Who is Lisa Banes on The Orville: New Horizons?

The latest episode of The Orville: New Horizons featured a diplomatic mission to the Krill homeworld gone awry, and it was one of the most breathtaking hours of the science fiction series to date. “Gently Falling Rain” begins with a dedication to Lisa Banes, who passed away in 2021. If you immediately wondered who Banes was and how she was connected to The Orville, you’re in the right place.

The Orville: New Horizons — “Gently Falling Rain” – Episode 304 — The Orville crew leads a Union delegation to sign a peace treaty with the Krill. Speria Balask (Lisa Banes), shown. (Photo by: Michael Desmond/Hulu) /

Lisa Banes The Orville

Lisa Banes was an American actor who appeared in upwards of 80 shows and movies throughout her career, including Gone Girl, Nashville, Once Upon A Time, A Cure for Wellness, and Cocktail. She appeared in the latest episode of The Orville: New Horizons as the character Speria Balask, the Xelayan member of the Union delegation that goes to the Krill homeworld.

In early June 2021 Banes was the victim of a hit-and-run accident while she was crossing the street in New York City. Reports vary on whether it was a motorcycle or scooter that hit Banes, but what is known is that she was hospitalized and died as a result of her injuries the following month at the age of 65. Authorities did ultimately apprehend the driver.

The Orville: New Horizons — “Gently Falling Rain” – Episode 304 — The Orville crew leads a Union delegation to sign a peace treaty with the Krill. Charly Burke (Anne Winters), Capt. Ed Mercer (Seth MacFarlane), President Alcuzan (Bruce Boxleitner), Admiral Halsey (Victor Garber), and Speria Balask (Lisa Banes), shown. (Photo by: Michael Desmond/Hulu) /

Speria Balask The Orville

Not much is known about Banes’ character on The Orville: New Horizons quite yet, though it seems likely we’ll see more of her this season. Speria Balask is the representative from the Xelayan people who takes part in the Krill peace negotiations alongside President Alcuzan (Bruce Boxleitner) and Admiral Halsey (Victor Garber).

IMDb lists Banes as appearing in two episodes of The Orville: New Horizons: “Gently Falling Rain” and the season finale “Future Unknown.” Given her prominent place in the Xelayan leadership, it’s no surprise that she’ll feature in whatever universe-shaking events lie ahead in The Orville’s final episode of the season.

New episodes of The Orville: New Horizons premiere on Hulu on Thursdays. You can see Lisa Banes in the current episode, “Gently Falling Rain,” now:

Next. The Orville: New Horizons is at the top of its game in “Gently Falling Rain”. dark

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