could have opted out of it but instead took part, refusing to let her people take a risk she wasn't willing to. She's among those forced to stay, making it clear she's fine dying with her world as long as at least some of her people survive.
- The end of the episode when Bortus reconciles with Klyden. While Bortus admits he may never get over what happened to Topa, he still loves Klyden and cannot imagine life without his family.
"Home"
- Alara explaining how the crew of the Orville filled in as her replacement family. It doubles as a Tear Jerker since she yells at her father that the first person that told her they believed in her wasn't him, it was Ed.
- Alara saving her family from being killed by a man bent on revenge against her father and her father telling her that he's proud of her. And her realizing that her dream of them being a true family has a chance now and deciding to stay at home to be with them.
- Ed vouching for Alara to her parents and telling them that she has distinguished herself beyond all expectations. They brush it off, but the fact that he tried is still nice.
- Alara's parting gift to Captain Mercer? A jar of pickles. It commemorates his affectionate way of asking her to use her strength in combat.
"Nothing Left on Earth Excepting Fishes"
- Ed tells Gordon that he's in a relationship with the ship's dark matter cartographer, Janel Tyler, whom Gordon had spent a previous episode crushing on. Gordon's reaction is nothing but supportive, and he admits he's been hoping for Ed to find someone for a long time since the divorce. Since most of the on-screen interactions between Ed and Gordon are professional, it's a nice reminder that they're on the ship together since the two share a genuine bond. Also, it's just genuinely sweet seeing Ed crush over someone that isn't Kelly.Ed: She's cool, she's smart, she's funny. She checks every box. I've never met a woman who checked every box.Gordon: Can I add a box?Ed: Sure.Gordon: Your best friend approves.
"All the World is a Birthday Cake"
- The entire crew's absolute joy at getting to make a First Contact with a new planet, another big tribute to Seth MacFarlane's love of exploration that he wants to see more of in the genre.
- Even the music is a wonderful upbeat orchestra to sell how great this moment is.
"A Happy Refrain"
- In an episode that's nearly one big CMOH from start to finish, Isaac's grand romantic gesture at the very end tops them all. He simulates rainfall on the bridge (soaking the entire crew, whose initial annoyance turns to mild amusement once they realize what's happening) while very aptly having the ship's computer play Singin' in the Rain, all in an effort to win Dr. Finn back. Best of all: it works.
- Isaac realizing that his programming is having difficulty adjusting to Dr. Finn not being part of his life. Ed points out this is effectively the programming equivalent of love.
- Isaac using the simulator to take human form so that he and Finn can kiss, allowing Mark Jackson to be out of costume, and be amazingly Adorkable on the date.
"Identity, Part 1"
- The Farewell Party the crew throws for Isaac. It's great that they weren't willing to let him leave without him knowing just how much they appreciate him.
- A special Shout-Out to Scott Grimes, who showed his bones as The Cast Showoff when he belted out a rendition of Air Supply's 'Goodbye' for Isaac.
"Identity, Part 2"
- Yaphit safeguarding Claire's son, Ty. It feels completely sincere, and you get the feeling he won't even try to use it later in his ongoing attempts to pursue romance with her.
- Isaac turns against his people when they order him to kill Ty, and later says he doesn’t even want to be accepted by them again after that. And while Claire is understandably not yet ready to forgive him, she has hope that it can happen one day.
"Blood of Patriots"
- The opening scene. Yaphit gets a well-deserved medal of honor for his heroism in "Identity, Part 2."
- Ed coming by Gordon's quarters to check up on him, and share his condolences for Orin's death. He then admits that he was jealous of Orin and Gordon's friendship. He goes on to say that he relies on Gordon as the only person who doesn't just see him as The Captain, and that fact eases the pressure of command he feels all the time. Gordon is quick to point out that Ed is his best friend, and nothing will ever change that.
"Lasting Impression"
- While Gordon is saddened by the loss of his experimental simulation of Laura, Kelly comes by and shows off a goofy stunt (making her eyes roll different directions), and saying that she learned that from Ed, admitting that even though their marriage didn't work out, she wouldn't have erased it for anything as it made her who she is today.
"Sanctuary"
- The Moclan couple in the beginning deserve a mention. They were willing to leave everything behind so that their newborn daughter wouldn't be subjected to gender reassignment surgery.
- Bortus wanting to raise Topa to be accepting, regardless of Moclan tradition, definitely qualifies. He is upset when Topa gets in a fight with a girl in his class, thanks to Klyden's bigoted teachings. When he visits the classroom in the end, he sees Topa and the girl playing together, now friends. Bortus smiles.
- A small one, but the look on Heveena's face when Ed pulls up a database of female human artists and authors. Moclan culture places a high value on poetry and literature, and her discovering that Earth has so many female contributors makes her wide-eyed with joy. And then she finds Dolly Parton.
"The Road Not Taken"
- There's something heartwarming about how, even in the Bad Future setting, the Orville crew still manages to find one another and pull off the impossible working together.
- Ed and Kelly having an awkward, but sweet "second date" with replicated spaghetti served on a cargo crate.
- They're giving it all they have to activate the Timey-Wimey Ball and undo the Bad Future. The Kaylon are closing in, the ship's about to blow. And Ed's idea of an Obi-Wan Moment?Ed (to Kelly): If this doesn't work? Marry me?
New Horizons
"Electric Sheep"
- Though most of the crew is shown to be treating Isaac with varying degrees of fear and resentment, there are a few people who still have his back. While's it's not exactly a surprise that main characters like Ed and LaMarr still trust Isaac and want him on the crew, it's unexpected, and sweet, to see the newly promoted Lieutenant Turco working alongside Isaac with no hesitation or rancor on her part, even joking with him about the Orville's improved performance. When Claire and Ty come to visit him in engineering, she gently touches his arm before leaving to give them some privacy.
- Even though the scene as a whole is rather depressing, it's quite sweet to see that out of everyone on the ship, it was Marcus that ultimately led Isaac to deactivate himself, showing the level of care he has for him that he was the only person whose words he took to heart.
- Wracked with guilt that his words led to Isaac's suicide, Marcus goes to Charly, who has been relieved of duty for refusing to save Isaac, and pleads with her to do so. Even as she assures him that Isaac's suicide wasn't Marcus' fault, he manages to succeed where Mercer failed and Charly did for him what she had just refused a direct order for.
- LaMarr's new girlfriend finds a fork in his bedside table and asks him what it is. He tells her that it was a birthday present from Isaac, who hadn't quite grasped the finer points of gift-giving at the time. Even though he could have just gotten rid of it without fear of hurting Isaac's feelings, John decided to keep it.
"Shadow Realms"
- The Krill of all people manage to squeeze in a heartwarming moment at the end of their brief appearance. Having just warned the Orville crew of the dangers of the Kalarr Expanse, and knowing that they're planning to go in anyway, one of the Krill envoys recites a prayer for those who are about to die in lieu of a farewell. Considering that the Krill don't believe that other sentient beings even have souls, it's a significant step forward.
- Admiral Christie enters Isaac's lab and begins asking Isaac about his relationship with Claire. While initially this appears to be the setup for a potential conflict, as they speak the human and Kaylon find common ground in their mutual affection for Claire.
- At the end of the episode, Isaac visits Claire in the simulator to see how she's doing, given that she just saw her ex-husband mutate into a hostile alien and was unable to cure him and the other infected members of the crew. He explains that he's noticed it's common for those in someone's social circle to check on them when they're in distress and wants to do the same for her. Claire is touched and invites him to join her, admitting that she's missed his company. They may have a ways to go yet, but it seems as if she and Isaac might be able to rebuild at least some of their prior relationship.
"Mortality Paradox"
- Even after all they have gone through and still will go through, Bortus's greatest fear is a simulation of the dead body of Klyden.
"Gently Falling Rain"
- Ed's first interaction with his daughter. It's so tender and loving, full of admiration and awe that truly feels genuine. Seth MacFarlane's acting chops are certainly on full display throughout the scene.
- While it's offset by how she was ready to have the rest of the crew executed, the fact Teleya was willing to spare Ed's life shows that, despite her denials, she still carries some feelings for him.
- At the end of the episode, Ed laments that he may never get to see his daughter again. Kelly says that would be a shame, since she's always thought he'd be a great dad. She even tells him that she regrets they never had a child of their own.
"A Tale of Two Topas"
- Kelly questions Ed about a datapad he's been carrying around recently, and Ed tells her he's writing letters to Anaya. Even though he can't send them to her, maybe one day Anaya might want to read them and learn who her father was, and what it might have been like if he could have been there for her.
- Isaac gets 2 in his visit to Kelly's quarters: first, by offering to ensure the crew know she is not engaging in a romantic relationship with a subordinate, and second, by reporting his conversation with Topa. He may not feel emotions, but he has learned to recognize them in others.
- When it becomes clear that the Union won't allow a fleet officer to perform Topa's gender reassignment, Claire offers to resign her commission so that she can perform the procedure anyway. Ed notes that it will likely destroy her career and open her up to retribution from the Moclans. Claire says that she regards it as a fair trade. Isaac then immediately offers himself in her place, as there would be no negative consequences to him were he to do so.
- While Klyden is ranting about Moclan culture, Bortus is asking legitimate questions such as if there are psychological issues for Topa either staying as they were or transitioning. It is clear that he has been giving this some serious thought and his primary concern is Topa's wellbeing.
- When Isaac is volunteering to perform the surgery, he says that he can download the procedure, then adds that he would defer to Claire for any additional information she would feel is pertinent, calling back to when he agreed that she was the superior intellect when it came to medical knowledge.
- Topa wishes that Dr. Finn could be present for her surgery. Isaac concludes that this is because of Claire's superior bedside manner, so he reaffirms to Topa that he will ensure her safety, no matter what. He then gets to back this up almost immediately when Klyden barges in to try and stop the procedure; Isaac casually stops Klyden in his tracks and orders him out of the sickbay, though not before delivering a brutal "The Reason You Suck" Speech.
- It adds to the heartwarming to notice the details of how Isaac reaffirms Topa, although you might need repeat viewings: first of all, he recognizes the source of Topa's distress to begin with (a far cry from his season 1 self), then notice how his voice drops to an ever-so-slightly lower tone and slower cadence as he does it - his take on the "calm, soothing tone of voice" required. He's not quite there yet, but it's nice to see he's making an effort.
- Just after Admiral Howland delivers a savage ass-chewing to Ed and Kelly over their Loophole Abuse, she tells them to give Topa her best wishes. She may have been a Jerkass, but it was a position that was forced upon her by the Realpolitik, and she clearly sympathizes with Topa and her plight.
- Despite the scene itself being an incredible tearjerker, after Klyden cruelly disowns Topa and storms out of their quarters, Bortus takes her aside and tells her simply that she is perfect.
- The final scene of the episode: Topa is invited to the bridge for their departure from the planet of the week. When she arrives, the entire bridge crew is awaiting her with warm, friendly smiles, and Bortus looks about as happy as we've ever seen him. For double heartwarming points, Ed gives her his seat and lets her issue the order to depart. Klyden may have disowned Topa, but she still has a very proud father and a caring surrogate family to look after her.
"Twice In A Lifetime"
- Gordon's opinion on 21st-century Earth. In contrast to Ed and Kelly's disdainful view, he compares it to watching your little brother grow up: they may be making all sorts of stupid mistakes right now, but he knows they'll end up learning from them, which will ultimately lead to a better future. It's an optimistic perspective right in line with the spirit of The Orville's main inspiration.
"From Unknown Graves"
- Ed and Kelly, in an effort to find common ground with the Janisi delegation, talk to them about their marriage and its failure. Ed then explains that he still values Kelly's judgment, experience, and professionalism, and that he trusts her with his life. He's come a long way from the heartbroken, embittered man who was constantly taking cheap shots at her in the first season.
- Isaac's entire, if not brief, experience with the ability to feel emotion. He smiles, declares his love to Claire with rapturous joy, expresses a desire to be a father to her sons, and engages in a very romantic dance with her. Such a shame it can't last.
- Despite saying that he no longer has a connection to the emotions he felt, Isaac doesn't hesitate to state his willingness to erase his memories so that he can have emotions again simply because he saw how happy Claire was. Which leads into Claire's heartwarming that she recognizes that she can also compromise in the relationship by accepting his normal emotionless nature since the fact that Isaac offered means she already knows he loves her as he is.
- Charly finally realizes, thanks to Timmis, how much the Kaylon had suffered at the hands of their builders, and further seems to accept that if she continues to treat Isaac the way she has been, she’ll be no better than them. She goes to Isaac and apologizes to him. Isaac proceeds to ask for her assistance on a task after acknowledging that she would slow him down, showing his attempt to reach out to the crew more.
- Timmis himself provides a number of these with his Pollyanna personality. Special mention goes to his first meeting with Isaac.
"Midnight Blue"
- Though it's being played for comedy, Gordon turning down Topa's request for a date by saying that he sees her as a little sister is pretty sweet, especially when he later asks to come along to the Council meeting with Ed and uses that as his reason for wanting to go.
- For her part, Topa shows remarkable grace and composure in response to Gordon’s rejection (perhaps due to being Moclan), and seems none the worse for the experience.
- Topa's visit to the female Moclan colony is a wonderfully affirming moment for her; she sees other Moclan women in a healthy, thriving environment, and she gets to meet Heveena, who she hero-worships. Bortus is visibly oozing parental pride the entire time.
- When it's become apparent that Topa has been abducted, the Orville crew instantly kicks into Mama Bear/Papa Wolf mode. Kelly doesn't think anything of taking off in pursuit of the Moclans who took her, Ed will stop at nothing to get her back, Talla is committed to doing everything she can to find the perpetrators, and Gordon risks his career by telling the Moclan delegation exactly what he thinks of them and their bullshit.
- Heveena's reverence when meeting (a holographic version of) Dolly Parton is rather endearing. She actually falls to her knees in awe when Dolly first appears.
- As they're getting ready to storm the Moclan black site, Bortus tells Kelly that he's been grateful to have her in his and Topa's lives ever since Klyden left, as he's not sure how he'd have coped with the pressures of single fatherhood otherwise. He also tells her that he considers her a part of their family. Kelly is clearly touched.
- In the aftermath of Topa's rescue, Moclus is expelled from the Planetary Union, and Haveena's world is added as a member with the full protection of the Union behind it.
- After a harrowing torture session, Topa is being tended to in the Orville's sickbay when Klyden arrives and tearfully apologizes for allowing his prejudices to overwhelm him, that he's ashamed he thought the same way as the people torturing Topa and accepts her as she is. Both Topa and Bortus are happy to have their family back together.
- It's particularly significant that, despite how Klyden left them, Topa's only reaction upon seeing him is unrestrained joy. Whatever may have happened, it's clear Klyden was a good parent. This is foreshadowed earlier when Bortus tells Kelly that Klyden was always better at dealing with Topa's emotional experiences.
- An easily missed part of the whole scene: Ed made sure to contact Klyden as soon as possible to let him know what had happened to Topa, even though Klyden has caused him serious problems more than once.
- Ed knows what it's like to be away from one's child. The shared experience of fatherhood overrode his usual annoyance with Klyden's shenanigans.
- When Klyden first appears, Bortus is tense, expecting another nasty confrontation...then Klyden asks, "may I see her?" That Klyden is actually willing to refer to Topa by her true gender makes Bortus instantly realize how his husband has come around. He can barely even speak but simply nod, overcome with emotion at the expected reunion.
- To show just how much he's changed, when Kelly drops by their quarters, Klyden, who formerly would barely acknowledge her existence, asks Kelly to join them for dinner, which she happily accepts.
- When Kelly sits at the table and joins the meal, Klyden's face breaks into a warm smile.
- The last time Kelly joined them for dinner, Klyden invited her with undisguised annoyance at her presence, and smirked when she ate something almost too spicy/foul tasting for her liking. Now, his invitation is genuine and there's no hint that he'll try to trick her during the meal.
"Domino"
- The fact that, while the Union developed the anti-Kaylon weapon out of desperation due to the war going badly, they still chose not to use it and used the threat of it to force a ceasefire, openly telling the Kaylon that despite now having the upper-hand, they want a legitimate peace accord and not one negotiated at gunpoint and that they want no more casualties on either side.
- After the crew has successfully forced detente between the Union and the Kaylon, they take a well-deserved break at Kelly's family cabin. Topa, Ty, and Marcus get to play catch, Gordon and Charly show off their pipes, and Kelly breaks out a priceless bottle of rum from the 21st century to celebrate. The whole scene really reinforces the sense that the Orville's crew has become a Family of Choice.
- When speaking to Ed on the deck, Charly acknowledges that Isaac has changed, seemingly moving past an all-encompassing hatred of the Kaylon.
- After Isaac explains to Primary why he didn't kill the Moclan that tried to kill Charly, she tells Primary, "You could learn a few things from Isaac."
- When the Union ships are withdrawing before the weapon explodes, the Kaylon ships can be seen holding position. This means the Kaylon were covering the Union withdrawl even though the weapon was specifically designed to target them, indicating that they were willing to risk their own destruction to protect their allies.
- A subtle moment, but when the landing team come to the bridge, there are no security guards escorting Primary, who is walking behind them, showing an amazing level of trust.
- Though it's also a major tearjerker, Isaac's eulogy for Charly is sweet in its own way. He starts by talking about her favorite food and goes on to mention her impressive brain and her integrity and selflessness. He might not be able to feel anything, but it's clear he'll miss her.
- The scene takes a moment to focus on Gordon, who had previously also stated he wished Isaac would be decommissioned because of his role before rebellion; as Isaac gives the eulogy, Gordon is clearly moved by the Kaylon's efforts and fond reminiscing of Charly. Given their interactions in the next episode, it's clear he too had been able to forgive Isaac.
Future Unknown
- Bortus and Klyden officially renew their vows. Even though the ceremony itself is typically Moclan (they strip naked and Bortus has to chase Klyden through the woods), it's clear that this is a meaningful event for both of them. Their relationship also seems to be well on the mend otherwise; Klyden is delighted when Bortus appears at Isaac's bachelor party dressed as Elvis, and is beaming happily while Bortus sings "Love Me Tender". He is also incredibly proud of Bortus' attempt at a best man speech.
- Although there is a major dissonance between Isaac and Claire about how their life would go on, how it would end up when Claire eventually dies, and Isaac inevitably marrying someone else, Isaac says something that brings Claire back around to strong consideration:Isaac: ...and of course, I will continue to monitor the well-being of your offspring.Claire: [turning slowly, in wondrous disbelief] Ty and Marcus?Isaac: Yes. As well as your many descendants. It will be intriguing to observe the anthropological evolution of the Finn lineage over the eons of time.Claire: You'd... ...look after all of them?Isaac: That is correct.[Claire thinks about it in silence, stunned]
- When Claire asks Ty and Marcus how they feel about her marrying Isaac, they both agree that they think he's redeemed himself over the past year. It's especially touching coming from Marcus after his actions in "Electric Sheep".
- Claire asks Kelly to be her maid of honor, adding that Kelly has become her closest friend. Even though Kelly's there to tell Claire that Isaac asked her out, she's still touched and honored.
- Upon learning of Isaac's faux pas, Claire is understandably furious, but quickly calms down, reminding herself that Isaac is incapable of understanding why she is upset. For his part, Isaac recognizes that he has hurt her and makes an attempt to fix it, a far cry from Season 1 when he would have just remained confused and moved on.
- When Isaac attempts to invite the Kaylon to the wedding. Kaylon Primary at first mistakes the ceremony for some kind of enslavement. While the misunderstanding is played for laughs, Primary sounds genuinely concerned when he thinks Isaac is in danger. Even offering to assemble the Kaylon fleet to mount a rescue. Despite supposedly having no emotions, it's nice to see Primary now holds Isaac in such high regard.
- The fact that the entire Kaylon race wanted to attend Isaac's wedding. Even though he betrayed them to the Union, and helped the Union develop a weapon of mass destruction that killed hundreds of Kaylons and almost wiped out their entire race, there are no hard feelings whatsoever.
- Isaac and Claire's wedding is a crowning moment of heartwarming after a season of emotional ups and downs. Everyone is happy for them. Ed is beaming as he conducts the ceremony, Kelly is smiling proudly, and the rest of the crew is all smiles, even Yaphit. Mark Jackson can't quite keep a smile off his face when he sees Claire walking down the aisle.
- The Kaylon assembled in the simulator for the wedding are obviously making attempts to respect the ceremony, even if they have no idea what's going. Taking their cues from the biologicals in attendance, they stand, sit, and applaud on cue and can be seen intermingling with people that they had been trying to wipe out mere weeks before.
- Alara returns! Granted, she missed the wedding, but it's still sweet to see her reunited with the crew. She even exchanges some friendly banter with Talla about her old spot.
- After Bortus' attempt at a best man speech doesn't quite hit the intended mark, Gordon effortlessly steps in with a speech that manages to make everyone laugh (except the Kaylon) and beautifully highlights the familial connection the crew has developed.Gordon:I just wanna say...both of you mean a lot to this entire crew. We've served together, we've laughed together, and we all owe each other our lives. So when two of us find love with each other, we all feel it together. And it's a very special thing. So, um, I wish the two of you a long, happy marriage. I know it's gonna be a huge success, and if it's not, the good news is, Isaac is fully recyclable! Here's to you both. Cheers.
- Gordon's insistence on being Best Man seems to be based not in a desire to show off, but to ensure that the wedding doesn't run into any awkward Moclan faux pas. When he is asked to give his speech, he compliments Bortus on his attempt before starting.
- During Gordon's song at the reception, the camera takes time to focus on everyone: Bortus, Topa and Klyden; Claire, Isaac, and the boys; Alara, Talla, John, and Lysella; Ed and Kelly, who are holding hands and leaning close to each other; and even Jenny Turco, Unk, and Yaphit. It's hard not to interpret the close-up of Yaphit in particular as the show's final farewell to Norm MacDonald.
- A subtle example. After LaMarr suggest that the marriage could fail because of his own inexperience, Isaac proceeds to ask Kelly out. While it is because of Isaac's naivete, the underlying purpose is that Isaac is trying to ensure the marriage will last.
- Isaac's hand on Ty's shoulder during Gordon's best man speech.
