Thoughts on [4ACV13] - Bend Her

[Reply #40 on:]

This Bender centric ep was every bit as good as Godfellas, but in a completely different way.
Bender as a fembot? Creative... and profoundly disturbing.
What's more disturbing is my strange sense of satisfaction having seen it.
This was the real 'Gender Bender'.
Unlike Spanish Fry, that I watched several times before I really liked it, I liked this ep from the start.
It's enough to make one question their own gender identity... um... never mind...

Overall, I'd rate id an A- or 13/15.

Woo-Hoo!
<TOTP Happy dance!>

[Reply #41 on:]

After being bitterly disappointed by many of the 4acv episodes, along came this one. This one was so funny, and so much fun to watch! Bender as a fembot was an absolute riot. But more importantly, the episode was executed very well. The writing was solid through and through. Definently one of the funniest 4acv episodes of all.
4/5
But then again, there's no Bender episode I didn't like.  The only somewhat weak Bender episode in my opinion is Crimes of the Hot.

[Reply #42 on:]

Can't...Get...enough...Zoidberg!!!!

But a good, solid episode noentheless....Bender as a broad was scary though.

[Reply #43 on:]

Funny episode.  Brought back the memory of "I'm a real toughie."  And Zoidberg was brilliant once again.

The only aspect that I didn't like was Amy's attitude.  I would think Amy's only concern would be *competition* from Bender, not Bender giving women a bad name.

Digression: I know there is a faction that was disappointed at the change in Amy when the writers had her start dating Kif.  It didn't really disturb me that much.  I don't know why it didn't, because "original" Amy was one of my favorites from the beginning.  Maybe it's because I like Kif, too.

Anway, Amy being mad at Bender (for the wrong reason) was the first time I actively disliked the change of "slut-Amy" to "commitment-Amy."

[Reply #44 on:]

"Fembot Bender was a little disturbing." "Seeing Bender as a fembot made me uneasy." "Fembot Bender awakened feelings in myself that I am not ready to deal with right now."

My god people!  Lighten up - it's a cartoon robot we're talking about here.  Laughing at Bender/Coilette in no way makes you any more (or less) robosexual!

This was a hilarious episode from start to finish.  I can't believe the rating on CGEF for this and last week's (Spanish Fry) episodes.  It's like a whole group got so sucked into the whole shippy Fry/Leela arc, that they forgot how to enjoy Futurama's silly episodes.  Celebrate both!  The show's ability to tug at your emotions one week then make you laugh at sheer stupidity the next is what makes Futurama so unique and special.

I'll admit the "soap opera wedding" was a little too over the top for me on the first viewing (however Zoidberg was magic), but otherwise this one was a treasure chest of both in your face and more subtle gag after gag after gag.  I loved it.

Coilette: "Would we have donkeys?"
Calculon: "All you could eat."

[Reply #45 on:]

What was that? Pretty subpar, even for a Bender episode. I didn't have my hopes set too high from the description, but I stil expected it to prove me wrong. It didn't.

Zoidberg was funny this time, and I liked the bit with Hermes competing in the limbo championship. But it went downhill after the beginning.

I consider Futurama to be a step above the rest of what's on tv, but this was stale sitcom-style "we're out of ideas, so we'll put a guy in a dress and hope it's funny". The "haha, men are jerks and women have emotions" jokes have been done to death. There wasn't even a subplot. I'd say this beats out 300 Big Boys for worst of the season. At least that episode had more laughs. Bender dancing around and shaking his assets just didn't cut it for me.

Rating: 1/5

[Reply #46 on:]

I taped this ep, since I had to go to a Weird Al concert! Woo! Oh, and speaking of which, inbetween song when he had to change clothes, little tidbits of his show and other stuff was shown. And in a collage of times he's been in other shows, they showed the clip from "The Cryonic Woman" when he was shown in a freezer tube! Boo-yah! OK, anyway. This episode was average. Hermes the limboer rooooocks! And the end with the soap opera ending was funny. And of course, "Order the cake, damnit!" But, that's basically it. Fembot Bender totally freaked me out, so maybe that's a factor that I didn't like. Next week's another episode of Bender, but it sounds a lot better than this one.
Grade: C-

[Reply #47 on:]

I fail to understand why people are "freaked out" by fembot Bender. Sure, it's a little creepy. That's a GOOD thing! Keep an open mind.

[Reply #48 on:]

This was better than last week's.  It was better able to sustain the wackiness, though it did fall apart at the wedding.  I guess you'd call it a fairly solid episode, though it wasn't spectacular.

It's now 3004?  But "Where No Fan..." was technically two episodes earlier and it took place in 3002, so that means "The Sting" was the only episode to take place in 3003.  Someone screwed up the dates.

   

Originally posted by Jerm:
It did seem a little--how do you say--easy.  The 'put a man in a dress' joke is classic shark jumping material.

It is pretty easy, but I think they handled it fairly well; there wasn't too much "Look!  Bender's in a dress!  It's funny!"  Maybe the fact that it was a robot doing it was what made the difference.  (By the way, why did he wear a dress when most other robots, male or female, don't wear clothes at all?)  But I had other problems....

   

Originally posted by edeltraut:
The "haha, men are jerks and women have emotions" jokes have been done to death.

The "women be different than men" jokes were tiresome, especially since the cast seemed to act out of character a few times.  And "You two don't dress trampy enough" is probably the worst ending joke ever.

The "technical" stuff about the sex change was all pretty funny, from "Make a woman out of me" to Amy fainting to the Professor talking about the already vague distinction between robot sexes.

[Reply #49 on:]

Unlike Spanish Fry (which I liked a lot more after visiting PEEL, make of that what you will), I liked this one immediately, in spite of uncomfortable feelings which I think stem from the automatic, unconscious empathy I feel for whatever character's in the limelight.  "It's a good thing."

And like SpaceCase, I feel that this one finishes the hanging mini-arc started in Raging Bender in a very satisfying way.

I give it a B.

[Reply #50 on:]

You guys will most probably think that I will freak out when I see this episode. Actually I really love it! The sex operation makes me laugh where the Professor removes the male oil and Amy fainted and he cut off Bender's Manhood. Hehe I must say that I am a bit attracted to Coilette. She is very pretty and I wouldn?t mind going on a girls night out with her. Hermes's competition is really hot. Whoo.

[Reply #51 on:]

GO SWEDEN!

The freaky part is, I saw it coming somehow... Not the "I don't think so"-part though.

*chalks up another reference. That makes seven so far.

Anyway, not the greatest episode, but better than "Spanish Fry".

[Reply #52 on:]

The first time I watched it I was in the kitchen washing dishes and had the volume way down low ('cuz my mom doesn't like the show) and had the captioning on. So basically, I saw only the picture the first time and got creeped out by what I was reading at the bottom of my screen. I later went upstairs to watch my tape. And it was better with sound but still a bit creepy. I'd say it was one of the better Bender-centric epsiodes. I liked the part where Leela was yelling at at Bender, err.. Coilette "Get out of my gender and stay out!" or something to that effect. I thought the timing of this episode (I mean airdate) was kinda weird, considering everything going on in this city right now is all about the 2010 Olympics and this episode had the 3004 Olympics in it.

[Reply #53 on:]

As far as the episode being to bendercentric--
Not a problem.
In my books its the leelacentric episodes that bug me.  Way too sappy.  Like the tender moments with her parents~yeargh~and the constant 'single female cyclops' bit.  Bender is always good for a laugh.  The writers can do what the like and they never have to worry about his 'humanity' they can make him the most lovable jerk in TV history.

[Reply #54 on:]

Cool name!

[Reply #55 on:]

yeah, during season 4 i think it was (early season 4) FOX aired all the bender-heavy episodes in the row and it starting getting annoying, which is sad because if they were spaced out they probably would have gotten more approval. i really enjoyed this episode though, it was really hilarious to see bender as a fembot  as for the leela and her parents bit, that can get old after a while, especially when she talks about her orphanarium days...anyways, i think the best episodes are the ones that revolve around leela and fry's forbidden love imo...those are always sweet and just "awww"...what can i say! im a girl i dig that chick crap hehehe and fry is a funny sweet guy ;D

[Reply #56 on:]

I'm glad to see this episode has gotten so much positive response, because I loved it.  This was the one that worried me the most when just the plot synopses were released, because putting a character in a dress usually means the writers are out of ideas and want really really cheap jokes.  What impressed me was that the jokes weren't cheap, and they were very, very funny, but the ideas behind the episode were serious.  It was all played for laughs, but it wasn't just a joke.  Futurama has always been good at pulling that off, dealing with serious and even bleak subjects while not ever seeming preachy or melodramatic, and remaining funny.

[Reply #57 on:]

The only thing I like about Fry and Leela's forbidden love is that it is forbidden.  I was listening to the voiceover for season 1 (on dvd) and DXC mentions that some of the writers hate the sap and only want to write jokes.  I think the writer of "fry and the slurm factory" (Lewis Morton i think) said he alows one sappy bit per show--like fry's tear in the superslurm.  I am of the same mind.  Make it a funny show.  When I want to get all weepy and sob all over my shirt I will watch the season ender of Dawson's Creek. 

[Reply #58 on:]

   

Originally posted by Jerm:
The only thing I like about Fry and Leela's forbidden love is that it is forbidden.  I was listening to the voiceover for season 1 (on dvd) and DXC mentions that some of the writers hate the sap and only want to write jokes.  I think the writer of "fry and the slurm factory" (Lewis Morton i think) said he alows one sappy bit per show--like fry's tear in the superslurm.  I am of the same mind.  Make it a funny show.  When I want to get all weepy and sob all over my shirt I will watch the season ender of Dawson's Creek. 

Yeah, make it a tasteless show with nothing but jokes and no story to follow, like all of the other Adult swim shows, after all, those are the shows getting nominated for emmys right? 

[Reply #59 on:]

did anyone else notice that Bender's voice sounded different in this ep?
<D'oh!>
I mean even before the, er... 'nad swap'?

[Reply #60 on:]

Yeah, I quite enjoyed it. Funny stuff! 
A bit whacky again though, but not too bad. 

The one thing that did come up was that the second half of my... aquisition came with all the adverts FOX wanted to show, and how annoying it really must be! Sky One never does anything like that. Sure Sky sometimes has a v/o that lasts most of the credits, and that Banzai thing at the end wasn't too bad (except where a similar thing got rid of that great Star Trek parody ending) it's just the annoying "subliminal" messages that came up and took out most of the lower screen at various points, like some bloody internet pop-up!
Sorry for being so niave before... 

[Reply #61 on:]

 I liked this Epp, but only half way.  As somoene who really went through what Bender did in this Epp, some things they are way too close to home on. Enough to suspect someone knows someone in a similar situation.

 How can I put it gently? When your "Testosteroil is replaced with Femzoil" at first anyway, calling the results "mood swings" is like calling the ocean slightly damp.

 And of course, Bender does not feel pain.  Ouch anyone? :/    It takes a lot more than one small
snip to remove an "item". And you don't just get up and walk around after..............   

 On the other hand, Bender reminds me of why I generally can't stand transexuals,  a lot of them act just like Bender did, not as much a woman as what a MAN thinks a woman is SUPPOSED to be like.  Bender was a prime exmaple of that.

 And yes of course the "Boys and girls are different" jokes are sort of labored but considering the subject matter thats to be expected.

 I'm not sure of my favorite scene, for humor, Bender using a coaster, and everyone recoiling in shock. For Drama, Benders last goodbye to Calculon.

 Ad to anyone who says they were creeped out a bit, thats only natural, I've BEEN there and It creeped me out a little.
 
 It was fun I just wish the steretypes had been thinner from all concerned.

[Reply #62 on:]

Coop writes:

Yeah, make it a tasteless show with nothing but jokes and no story to follow, like all of the other Adult swim shows, after all, those are the shows getting nominated for emmys right? 

I don't think so.  I don't want a tasteless show.  I don't want any more 'temptation wheels' or 'fifth island' trash shows.  I like good story.  But sap is an alltogether different thing.  Write smart jokes with layers and layers of ha ha, pop culture know, and social com.  If there is some kind of 'sap' keep it short.  I can handle a bit here and there--like fry and the message in the stars--but when too much of a show is devoted to heart string plucking I'm out.  Thats just me.  I did say thats what "I liked" about the love story.

 

[Reply #63 on:]

 

Originally posted by Invader_Tak:
  And of course, Bender does not feel pain.  Ouch anyone? :/    It takes a lot more than one small
snip to remove an "item". And you don't just get up and walk around after..............   

When your a robot from the year 3004 it does.

[Reply #64 on:]

At least every other review (at CGEF too) is saying "Bender was creepy in this episode, but..." "I was creeped out..." "That was disturbing..."

I don't get it. It's a cartoon. About a robot. Who becomes a fembot. Are people seriously disturbed by this? Sorry for having my doubts. If people are really that easily creeped out or offended, it might be a good idea to take a step back and reevaluate how seriously they take a cartoon show. Or maybe it's a joke, I dunno. But after reading the exact same comment a hundred times, the charm starts to wear off. Maybe it's just me.   

[Reply #65 on:]

I thought this episode sucked. It was way worse than Spanish Fry and even slightly worse than 300 Big Boys.  I really can't imagine me even watching this episode again before the dvds come out (here in America that should be about 8 years)

[Reply #66 on:]

Exactly.  This episode was not disturbing, it was just weak.

I'll watch it sooner than VF though.  Probably november when the R2 set comes out.  My DVD player has superpowers y'know. 

[Reply #67 on:]

Upon a second viewing, I like this episode even less than when I first viewed it.  In fact, I think this one takes top honors as my least favorite episode out of the four seasons.  I hope there's nothing worse in the few remaining episodes.

[Reply #68 on:]

Notice everyone who REALLY hated this epp is a guy? 

 Can you say castration anxiety? 

[Reply #69 on:]

Wow.  Some serious negative cartoon vibes here.

In an attempt to bring balance to the Force, I will just say:

1. "Bend Her" was funny.  It was not disturbing.  DiMaggio is an absolute riot to listen to.

2. Spanish Fry was funny.  You cannot cram too many sex jokes into half-an-hour.  Not possible.

3. 300 Big Boys was hilarious.  I loved the pacing and the plot interactions.  And the denouement was fabulous.

I have watched each of them multiple times, and will probably wear the tape out before I get the DVD's - in about eight years.

Whale Biologist and Ranger Park:  Dave Herman's Veterinarian voice may be my favorite voice in the whole series.  "Can you put 'top quality' in bold?  You can't.  Okay, whatever."

Everyone gets their own opinion, and that is mine.

[Reply #70 on:]

 

Originally posted by Invader_Tak:Notice everyone who REALLY hated this epp is a guy?

Can you say castration anxiety?

Hello! Me and Velour?

I didn't hate the episode because it had Bender in drag, I hated it because I thought it was lame. Everyone's entitled to an opinion, and I just happen to think the plot was contrived, the ending was silly, and the jokes were weak after the first 5 minutes.

[Reply #71 on:]

   

Originally posted by Timo:
Wow.  Some serious negative cartoon vibes here.

 I shoudn't be snippy "no pun intended" but when you play with gender people get upset, especially younger people still getting in touch with their sexual identities. Bender is a masculine archtype, and some people who identify with Bender as such may feel their sexuality being attacked in the "feminizing" of a character they feel close to.

 And yes, its just a cartoon, and its not all that important. But remember, many people become VERY attached to their fictional heros, and take it too seriously becuse they are close to the characters.

 Part of a good work of fiction "And Futurama IS good fiction" is its ability to put you in the characters place, and give you real empathy for them.

 So if the empathy is there, a subject that makes people uncomfortable is going to genearate negtive feelings from some people.     

 Just a thought.........

[Reply #72 on:]

I can understand people getting uppity about the subject matter, it was serious, but I didn't find the "boys and girls are different" jokes to be labored in the stand-up comic sense.  I saw in them a subtle new look at the played out cliches you see in other comedies.  Less "boys and girls are different" and more "look at what people will believe about how boys and girls are different."  but ultimately, I thought the jokes were funny and that made the episode.  If you didn't think the jokes worked, you're not going to like it.

It's a shame the Barbados slim character had to be introduced so close to the end of the series.  He would make a great returning character to act as a foil to Hermes.  I loved his voice. 

[Reply #73 on:]

um..it was ok...kinda creepy, preety funny...it was sorta confusing at the end but thats just me,i guess i rate it um.....er...4/5

[Reply #74 on:]

Seeing Bender as a woman gave me strange and deeply confusing feelings, and I'll leave it at that. Otherwise the show started off good, dropped in the middle (except for Zoidberg of course), the wedding went over pretty well. Bender's womanizing was pretty funny, as was Fry when he was supposed to hit Bender with the spear during the wedding and missed. Aside from the begining and the end though, the show was mediocre. 6 thumbs up

[Reply #75 on:]

Hey this episode was great, in a weird kind of way. i thought fry throwing the spear and missing was funny, but zoidberg was pretty hilarious too. order the cake dammit! loved it!  i give it an A- it was the best bender episode yet. period.

FuturamaKid

2004

[Reply #76 on:]

 

Originally posted by Invader_Tak:
Notice everyone who REALLY hated this epp is a guy? 

 Can you say castration anxiety?   

can i say homophobia instead? please?

 

Originally posted by edeltraut:
  Hello! Me and Velour?

hee! i :heart: you edel

[Reply #77 on:]

 

Originally posted by edeltraut:
Hello! Me and Velour?

What's your point?

Anyway, upon a second viewing, I agree with everyone who said this episode was lame.  The limbo race was good, all of Zoidberg's lines were comedy gold, but the rest was just weak, weak, weak.  The soap opera wedding had so much potential to be hilarious, but it was over before it could get going.  My problem wasn't Bender/Coilette being disturbing - Spanish Fry was just as disturbing if not more, but it still managed to be hilarious.  Bend Her . . . didn't.

[Reply #78 on:]

 

Originally posted by Nixorbo:
 What's your point?

her point was that we rock and also send us candy

[Reply #79 on:]

Yeah, what Velour said. And also, that it's annoying when someone says "hey, notice that only guys hate this ep??" when we're three posts above his.