What is the plot?

The episode begins with Hermes Conrad, the bureaucrat of the Planet Express crew, feeling unfulfilled and lacking motivation in his job. He is seen at his desk, surrounded by piles of paperwork, and he expresses his dissatisfaction to the crew. Hermes is particularly frustrated with the monotony of his work and the lack of excitement in his life. His colleagues, including Fry, Leela, and Bender, try to cheer him up, but he remains despondent.

Later, Hermes is called into a meeting with the head of the Central Bureaucracy, where he is informed that he has been demoted due to his lack of productivity. This news hits Hermes hard, and he realizes that he needs to regain his "groove" to avoid further demotion. He decides to take action and seeks out a way to rekindle his passion for work and life.

In his quest to find his groove, Hermes visits a motivational speaker named "The Professor," who is known for his energetic and inspiring speeches. However, the event turns out to be a disappointment, as the Professor's advice is overly simplistic and fails to resonate with Hermes. Feeling even more defeated, Hermes leaves the seminar and wanders the streets, contemplating his future.

Meanwhile, the rest of the Planet Express crew is busy with their own tasks. Fry, Leela, and Bender are preparing for a delivery mission, but they are concerned about Hermes' well-being. They decide to intervene and help him find his motivation. They brainstorm ideas and come up with a plan to take Hermes on a fun adventure to lift his spirits.

The crew takes Hermes to a nightclub called "The Hip Joint," where they hope the lively atmosphere will help him rediscover his groove. At the club, Hermes initially feels out of place and struggles to enjoy himself. However, as the night progresses, he begins to loosen up and dance, feeling the rhythm of the music. The crew cheers him on, and for a moment, Hermes feels a spark of joy.

Just as Hermes starts to regain his confidence, a rival bureaucrat named "Bureaucrat 2" appears at the club. This rival is known for his cutthroat tactics and attempts to undermine Hermes' efforts to reclaim his position. A confrontation ensues, with Bureaucrat 2 mocking Hermes and challenging him to a bureaucratic duel. Hermes, fueled by the support of his friends, accepts the challenge, determined to prove himself.

The duel takes place in a bureaucratic arena, where Hermes and Bureaucrat 2 must complete a series of tasks that test their efficiency and paperwork skills. The tasks are absurdly complicated, involving forms, stamps, and red tape. Hermes struggles at first, but with the encouragement of Fry, Leela, and Bender, he begins to find his rhythm and tackle the challenges with renewed vigor.

As the duel progresses, Hermes starts to excel, showcasing his skills and knowledge of bureaucracy. He becomes more confident and animated, much to the dismay of Bureaucrat 2, who begins to falter. The final task involves a complex form that requires both speed and accuracy. Hermes, now fully in his groove, completes the form flawlessly, securing his victory.

With the duel won, Hermes feels a sense of accomplishment and pride. He realizes that he has regained his passion for his work and his life. The crew celebrates his victory, and Hermes expresses gratitude for their support. He acknowledges that while bureaucracy can be tedious, it is also a vital part of his identity.

The episode concludes with Hermes returning to the Planet Express office, reinvigorated and ready to tackle his responsibilities with enthusiasm. He embraces his role as a bureaucrat, understanding that he can find joy in the mundane. The crew shares a moment of camaraderie, and Hermes is finally at peace with himself, having successfully requisitioned his groove back.

What is the ending?

In the ending of "How Hermes Requisitioned His Groove Back," Hermes finds his groove again after a series of events that lead him to reclaim his passion for work and life. He successfully completes a bureaucratic task that had been weighing him down, and he is reinstated as the bureaucrat he once was. The episode concludes with Hermes feeling fulfilled and confident, while the rest of the crew celebrates his return to form.


As the episode nears its conclusion, Hermes Conrad stands in the middle of the Planet Express headquarters, surrounded by his friends and coworkers. After a tumultuous journey of self-discovery, he has finally regained his confidence and sense of purpose. The scene is vibrant, filled with the sounds of laughter and camaraderie, as the crew celebrates Hermes' return to his bureaucratic roots.

Earlier, Hermes had faced a crisis of identity, feeling that he had lost his "groove" after being demoted to a lowly position. His internal struggle was palpable, as he grappled with feelings of inadequacy and the fear of being irrelevant. However, with the encouragement of his friends, particularly Fry, Leela, and Bender, he embarks on a quest to reclaim his former self.

In a pivotal moment, Hermes confronts the challenges of his job head-on. He is tasked with completing a complex requisition form that had previously overwhelmed him. The stakes are high, as the fate of the Planet Express company hangs in the balance. As he meticulously fills out the form, the tension in the room builds. The crew watches anxiously, their expressions a mix of hope and concern.

With each stroke of his pen, Hermes begins to feel the familiar rush of confidence returning. The music swells, and the atmosphere shifts from one of uncertainty to one of triumph. He recalls the joy he once found in his work, and the realization dawns on him that he is not just a bureaucrat; he is a vital part of the team. The moment is cathartic, as he finally embraces his identity and the importance of his role.

As Hermes completes the form, he stands tall, a renewed sense of purpose radiating from him. The crew erupts in cheers, celebrating his success. Bender, ever the jokester, cracks a few jokes, while Fry and Leela express their pride in Hermes. The camaraderie among the crew is palpable, highlighting the theme of friendship and support that runs throughout the episode.

In the final scene, Hermes is reinstated in his position, and he confidently takes charge of the Planet Express operations once more. The crew gathers around him, and they share a moment of unity, reflecting on the journey they have all taken together. Hermes, now fully in touch with his groove, smiles broadly, embodying the spirit of resilience and the importance of self-acceptance.

As the credits roll, the audience is left with a sense of closure for Hermes' character arc. He has not only reclaimed his groove but has also reinforced the bonds of friendship with his coworkers. Each character, from Fry's unwavering support to Leela's encouragement, plays a crucial role in Hermes' journey, emphasizing the collective strength found in teamwork and understanding. The episode concludes on a high note, celebrating personal growth and the joy of rediscovering one's passion.

Is there a post-credit scene?

In the episode "How Hermes Requisitioned His Groove Back," there is no post-credit scene. The episode concludes without any additional content after the credits roll. The focus remains on the main storyline, which revolves around Hermes' struggle to regain his bureaucratic efficiency and personal confidence after a series of events that challenge his identity and role within the Planet Express crew. The narrative wraps up with Hermes finding his groove again, but there are no extra scenes or jokes following the credits.

What causes Hermes to lose his groove in the episode?

Hermes loses his groove after he is demoted from his position as a bureaucrat due to a series of unfortunate events, including a mishap with a requisition form that leads to his failure to secure a crucial delivery.

How does Bender help Hermes regain his groove?

Bender helps Hermes regain his groove by taking him to a 'groove' party where Hermes can reconnect with his passion for life and work, ultimately leading to a moment of self-discovery and revitalization.

What role does the character LaBarbara play in Hermes' journey?

LaBarbara, Hermes' wife, plays a crucial role in supporting him throughout his struggles, encouraging him to find his groove again and reminding him of his worth and capabilities.

What is the significance of the 'groove' in Hermes' character development?

The 'groove' symbolizes Hermes' confidence and efficiency as a bureaucrat; losing it represents a deeper crisis of identity, while regaining it signifies his return to form and self-acceptance.

How does the episode explore the theme of bureaucracy through Hermes' character?

The episode explores bureaucracy through Hermes' character by showcasing the absurdities and frustrations of the bureaucratic system, highlighting how it can stifle creativity and personal fulfillment, ultimately leading to Hermes' struggle to reclaim his identity.

Is this family friendly?

In "How Hermes Requisitioned His Groove Back," there are a few elements that may be considered objectionable or upsetting for children or sensitive viewers:

  1. Workplace Stress and Anxiety: Hermes experiences significant stress related to his job and the pressure to perform, which may resonate with viewers who have experienced similar feelings.

  2. Themes of Identity and Self-Worth: The episode explores Hermes' struggle with his identity and self-esteem, which could be heavy for younger audiences to fully grasp.

  3. Mild Language: There are instances of mild language and humor that may not be suitable for all children.

  4. Visual Gags: Some visual humor may involve exaggerated or absurd situations that could be unsettling for sensitive viewers.

  5. Romantic Undertones: There are elements of romantic tension and relationships that may not be appropriate for younger audiences.

Overall, while the episode contains comedic elements typical of "Futurama," these themes and moments may require parental guidance for younger viewers.