Thoughts on 7ACV04 - Thief of Baghead - SPOILERS!

[Reply #80 on:]

Calculon... is... dead! Or is he? Doesn't robots usually have backup system?

Altogether episode was good, about the same as other 3. Life force vs. soul -thing was funny.

[Reply #81 on:]

Calculon... is... dead! Or is he? Doesn't robots usually have backup system?

Yep, Robots always have backup systems.
But they always have backup systems only in "Lethal inspection"

(So much for series logic )

[Reply #82 on:]

Calculon... is... dead! Or is he? Doesn't robots usually have backup system?

Yep, Robots always have backup systems.
But they always have backup systems only in "Lethal inspection"

(So much for series logic )

Don't forget what we learned about robot death in "Ghost in the Machines"!

[Reply #83 on:]

And so, we would not necessary see Calculon getting back.  There is no canon issue here.

[Reply #84 on:]

1. Surprised to hear people are upset over the "mutilation" in this episode. I hated the arm stuff in Farewell to Arms, but was not bothered in the slightest by the life force stuff. Evil alien sucking the life force out of people, though not realistic in any way, is still pretty typical scifi fare. I didn't think it was "cartooney" or "violent" as such. It was just straight-forward sci-fantasy.

2. Also surprised to hear hate at the pop culture references. At least they all made sense, in-universe, this time. It's the stuff like Leela talking about Tron Legacy that bugs me.

3. Humor-wise, this episode worked. Plenty of decent gags. I found myself amused throughout the episode.

4. Story-wise, this episode almost worked. I liked that it was genuinely a scifi story. (Looking back on it, I think that's why Lobstertainment didn't work. Lobstertainment had ok-ish humor, but there was really nothing distinctly scifi about the story. It was just Hollywood insider humor that has been done to death already on The Simpsons.)

This story had the Hollywood humor that came naturally by way of a scifi/fantasy plot with life-force-sucking alien and giant fungus monsters.

The only downside is that the fungus monster just blows up for no real raisin. Some posters here have come up with some different explanations, but none of them really satisfy me and even if they did, the fact is that it's all speculation because the writers didn't really bother to explain it. It seemed to me that they ran out of time, so they said "let's just have it blow up". Whatever, man.

I will say that Calculon's death was surprisingly moving. That is truly some great ACTING. TALENT! And the humor of him lying there, dead, for the rest of the episode worked for me. I'd like it if they explain how he comes back, but even if they don't, it won't bother me.

[Reply #85 on:]

People are moaning just for the sake of it now.

[Reply #86 on:]

I liked this episode, except the part where Cobb became evil. Before then he seemed like a nice guy who sincerely wanted to feed without harming anybody.

[Reply #87 on:]

I'm guessing his ego got too big.

[Reply #88 on:]

I liked this episode, except the part where Cobb became evil. Before then he seemed like a nice guy who sincerely wanted to feed without harming anybody.

That was my initial reaction from finding out about his motivations.  Until he suddenly went "Oh I'm gonna kill you all now btw" he seemed like wanted to get his nourishment without killing an entire planet full  of people.  At least, that's how it initially felt to me.   There was too much about this episode that seemed cobbled together and "Hey!  Let's throw this in too and hope it gels together!" for me to really enjoy it.   

[Reply #89 on:]

If they show him doing something bad, it's ok to defeat or even kill him. The Ugly Giant got a death sentence for losing his temper in Benderama.

[Reply #90 on:]

There was too much about this episode that seemed cobbled together 

Langdon Cobbled?

[Reply #91 on:]

If they show him doing something bad, it's ok to defeat or even kill him. The Ugly Giant got a death sentence for losing his temper in Benderama.

That was the only time I got angry with an episode of Futurama.  I was totally rooting for the giant.

[Reply #92 on:]

I didn't like it either. The Ugly Giant seemed like an alright kind of guy, even if he was like Edward James Olmos on IMAX.

[Reply #93 on:]

Calculon... is... dead! Or is he? Doesn't robots usually have backup system?

Yep, Robots always have backup systems.
But they always have backup systems only in "Lethal inspection"

(So much for series logic )

Don't forget what we learned about robot death in "Ghost in the Machines"!

So Calculon is a ghost, or will be brought back to life?

[Reply #94 on:]

I think "Calculon 2.0" might reveal an even crazier scheme.  Like an Andy Kaufman-switcharoo or being alive like Elvis.

[Reply #95 on:]

Representative of new Futurama in a bad way. Once again the Futurama universe is twisted in an unbelievable way in order to allow for a mediocre story to take place. Bender as a paparazzo has got to be one of the least intelligent plot ideas the writers had so far. In order for it to go somewhere, they suddenly introduce the most acclaimed actor in the world, who of course has never been mentioned before, and hides his face so Bender has something to strive for. Getting a picture of the alien without the bag is portrayed as next to impossible. Bender does it in about 2 minutes episode time without any problems. How compelling.

But it gets even worse, with that fungus creatures somehow connected to the alien's self-confidence which somehow makes some main characters die which nobody gives a damn about - which is understandable because it is done in such a cartoonish way. Basically, this is Futurama's "Oh my God! They killed Kenny!" Except that it's not funny. Oh right, they haven't been killed, they only had their "life force" sucked out of them - as well as their internal organs, but in a season, where Leela's torso hops around and Fry turns into a smurf, who would expect that you need organs to live anyway.

Then there's the lame Hollywood humor, the annoying pop culture references (seriously: did anyone find the Paris Hilton one funny?)... this is not one I will watch again. As a matter of fact, this is one of those episodes where I'd wish they were never produced in the first place. Futurama had weak episodes before, but usually they didn't feature outlandish plots and didn't introduce new characters while killing off others.

The episode actually was okay at the beginning (Jurassic tank stands out), but starting with Bender and his camera it went downhill. Last episode seemed decent to me, the first two were similarly outlandish, but at least both more funny and intelligent. I hope this one is just another Yo Leela Leela.

[Reply #96 on:]

I rewatched the episode and I'm keeping my 6/10 rating. I can't say anything really improved on the second look.  The best way I can describe the episode is with a shoulder shrug. More entertaining than most of what's on TV, but tame by Futurama standards.

One thing about the episode that bothers me is Calculon doesn't remember Bender. Why is that?  Bender has harassed Calculon in multiple episodes, it seems like he should have some recollection of who he is. It doesn't make sense to me. I think it would have been funnier if Bender showed up as a paparrozo AND Calculon remembered how annoying he was.

[Reply #97 on:]

One thing about the episode that bothers me is Calculon doesn't remember Bender. Why is that?  

[Mr. Burns Mode on]
Smithers...who is this Homer Simpson ?
[Mr. Burns Mode off]


Also, the recurring characters in Futurama take two roles: As personalities, and as their appropriate jobs.

E.g. every time cops are needed, it will be Smithy and URL. The URL in "Law and Oracle" was a personality. Yet he did not remember Fry in "Cold Warriors":
The reason was that the CW URL was not really in "personality mode" (so to speak), but just in his "job role" as random cop.  It could have been any other cop, but the writers just settled for the tradition that nearly EVERY random cop has to be URL and/or Smithy.

[Reply #98 on:]

I enjoyed this episode particularly small/quick gags, like he T-Rex paddling at the top of the tank or Zoidberg's "There's a humungous fungus among us!", but I'm getting a bit annoying at the jokes that involve people or things from today for example mention Wil.I am as if he is around or remembered in the year 3012, or even choosing Romeo and Juliet, such an old play to be the scene Calculon acts from without any comment of an event that could of altered it, ("The script had to be changed in 2087 to make it easier for Jupiteerions to understand").

Also the end came as a bit of a shock to me, it was: "Oh... it's finished", everything happened so fast, and I was expecting to see his face. Other than that, I enjoyed the episode!
9/10.

[Reply #99 on:]

Hey, what's your guys' opinion(s) on Edmund Fong? The only eps he's directed are 'Neutopia' and this one. (He also storyboarded TBWABB.)

[Reply #100 on:]

I really didn't think this episode was that good. It really fell apart when Fry, Amy and Hermes went all shrivelled up. The first act was great, but I started to have my doubts when it looked like Bender was going to be a paparazzi. 5/10. Probably the second worst episode of Futurama ever (behind only All The President's Heads).

[Reply #101 on:]

Hey, what's your guys' opinion(s) on Edmund Fong? The only eps he's directed are 'Neutopia' and this one. (He also storyboarded TBWABB.)

Well..director <> writer.
The story was not really that good.
But regading layout, natural dialog flow (not the dialog themes), etc...well..from the "directing point of view", Neutopia seemed quite okay.
The scene layouts, perspective from BBB also looked okay.
I cannot comment on TToB (as I only read the plot decription on various sources and watched about 2 minutes of the episode).

[Reply #102 on:]

but I'm getting a bit annoying at the jokes that involve people or things from today for example mention Wil.I am as if he is around or remembered in the year 3012

How is that what happened at all? Leela got annoyed by Bender mispronouncing the names "Romeo" and "Juliet", then mispronounced the name "William". That's the joke. Nobody referred to Will.i.am as being a current celebrity.

[Reply #103 on:]

Exactly Jezzem. That's why I enjoyed the hell out of that joke.

[Reply #104 on:]

Why would the name william be pronounced will i am if not for a 21st century hip hop artist?

Also, did you like the Kanye west joke?

[Reply #105 on:]

Why would the name william be pronounced will i am if not for a 21st century hip hop artist?

It may be a reference, but that doesn't mean the show implies Leela knew about him.

[Reply #106 on:]

Right on.  It could be that they think everyone from that time period with the name William pronounced it that way, similarly to how we all mispronounce ask.

[Reply #107 on:]

I took it as the joke being that Will.i.am has influenced the future's language and that our way of saying William is now an archaic pronunciation like when we say "ask" instead of "aks". Edit: Somehow I missed the above post, but yeah, I agree with Louiswuenator, basically.

Plus, of course, the main gag being that she mispronounced Shakey's name after correcting someone else's pronunciation.

That's a perfectly acceptable future-y gag that builds upon contemporary pop culture, if you ask me.

[Reply #108 on:]

One thing about the episode that bothers me is Calculon doesn't remember Bender. Why is that?

This seems to be a bit of a running gag with Calculon, and certainly not exclusive to this episode. I can't think of any time Calculon has specifically remembered Bender (bar that one scene in "That's Lobstertainment!" But we're talking less than a minute gap here).

[Reply #109 on:]

I really didn't think this episode was that good. It really fell apart when Fry, Amy and Hermes went all shrivelled up. The first act was great, but I started to have my doubts when it looked like Bender was going to be a paparazzi. 5/10. Probably the second worst episode of Futurama ever (behind only All The President's Heads).

God, that sounds about right... I wouldn't go that harsh but.....

I keep watching this one but am unable to rate it... it's a pretty bizzare episode even by Futurama standards.

There are things I like about it and things I hate.

Whilst I don't hate it like I hated "All The President's Heads" I must admit it feels bizzare and rushed just like that one did.

Langdon Cobb made no sense... why if he is the best actor on Earth have we never been intoduced to his character... not even a slight mention in 13 years.
Could of been a great joke/moment of Fry going why haven't I ever heard of him all these years and everyone going b/c your an idiot and just watch cartoon's (little nod to the audience) all day.
Instead.. it's just b/c he's so reclusive and wears that bag... that's why he hasn't been mentioned until now... please, give the audience a break.
How did he see with the bag on, was that a camera in his tie?
Why didn't we (the audience at home) get to see his face in the very end?
And finally did he suffocate under that pile of mashed up ego-fungus.. will he return.. or is he dead now without his ego... I mean he can't feed anymore... right??

[Reply #110 on:]

How can he suffocate in the fungus when he has had a bag over his head for (almost?) all of his life?

[Reply #111 on:]

Langdon Cobb made no sense...

Not by the points you are making.

why if he is the best actor on Earth have we never been intoduced to his character... not even a slight mention in 13 years.

Because he is famous for being a good actor.  The PE crew cares about trash shows, like All My Circuits.  And even though Leela prefers class, I think she thinks to highly of herself to bother with films, and prefer theatre instead.  The fact that we have not heard of him does not bother me in the slightest.

How did he see with the bag on, was that a camera in his tie?

I think that's what they call a joke, mi compadre.  It's the future, maybe the bag is made of a special one-way view material?

Why didn't we (audience at home) get to see his face in the very end?

You don't think that was the point to not see his face?  To not show us his face is to suggest that the effect of seeing it is real, and the makers would jeopardise the lives of their audience by doing so.  Or more simply; that's the joke.

And finally did he suffocate under that pile of mashed up ego-fungus.. will he return.. or is he dead now without his ego... I mean he can't feed anymore... right??

Stay tuned...

But none of them captures what makes no sense about Langdon Cobb.

If he has been on Earth for so long, how come this is the first time his fungus creature got loose?  Was the three life forces of Fry, Amy and Hermes what put him over the edge?

Why does he go from being interested in the well being of humans, by asking Bender not to show the photo of him to others, to suddenly not caring in the slightest?

They try to explain it with the fact that he had stolen the life forces of peoples from different planets, but changed course on Earth.  It seemed to me to be an interesting character change, to engage in some sort of remorse.  But the relapse bothers me.

[Reply #112 on:]

How can he suffocate in the fungus when he has had a bag over his head for (almost?) all of his life?

I don't know... but your pointing out how dumb this ep is... I guess he'd still get air flow under the back unless he was buried under slime.

Maybe he doesn't even breath.

Why argue with me just to be a contrarian?

Langdon Cobb made no sense...

Not by the points you are making.

why if he is the best actor on Earth have we never been intoduced to his character... not even a slight mention in 13 years.

Because he is famous for being a good actor.  The PE crew cares about trash shows, like All My Circuits.  And even though Leela prefers class, I think she thinks to highly of herself to bother with films, and prefer theatre instead.  The fact that we have not heard of him does not bother me in the slightest.

How did he see with the bag on, was that a camera in his tie?

I think that's what they call a joke, mi compadre.  It's the future, maybe the bag is made of a special one-way view material?

Why didn't we (audience at home) get to see his face in the very end?

You don't think that was the point to not see his face?  To not show us his face is to suggest that the effect of seeing it is real, and the makers would jeopardise the lives of their audience by doing so.  Or more simply; that's the joke.

And finally did he suffocate under that pile of mashed up ego-fungus.. will he return.. or is he dead now without his ego... I mean he can't feed anymore... right??

Stay tuned...

But none of them captures what makes no sense about Langdon Cobb.

If he has been on Earth for so long, how come this is the first time his fungus creature got loose?  Was the three life forces of Fry, Amy and Hermes what put him over the edge?

Why does he go from being interested in the well being of humans, by asking Bender not to show the photo of him to others, to suddenly not caring in the slightest?

They try to explain it with the fact that he had stolen the life forces of peoples from different planets, but changed course on Earth.  It seemed to me to be an interesting character change, to engage in some sort of remorse.  But the relapse bothers me.

I agree with what your saying.. your points are the one's I forgot.. and valid.

You've dashed some of my points asunder.. execpt for the fact nobody ever mentions him before... other people thought that was dumb besides me.. b/c of shows like Venture Bros.

All the stuff with bag doesn't make me laugh.. that's why I poke holes in it.. I get that the joke would be diminished if they showed his face.. or explained the science of how he see's with it on... but the joke wasn't that funny to start with.

Say what you will.... but shows like Venture Bros. would have mentioned the character and then intorduce him five years later... points to Monstroso.

Now that's writing baby.


Also why hasn't his ego ever been this out of control before.. he's obviously used to feeding off of big crowds and huge awards by now... I get it... best actor EVER award... but what eves.

I like Dan Vebber..he writes great shows... but this felt more like a SGC2C episode than Futurama.

[Reply #113 on:]

You can clearly see Langdon's head sticking out of the fungus that crushes him at the end, he would be able to breathe perfectly fine.

[Reply #114 on:]

Yes, (just checked the tape... aka DVR) but still... how does he feed himself now?

Danny I'm not disagreeing... I just want to discuss the episode.

Anyway Calculon is awesome... and I was quite saddened when he died.

Getting to see he actually could act after all... was quite cool.

I hope he look's the same if/when he comes back... as Calculon 2.0... but something tells me he'll be a whole new Calculon.  

Anyway I truly dunno if this ep is bad or good....

but I'll go with Bender for now... this episode is 'neat'.

[Reply #115 on:]

You can clearly see Langdon's head sticking out of the fungus that crushes him at the end, he would be able to breathe perfectly fine.

This is making several assumptions.

1 - Alien creature Cobb needs to breathe

2 - Alien creature Cobb breathes the same way as a human

3 - Alien creature Cobb can expand his chest cavity to drawn air in, despite having a ton of muck crushing his torso.

[Reply #116 on:]

You can clearly see Langdon's head sticking out of the fungus that crushes him at the end, he would be able to breathe perfectly fine.

This is making several assumptions.

1 - Alien creature Cobb needs to breathe

2 - Alien creature Cobb breathes the same way as a human

3 - Alien creature Cobb can expand his chest cavity to drawn air in, despite having a ton of muck crushing his torso.

Someone's not calling my points retarded... and defending them.... OMG run, the world's ending!!!

[Reply #117 on:]

I read that last part without the comma.  Much funnier that way.

[Reply #118 on:]

And finally did he suffocate under that pile of mashed up ego-fungus.. will he return.. or is he dead now without his ego... I mean he can't feed anymore... right??

Since his head is sticking out of the pile in the last shot we see (still in the bag), why would you be wondering if he suffocated?

You can clearly see Langdon's head sticking out of the fungus that crushes him at the end, he would be able to breathe perfectly fine.

This is making several assumptions.... Alien creature Cobb can expand his chest cavity to drawn air in, despite having a ton of muck crushing his torso.

There's not that much on him. I'm happy to assume that he can do that at the last point we see him.

Also why hasn't his ego ever been this out of control before.

Feedback loop. Already mentioned.

Having re-watched the episode, I stand by my original review. Also, I have gained an appreciation for the "nun-biting otter" line delivered by Zoidberg.

[Reply #119 on:]

MuchAdo, I wasn't being negative at all yet you seem to think I was trying to start an argument? I was giving your points reasonable explanations.