Spoilers

What is the plot?

In the pilot episode of Futurama, titled "Space Pilot 3000," we are introduced to Philip J. Fry, a slacker pizza delivery boy in New York City in the year 1999. Fry is accidentally frozen in a cryogenic chamber on New Year's Eve while delivering a pizza. He awakens 1,000 years later in the year 2999, disoriented and confused in a futuristic world filled with advanced technology and alien species.

Fry quickly meets a one-eyed mutant named Leela, who works as a career assignment officer. She informs him that he has been frozen for a millennium and that he must find a job. Fry is initially excited about the future but soon realizes that he has no skills that are relevant in this new society. He is assigned to a job as a delivery boy at Planet Express, a space delivery service run by the eccentric Professor Farnsworth, who is Fry's distant nephew.

Fry's first day at Planet Express is chaotic. He meets Bender, a heavy-drinking, cigar-smoking robot who becomes Fry's close friend. Bender is initially focused on stealing and gambling, but he quickly becomes attached to Fry. The trio, consisting of Fry, Leela, and Bender, embarks on their first delivery mission to the distant planet of Omicron Persei 8, where they must deliver a package to the alien ruler, Lrrr.

During the delivery, Fry and his crew encounter various challenges. They are captured by Lrrr and his wife Nd-Nd, who are initially hostile. Fry, trying to impress Leela, inadvertently reveals that he is from the past. Lrrr, intrigued by Fry's old-fashioned ways, decides to spare their lives and instead invites them to a feast. The crew attends the feast, where Fry's naivety and charm win over the aliens, leading to a series of comedic misunderstandings.

After the feast, Fry and his crew manage to escape from Omicron Persei 8, but not before Bender steals a valuable artifact. They return to Earth, where Fry begins to adapt to his new life, forming a bond with Leela and embracing the absurdities of the future. The episode concludes with Fry feeling hopeful about his new life, despite the challenges he faces in this strange new world.

What is the ending?

⚠ Spoiler – click to reveal

In the final episode of Futurama, titled "The Devil's Hands Are Idle Playthings," Fry makes a deal with the Robot Devil to gain musical talent so he can impress Leela. After a series of events, Fry performs an opera for Leela, but the deal comes with a cost. Ultimately, Fry realizes that he must give up his newfound talent to save his friends and return to his normal self. The episode ends with Fry and Leela sharing a moment, hinting at their complicated relationship.

As the episode "The Devil's Hands Are Idle Playthings" begins, Fry is restless and frustrated with his lack of musical ability, particularly as he longs to impress Leela with his performance of "The Devil's Hands Are Idle Playthings." He feels inadequate compared to the talented musicians around him, especially after witnessing Leela's admiration for the opera singer, the Robot Devil.

In a moment of desperation, Fry visits the Robot Devil, who resides in a fiery underworld. The Robot Devil, a cunning and manipulative figure, offers Fry a deal: he will grant Fry incredible musical talent in exchange for Fry's hands. Fry, driven by his desire to win Leela's heart, agrees to the deal, sacrificing his hands for the chance to become a great musician.

With his new talent, Fry returns to the Planet Express building, where he begins to compose an opera. His friends, Bender and Leela, are initially impressed by his newfound abilities. Fry's confidence grows as he prepares for the performance, but he is also haunted by the knowledge that he has given up his hands, which he can no longer use for anything else.

As the day of the performance arrives, Fry is filled with a mix of excitement and anxiety. The opera is set to take place at the prestigious "Fry's Opera House," and the stakes are high. Leela, who has been supportive throughout Fry's journey, is eager to see him perform. However, Fry's internal conflict intensifies as he grapples with the consequences of his deal with the Robot Devil.

During the performance, Fry's talent shines, and he captivates the audience with his singing. However, the Robot Devil appears, reminding Fry of the terms of their agreement. As the performance reaches its climax, Fry realizes that he must confront the Robot Devil to reclaim his hands. In a dramatic showdown, Fry outsmarts the Robot Devil, using his wits and the power of music to turn the tables.

In the end, Fry chooses to give up his musical talent to regain his hands, demonstrating his growth and selflessness. He understands that true love and connection with Leela cannot be achieved through superficial means. The episode concludes with Fry and Leela sharing a tender moment, hinting at the complexities of their relationship and the possibility of a deeper bond.

As the credits roll, the fates of the main characters are revealed: Fry returns to his normal self, Bender continues his antics as a lovable rogue, and Leela remains a strong and independent figure, supportive of Fry's journey. The episode encapsulates the themes of love, sacrifice, and the importance of being true to oneself, leaving viewers with a sense of hope and possibility for the future.

Is there a post-credit scene?

⚠ Spoiler – click to reveal

In the original 1999 pilot episode of Futurama titled "Space Pilot 3000," there is indeed a post-credit scene. After the credits roll, the scene cuts back to the Planet Express building, where we see a close-up of a frozen Fry, still encased in the cryogenic chamber. The camera zooms in on Fry's face, and he suddenly wakes up, looking around in confusion.

He then sees a sign that reads "Welcome to the 31st Century!" and expresses his shock and disbelief at the futuristic world he has been thrust into. This moment encapsulates Fry's bewilderment and sets the tone for his character's journey throughout the series, as he navigates the complexities and absurdities of life in the future. The scene serves as a humorous reminder of Fry's disorientation and the comedic premise of the show, highlighting the stark contrast between his 20th-century mindset and the advanced society he now inhabits.

What is the significance of Fry's dog, Seymour, in the series?

Seymour is Fry's pet dog from the 20th century, who waits for Fry to return after he is frozen and wakes up in the 31st century. In the episode 'Jurassic Bark,' Fry discovers Seymour's fossilized remains and learns that Seymour waited for him for 12 years before passing away. This episode highlights themes of loyalty and the emotional bond between pets and their owners, showcasing Fry's deep sense of loss and regret.

How does Bender's character evolve throughout the series?

Bender starts as a self-serving, cigar-smoking robot who often prioritizes his own desires over others. However, as the series progresses, he develops a more complex personality, showing moments of friendship, loyalty, and even vulnerability. His relationships with Fry and the rest of the crew reveal a deeper emotional capacity, particularly in episodes like 'The Devil's Hands Are Idle Playthings,' where he grapples with his identity and purpose.

What role does Leela play in Fry's life and the series overall?

Leela serves as Fry's love interest and a strong, independent character who often acts as the moral compass of the crew. Her journey includes searching for her origins as a mutant and grappling with her feelings for Fry. Throughout the series, her relationship with Fry evolves from friendship to romantic tension, culminating in significant moments that explore themes of love, acceptance, and personal growth.

What is the backstory of Professor Farnsworth and his relationship with Fry?

Professor Farnsworth is Fry's distant nephew, though Fry is unaware of this connection for much of the series. Farnsworth is a brilliant but eccentric scientist who often puts the crew in dangerous situations with his experiments. His relationship with Fry is complex; he oscillates between treating Fry as a subordinate and showing genuine care for him, particularly in episodes like 'The Farnsworth Parabox,' where their familial bond is explored.

What happens in the episode 'The Luck of the Fryrish'?

In 'The Luck of the Fryrish,' Fry embarks on a quest to reclaim his lucky seven-leaf clover, which he believes will restore his luck and honor his deceased brother, Philip J. Fry II. The episode reveals Fry's insecurities and his complicated feelings about his brother's success. The climax occurs when Fry discovers that his brother had kept the clover as a memento of their bond, leading to a poignant realization about love and legacy.

Is this family friendly?

"Futurama," while often humorous and clever, contains several elements that may be considered objectionable or upsetting for children or sensitive viewers. Here are some aspects to consider:

  1. Mature Themes: The show frequently explores adult themes such as relationships, existentialism, and societal issues, which may not be fully understood by younger audiences.

  2. Violence and Death: There are scenes that depict cartoonish violence, including characters being harmed or killed in exaggerated ways. Some episodes feature themes of death and loss that could be distressing.

  3. Innuendo and Sexual Content: The series includes sexual innuendos, suggestive jokes, and references to adult situations that may not be appropriate for children.

  4. Substance Use: There are references to drug use, including the use of fictional substances, which may not be suitable for younger viewers.

  5. Dark Humor: The show often employs dark humor, which can include making light of serious topics, potentially upsetting sensitive viewers.

  6. Social Satire: Some episodes tackle social issues and satire that may be complex or uncomfortable for younger audiences to grasp.

These elements contribute to the show's appeal to an older audience, while also presenting potential challenges for family viewing.

Who dies?

⚠ Spoiler – click to reveal

In the TV show Futurama, several characters experience death throughout the series, often in humorous or satirical contexts. Here are some notable instances:

  1. Philip J. Fry's Dog, Seymour:
  2. Circumstances of Death: In the episode "Jurassic Bark" (Season 4, Episode 7), Fry discovers the fossilized remains of his dog, Seymour, who waited for him for years after Fry was frozen. The episode reveals that Seymour died of old age while waiting outside Panucci's Pizza for Fry to return.

  3. Emotional Impact: This revelation is heart-wrenching, showcasing Fry's deep bond with Seymour. The episode ends with Fry deciding not to revive Seymour, understanding that the dog lived a full life, which adds a layer of bittersweet emotion to the story.

  4. Bender's "Death":

  5. Circumstances of Death: In "The Day the Earth Stood Stupid" (Season 3, Episode 7), Bender is temporarily "killed" by the Brain Spawn, who incapacitate him along with the rest of the crew. However, as a robot, he is not truly dead in the human sense.

  6. Emotional Impact: Bender's "death" serves as a comedic moment, but it also highlights his resilience and the absurdity of robot mortality in the Futurama universe.

  7. Professor Farnsworth's Clone:

  8. Circumstances of Death: In "The Farnsworth Parabox" (Season 4, Episode 10), a clone of Professor Farnsworth is created in a parallel universe. The clone dies when the universe collapses, but this is more of a humorous take on the concept of cloning and alternate realities.

  9. Emotional Impact: The death is played for laughs, emphasizing the absurdity of the situation rather than evoking deep emotional responses.

  10. Nibbler's Death:

  11. Circumstances of Death: In "The Why of Fry" (Season 4, Episode 10), Nibbler is revealed to have been a key player in Fry's fate. While he does not die in this episode, his backstory includes moments of peril that highlight the dangers he faces as a member of the Nibblonian race.

  12. Emotional Impact: Nibbler's character often embodies loyalty and bravery, and any threat to his life resonates with the audience due to his bond with Fry.

  13. Zapp Brannigan's "Death":

  14. Circumstances of Death: In "The Devil's Hands Are Idle Playthings" (Season 5, Episode 16), Zapp is temporarily killed during a battle, but he is later revived. His "death" is more of a comedic plot device than a serious moment.

  15. Emotional Impact: Zapp's character often serves as a parody of the heroic archetype, and his "death" is treated with a mix of humor and absurdity.

  16. Various Background Characters:

  17. Throughout the series, there are numerous instances of background characters dying in comedic or absurd ways, often as part of the show's satirical take on society and technology. These deaths are typically not central to the plot but contribute to the show's dark humor.

Overall, while Futurama does include deaths, they are often portrayed in a comedic light, reflecting the show's unique blend of humor and science fiction. The emotional weight of these moments varies, with some serving as poignant reflections on life and loss, while others are played for laughs.