Futurama   Planet Express Employee Lounge
The Futurama Message Board

Design and Support by Can't get enough Futurama
Help Search Futurama chat Login Register

PEEL - The Futurama Message Board    General Futurama Forum Category    Human Resource Department    Shipping Even Higher into the Sun... « previous next »
 Topic locked! 
Author Topic: Shipping Even Higher into the Sun...  (Read 97614 times)
Pages: 1 ... 14 15 16 [17] 18 19 20 Print
Gorky

DOOP Secretary
*
« Reply #640 on: 06-21-2012 14:12 »

Yeah, I'm with Capper. Leela wasn't trying to be hurtful by refusing to take Fry's hand; in fact, she seemed almost pathetic and a little scared when she said, "Or someone else could do it" when Fry made his final offer to save her life again while she was passing over the PE building. I don't think she honestly thought that Fry's presence in her life made things a lot worse for her, if only because she showed genuine anguish about his absence on Mars, and about losing him in general (I'm thinking specifically of the moment they share on the balcony... and, no, I don't mean the almost-sex: I mean the talking).

So her rebuffs of Fry's repeated attempts to offer his hand (and it's worth noting that, to my recollection, she only straight-up rejects him twice: once after she's broken her leg, and once when he tries to save her at the episode's end. I actually thought it was kind of sweet how she let him guide her hand into that scary box thing, because the two of them looked so much like a loving couple that my heart damn near burst) came out of her own (perhaps irrational) fear of breaking her leg or some such, and not out of actual anger at this guy who's been nothing but (in her own words) gallant towards her all episode.

While waiting in the queue, Leela did not seem too nervous/sad about the prospect of Fry presumably being left behind.

Well, Fry was probably sad enough for the both of them ("I hate waiting in line to die!"). Also, Leela was genuinely happy when it turned out Fry was accepted--and it's not like she said, "You can't go to Mars if I'm not going to Mars" or something horribly selfish like that when it turned out she was rejected.

Don't get me wrong, I like finding faults in Leela's character as much as the next guy; she can be rude and self-centered and pompous and self-righteous and a bunch of other nasty things. But I thought her characterization was pretty spot-on in this episode, and I found both her and Fry very sympathetic.

There are some problems I had mainly with Leela's attitude; how is she still baffled by Fry's behavior? She knows he is undeniably in love with her, would do absolutely anything and everything for her

I agree that Leela seemed almost deliberately obtuse about the depth of Fry's feelings for her, but in a way her final words to him in this episode--about how he's the only person who loves her enough to sacrifice his life for her in such a way--is some indication that, after about twelve years of this guy routinely putting himself in harm's way just to make sure she stays safe, she finally gets how much he loves her.

Maybe this is a minor point, but with the exception of his actions in "A Farewell to Arms"--the first shippy episode to come after "Overclockwise"--every other self-sacrificial thing Fry has done for Leela has come at a time where she hasn't been fully committed to him, or to their relationship (they were on-again/off-again last season, in her own words). So, in a way, I think it was necessary for us to see Leela actually acknowledge that she not only understands that Fry's gestures are the result of love, but that she understands that Fry loves her more than anyone else loves her.

And, I mean, the implication there is that she reciprocates his feelings--but, yeah, it does bug me that she had no problems referring to how much Fry loved her, but could not say the same thing about her feelings for him. That gripe aside, though, I still found this episode pretty dang emotionally satisfying.
Louiswuenator

Starship Captain
****
« Reply #641 on: 06-21-2012 18:13 »

I think it's very significant the distinction Leela made on the balcony between 'romantic gestures' and 'just being there' with her.  They both obviously love each other, but have very different ways of showing it.  Different 'languages of love' as it were.  Some like words, some like actions, some like gifts, some want just the presence of their loved ones without pretense.  To Fry, it's mostly gallant actions and words, like out of a comic book, but maybe Leela just sees it as empty courting.  It seems Leela prefers just having Fry be with her, in the moment without him trying to plan some kind of romantic show.  This is surprisingly accurate to my experience of people IRL and I was glad to see the writers address it so openly in the show.

Neither of them are going to change that much, but maybe after this episode they will better understand each other.  Fry will realize that Leela doesn't need him to display his love with pretense, and Leela will realize that Fry's gestures aren't as empty as she may have thought.  To use an example, remember "The Sting".  In it we see both of their desires.  Fry leaps in front of the space bee to take the sting for her vs staying at her bedside for weeks until she woke.
Tastes Like Fry

Urban Legend
***
« Reply #642 on: 06-21-2012 18:38 »

There are five love languages of which we all have a mix of but may have one or two stronger than the others:
Physical touch
Quality Time
Acts of Service
Words of Affirmation
Gifts

I'll bank on Frys strongest being Acts (maybe a bit of Words) and Leelas being Quality time, they've just got to learn how to love each other and what the other appreciates. Fry has to learn just to spend time with Leela and Leela should perhaps do something for Fry.

(Pegging Bender as gifts with a little bit of physical touch ;D)
Louiswuenator

Starship Captain
****
« Reply #643 on: 06-21-2012 19:15 »

Thanks, TLF.  I knew someone would chime in with the proper names for those. :)

Prepare for pop psychology drivel:

All of this stems from Fry and Leela's relationship with their parents. 

Leela always wanted Quality Time with her parents, but never had it until recently.  That is what she craves most.  She does like Acts, Words and Gifts, but those have been sullied by assholes like Chaz and Alkazar who couldn't deliver anything genuine.  Remember also that she had to rebuff years of what she interpreted to be empty Words and Acts from Fry.

Fry never got as much recognition from his parents as he wanted.  He would do Acts to try and impress them, but usually failed.  Setbacks didn't stop him from trying though.  Quality Time was never a strong motivator as his parents idea of that was watching sports or building a bomb shelter, for example.
pumpkinpie

Starship Captain
****
« Reply #644 on: 06-22-2012 02:19 »

She's heeeeere.....it's me! The one and only PUMPKINPIE! :D So, is anyone else an ecstatic shipper after AFTA? :D
coldangel

DOOP Secretary
*
« Reply #645 on: 06-22-2012 02:57 »

I don't think she was actually saying Fry wanted to cause her harm. It's more like superstition. It never works out well for her when he tries to do nice things, and she's noticed the pattern.

What he said. He seems to attract disaster. Even when it's not his fault - things just go wrong around him.
Louiswuenator

Starship Captain
****
« Reply #646 on: 06-22-2012 04:20 »

She's heeeeere.....it's me! The one and only PUMPKINPIE! :D So, is anyone else an ecstatic shipper after AFTA? :D
Hell yes!  (I mean, I was before but I am even more so now)
Tastes Like Fry

Urban Legend
***
« Reply #647 on: 06-22-2012 04:56 »

Question is; Is it the shippiest episode so far? For me, The Sting has always reigned as so, but this ties with it I should think *mindblown*

Just waiting to see who is going to actually start a 'balcony club' xD
Louiswuenator

Starship Captain
****
« Reply #648 on: 06-22-2012 05:10 »

Shippiest?  Hmm, I dunno about that but it's had the most forward progress in their ship in a while and yes I am counting "Overclockwise".
Tastes Like Fry

Urban Legend
***
« Reply #649 on: 06-22-2012 07:24 »

There's so many parallels to Parasites Lost and The Sting in this episode (the puddle probably being the most obvious)

This also sprung to mind...
Spacedal11

Space Pope
****
« Reply #650 on: 06-22-2012 07:25 »
« Last Edit on: 06-22-2012 07:26 »

Question is; Is it the shippiest episode so far? For me, The Sting has always reigned as so, but this ties with it I should think *mindblown*

Just waiting to see who is going to actually start a 'balcony club' xD

I feel like they are both "milestones" (?) in terms of shippy. We could not be where we got with A Farewell to Arms if The Sting didn't happen you know?

Wait shouldn't they both me missing the same arm?
Inquisitor Hein
Liquid Emperor
**
« Reply #651 on: 06-22-2012 07:42 »

Wait shouldn't they both me missing the same arm?

Nope, it's okay that way.
Fry reached out his left hand, and Leela her right one, so Leela's right arm was ripped off. Then, Fry still held Leela's severed right arm in his left arm, which got ripped off.
Had the same arm be ripped off, the severed arms in space would have looked like "shaking hands". But they needed different arms for the "couple holding hands" look.
Tastes Like Fry

Urban Legend
***
« Reply #652 on: 06-22-2012 08:09 »

Milestones, I like that term.  :)

Pic of floating chopped arms:

That's sort of shippy... but ew.
Louiswuenator

Starship Captain
****
« Reply #653 on: 06-22-2012 08:18 »

I'd put money down that those arms are going to show up again as an easter egg in a future episode.
TheMadCapper

Fluffy
UberMod
DOOP Secretary
*
« Reply #654 on: 06-22-2012 08:43 »

Hm. Think Leela will be wearing a wristamajigger in the future?
Onuki

Starship Captain
****
« Reply #655 on: 06-22-2012 09:28 »

Pic of floating chopped arms:

i still think that's 1 of the worst endings the show has ever created

a lot of you may be surprised that i'm posting in here. i forgot that i wanted to post my opinion about Leela in the newest episodes. to be honest i thought she was a total bitch last season & she doesn't deserve Fry. i thought to myself & sorry for saying this "what the fuck is wrong with all these shipper people?"

i officially take back everything negative i've said about her. i feel she has totally improved since last season. she seems a little nicer now. i hope she continues to be gentle. if she does hurt Fry physically again, i'll be very upset. i pray in my heart that Fry & Leela find happiness. if they wanna be together, then all the best to them :)
Gorky

DOOP Secretary
*
« Reply #656 on: 06-22-2012 11:32 »

Hm. Think Leela will be wearing a wristamajigger in the future?

If it's anything like Fry's lucky pants, they'll be on a mission to track that errant wristamajigger down as soon as their new arms are fully cloned!

Question is; Is it the shippiest episode so far?

I think it's the most plainly shippy episode of all--by which I mean that Fry and Leela's relationship not only plays a huge part in the story, but that it's unambiguously portrayed as a mutually loving romantic pairing. I mean, Leela tosses the word "love" around several times when referring to Fry's feelings for her (which is a first for her, I think), balcony sex is attempted, the two characters hug and hold hands like it's second-nature: in short, this is probably the only episode to date where Fry and Leela get to act like any other official couple in any other series.

I'm loath to compare them to Homer and Marge, seeing as how those two can either make or break an episode if they choose to commandeer it with a boring relationship story, but that's the only couple that's coming to mind right now. So, yeah, in this episode Fry and Leela were like Homer and Marge...but in a totally unobnoxious, emotionally-gripping way.
Inquisitor Hein
Liquid Emperor
**
« Reply #657 on: 06-22-2012 17:55 »
« Last Edit on: 06-22-2012 18:16 by TheMadCapper »

She's heeeeere.....it's me! The one and only PUMPKINPIE! :D So, is anyone else an ecstatic shipper after AFTA? :D

Glad to see you back :) Also, it's nice you found a way to watch the new episodes without having to use illegal means :D
leiapadme77

Liquid Emperor
**
« Reply #658 on: 06-23-2012 00:58 »

As always I completely agree with you Gorky.

By now I've learned to just take whatever Fry & Leela I can get, and I'm hoping to be pleasantly surprised with this season, as I am so far :)

Question is; Is it the shippiest episode so far? For me, The Sting has always reigned as so, but this ties with it I should think *mindblown*


Hmmm, I don't know if anything can top The Sting or Parasites Lost for me. I definitely feel like this was a pretty shippy episode, but the ship was not the main focus, as opposed to the plots in The Sting and Parasites lost. I wasn't mindblown, but it was still awesome!
 I guess it's because those episodes have been so engraved in me for so many years now, it's hard for something new to be better. But the Late Philip J Fry has definitely become one of my favourites, and I think this one will too :)

Oh and the balcony scene was cute. As soon as they lied down, I was such a fangirl "ZOMG THEY'RE ACTUALLY GONNA DO IT!?!?!" haha. Nope, sorry..come one what did you think this was?

SpaceGoldfish fromWazn

Urban Legend
***
« Reply #659 on: 06-23-2012 01:10 »
« Last Edit on: 06-23-2012 01:12 »

You know, I think they should bring back the jellyfish nurse, or find some other disgusting feminine sea creature for Zoidberg to woo.

No Princess Rutos, something as equally repulsive as Zoidberg.  They can still crack Zoidberg is pathetic jokes, only they swap the "Zoidberg is pathetic because he is lonely" to "Zoidberg is pathetic because he could only that hideous she-monster."   Hey, She-Monster is enough of a crappy pun to be an episode title!   Google also reveals that the "Astounding She-Monster" is the name of what looks like a 50's sci-fi b-movie.   "The Hideous She-Monster" or "The Astoundingly Unattractive She Monster"? 

Would it be too topical if they met on a site like Plenty of Sardines?
Inquisitor Hein
Liquid Emperor
**
« Reply #660 on: 06-23-2012 11:53 »
« Last Edit on: 06-23-2012 13:14 »

I think the couple-wise interpretation in AftA did fit in the new, faster paced episodes.
- The old "Fry chases after Leela, they end up nearly together, and but it is undone the last second" plots are often much time consuming. Time the new, shorter episodes often cannot affort any more.
- The scenes in AftA were rather quick and efficient. E.g Fry helping Leela over the puddle, the foiled attempt to joing the balcony club.... These scene didn't bear the announcement of "We are trying to tell the greatest love story ever". They were rather in line with the character's usual shenaigans/nonsense/short jokes that happen to them all the time.
Imy

Bending Unit
***
« Reply #661 on: 06-24-2012 10:24 »

I'M OFFICIALLY COMING OUT AS A FRY/LEELA SHIPPER... HOORAYS ALL AROUND!

Yes... so, "vassup"? I've read like, 7 pages of this thread now and I feel kind of... "wrong" :/
Svip

Administrator
DOOP Secretary
*
« Reply #662 on: 06-24-2012 11:18 »

As always I completely agree with you Gorky.

Careful, she may use that power to make you believe something crazy!
Gorky

DOOP Secretary
*
« Reply #663 on: 07-12-2012 04:53 »

Anyone else turn to a big ol' pile of mush when Fry mentioned being marriage material in "Zapp Dingbat," and Leela kissed him on the cheek and assured him that he's getting there? 'Cause there's no way I was the only one whose shippy soul soared in the silliest, most sentimental fashion upon seeing that scene.

I mean, it was kind of randomly-placed, seeing as how Fry and Leela barely interacted in acts one or two--but damn, did I still buy it. Those two have been so sweet together this season, both in "A Farewell to Arms" and tonight's episode. Well done, writers; why couldn't you write their relationship this well last season?
Frida Waterfall

Professor
*
« Reply #664 on: 07-12-2012 05:47 »

Anyone else turn to a big ol' pile of mush when Fry mentioned being marriage material in "Zapp Dingbat," and Leela kissed him on the cheek and assured him that he's getting there?

I very much enjoyed this night's episode. Not the best, not the worst, but still sweet. Morris's and Munda's divorce was a bit unnecessary. They could've just gone the "temporarily separated" path just as easily.

I've been wanting to make a triumphant post on this thread for quite a while now, and the romantic implications of tonight's episode, the podcast, and the renewal of "The Legend of Korra" for another 26 episodes has given me the enthusiasm to do so.

I already know what is going to happen for the current series finale.
Just Fan
Starship Captain
****
« Reply #665 on: 07-12-2012 06:26 »

Anyone else turn to a big ol' pile of mush when Fry mentioned being marriage material in "Zapp Dingbat," and Leela kissed him on the cheek and assured him that he's getting there? 'Cause there's no way I was the only one whose shippy soul soared in the silliest, most sentimental fashion upon seeing that scene.

I mean, it was kind of randomly-placed, seeing as how Fry and Leela barely interacted in acts one or two--but damn, did I still buy it. Those two have been so sweet together this season, both in "A Farewell to Arms" and tonight's episode. Well done, writers; why couldn't you write their relationship this well last season?
Yeah, that moment even was highlighted by one of the critics:
Quote
But the real "aww" gem in here is when Fry convinces Leela that Munda actually seems happy, and Leela surprisingly agrees that he's right. When Fry suggests that maybe he is marriage material after all, Leela gives him a smooch and a hopeful "you're getting there." There you go, Leela/Fry 'shippers!
Louiswuenator

Starship Captain
****
« Reply #666 on: 07-12-2012 07:46 »

Quote
Do I hear wedding bells?

What!  No!
:laff:

In all seriousness though, things are starting to heat up.  The shipper in me couldn't be more excited.  I turned to mush just like everyone else has mentioned at the moment.  It was great.  Warm fuzzies and butterflies. :)
Tastes Like Fry

Urban Legend
***
« Reply #667 on: 07-12-2012 12:42 »

Question is; Is it the shippiest episode so far? For me, The Sting has always reigned as so, but this ties with it I should think *mindblown*


Hmmm, I don't know if anything can top The Sting or Parasites Lost for me. I definitely feel like this was a pretty shippy episode, but the ship was not the main focus, as opposed to the plots in The Sting and Parasites lost. I wasn't mindblown, but it was still awesome!
 I guess it's because those episodes have been so engraved in me for so many years now, it's hard for something new to be better. But the Late Philip J Fry has definitely become one of my favourites, and I think this one will too :)
But Parasite lost wasn't 'real' love, at least on Leelas part. Just as much meaning as the Anthology of Interest sex scene to me. Squee moments, yes, but it didn't happen. The actual relationship between Fry and Leela has really started on a roll in this current season!

Anyone else turn to a big ol' pile of mush when Fry mentioned being marriage material in "Zapp Dingbat," and Leela kissed him on the cheek and assured him that he's getting there? 'Cause there's no way I was the only one whose shippy soul soared in the silliest, most sentimental fashion upon seeing that scene.

I mean, it was kind of randomly-placed, seeing as how Fry and Leela barely interacted in acts one or two--but damn, did I still buy it. Those two have been so sweet together this season, both in "A Farewell to Arms" and tonight's episode. Well done, writers; why couldn't you write their relationship this well last season?
Cause they weren't up to this point in their relationship last season, it was meant to be on again/off again and uncertain, whereas this is pedal to the metal on. In all honesty I wasn't expecting Leela to take Fry's marraige suggestion seriously, but BAM! Out of the blue in an ep that's not even Fry/Leela focused (seriously, this is the only serious shippy bit they have in this ep)
I already know what is going to happen for the current series finale.
Isn't there already a jewelry store run by Randy?
Gorky

DOOP Secretary
*
« Reply #668 on: 07-12-2012 15:06 »
« Last Edit on: 07-12-2012 15:09 »

Cause they weren't up to this point in their relationship last season, it was meant to be on again/off again and uncertain

Understood, but even that wasn't written all that consistently, in my opinion. I know it's kind of silly to say that the portrayal of an on-again/off-again relationship was too inconsistent, yeah, but it's not like the writers went out of their way to indicate that Fry and Leela were uncertain of their feelings for one another or that they had agreed to keep things casual or whatever. The set-up for the on-again/off-again stuff wasn't overt enough, I guess is what I'm saying.

Fry's "I can wait a little longer" line from "Rebirth" doesn't quite give the writers a pass, I think (though perhaps that was their thinking), since it was too vague. If he had said "Let's see where things go," or something slightly more concretely and consensually casual (again, I know that sounds like a silly demand on my part), then that might have been all right. But "I can wait a little longer," to me, doesn't translate to it being okay for Fry to have sex with the mayor's wife in "Ghost in the Machines," or for Leela to repeatedly refer to Fry as just a friend in "Fry Am the Egg Man."

Such lapses didn't ruin season six for me or anything (though I'm enjoying season seven a lot more than both 6A and 6B, for many reasons), but they did seem kind of careless, and made the main conflict of "Overclockwise" seem a little out-of-the-blue. Leela never seemed too bothered by the on-again/off-again stuff before--hell, she was a willing participant, based on her actions and comments in a number of season six episodes--which is why the (much-appreciated, mind you) shippy stuff in that episode seems somewhat forced. That said, the end of season six is what led us to the beginning of season seven--and, since season seven has been doing a bang-up job thus far of writing Fry and Leela's relationship, I guess I can't complain too much about the previous season whose twists and turns got the show to this point.

On that note: Season seven has gone out of its way to show us that Fry and Leela are in a committed relationship, presumably on the path to marriage (which, actually, I don't want to happen. I don't want them to get married, because it seems like it would be hard for a show so reliant on resets and fluidity in relationship-writing to believably pull off two main characters tying the knot. That said, I'd rather them be married than broken up, I suppose). That little scene in last night's episode--which could have been completely platonic, for the purposes of the story; Leela just needed someone to make her realize that Zapp and Munda might be the real deal, and any PE crew-member could have fulfilled that role--proves that the writers are taking these two characters and their relationship seriously, for once. Which I obviously like and appreciate a whole bunch.
Inquisitor Hein
Liquid Emperor
**
« Reply #669 on: 07-12-2012 15:35 »

presumably on the path to marriage (which, actually, I don't want to happen. I don't want them to get married,

Who are you and what did you do to Gorky ? :eek: :D

Okay, kidding aside, you are certainly right with that.
I will not say it might be impossible to do, but it's FAR to early by now.
After e.g. 5 seasons showing Fry and Leela as committed couple (with not much difference to a married coujple anyway), such a marriage could be done as some kind of season final, based on the comfortable thought that basically nothing will change too much.
But after just one season? Nope, too early
Gorky

DOOP Secretary
*
« Reply #670 on: 07-12-2012 16:06 »

Who are you and what did you do to Gorky ?

Heh, I've never really wanted them to get married or have kids or any of that stuff, really (the two of them moving in together might be kind of cool, but it's certainly not something I'm clamoring to see); I think it would mess with the dynamic of the show, which is ultimately a workplace ensemble sitcom that just happens to be set in the future. I know other shows of its ilk have done the whole coworkers-getting-married-and-having-kids thing (the American version of The Office comes to mind), but I don't have enough confidence in the writers' ability (or willingness) to write a married-and-devoted couple convincingly to find that option feasible for this show.

I mean, they've already proven themselves willing to break up Kif and Amy and Munda and Morris (albeit, temporarily), and I don't think I'd appreciate it if they did that with a married Fry and Leela. So, like, I'd rather we just keep what we have right now: a loving couple on the path to marriage, but who we don't really need to see get married. I mean, I want to see progress in Fry and Leela's relationship, but I don't need to see a wedding to be convinced that they love each other and intend to be together forever.

The other thing is, once the two characters are married, what new stories are there to tell besides the whole question of whether or not they want to have kids? At least with the two of them "merely" dating, there are other story possibilities (up to and including the aforementioned moving-in-together thing--which could work as both a one-off thing that they decide isn't right for them, or as a permanent adjustment whereby Leela moves in with Fry (or vice versa), or they find a new place or whatever); there's also still the possibility that the two of themcwould break up and then get back together down the line, which I don't think would exist if we saw them get married and became emotionally-invested in that marriage.
Inquisitor Hein
Liquid Emperor
**
« Reply #671 on: 07-12-2012 17:06 »
« Last Edit on: 07-12-2012 17:16 »

I guess the "moving together" thing could be easily done on an on/off basis.
Just one partner spending the night occasionally at the other ones place, whenever a plot would demand a "quasi living together" situation.

That way, they could have situation specific "Leela moving in with Fry", "Fry moving in with Leela" episode specific scenarios. After all, the "couple not yet having moved together but occasionally spending the night at the other ones place" is not really uncommon, and would seem like a rather natural situation.

Heh, I've never really wanted them to get married

I can prove otherwise :p :D

Louiswuenator

Starship Captain
****
« Reply #672 on: 07-12-2012 20:28 »

They could just get engaged.  They don't need to marry right away, as many couples do (in error, IMO).  Hell, they are effectively married in every way already except the formality, and that they aren't 100% exclusive.  I would prefer this over the carrot dangling that we've had for how many seasons now?  It just seems trite.

I have disagree with Gorky on the lack of stories that can be told.  There are plenty of stories to tell other than to have kids or not to have.  They could even tell that one, and have them decide, rightly, that kids are not a wise choice at this point.
SpaceGoldfish fromWazn

Urban Legend
***
« Reply #673 on: 07-12-2012 20:59 »

I think the idea of Leela and Fry being married or engaged actually opens up the possibility of stories for them.  Amy and Kif got married, and if anything, both of them got more interesting stories as a result.

The Fry trying to win over Leela storyline has gotten old old old. 
Gorky

DOOP Secretary
*
« Reply #674 on: 07-12-2012 21:19 »

I suppose I should qualify my original statement by saying that I don't think there are many married-couple stories to be told on a show like Futurama. Much as I love the shippy stuff, at the end of the day Futurama isn't a romantic comedy and it's primary focus isn't the mechanations of Fry and Leela's love life.

Looking at it from the perspective of only getting four or five super-shippy (I'm thinking along the lines of "Time Keeps on Slipping" or "The Devil's Hands Are Idle Playthings"--not "The Farnsworth Parabox" or "The Prisoner of Benda," which are much larger stories containing but not relying on shippy subplots) episodes in a twenty-six episode production season, I just don't think there are many marriage-specific stories the writers can tell engagingly and convincingly that don't involve having kids. The show's not about the smaller details of domestic life and real-world romantic relationships; it's a broad comedy show that occasionally indulges in a quiet emotional moment or two, but still ultimately places a premium on Big Romantic Gestures.

What I mean is, they're not going to give us episodes where a married Fry and Leela discuss combining their assets or argue over who has to make dinner that night; they're going to give us "Let's have a baby," because that is a Big Deal worthy of devoting a whole episodes to on a show that only reserves a few episodes a season to the exploration of the two main characters' love lives. The smaller stuff, nice as it may be, is not what this show primarily deals with.

That sweet and unexpected moment from "Zapp Dingbat" is a departure from what the show normally does with the ship. I'd like to see more small moments like that in otherwise un-shippy episodes, but I'm not holding my breath. Maybe I'm being pessimistic, or maybe I'm way off-base, or maybe my generalizations are bad and I should feel bad--but that's how I feel about the prospects for a Fry/Leela marriage at this time. If season seven continues to impress me with cute, real moments between Fry and Leela, like the one from last night's episode, then I may just change my tune...but that all remains to be seen.

And, since I feel like this post as a whole was kind of rant-y and negative, I will add that seeing Fry and Leela merely engaged could really work, if done well. At any rate, I see more Big Story possibilities there than I do with a full-on marriage.
SpaceGoldfish fromWazn

Urban Legend
***
« Reply #675 on: 07-12-2012 21:23 »

I don't think it was a negative rant at all, but I do think the who has to make dinner scenarios could work, provided they don't dominate the episodes they are in.  Amy has a personality outside of being Mrs Kif, but that is kind of rendered moot considering Kif is a usually a squillion light years away.  I do think showing Fry and Leela in some sort of situation then that weird on and off love limbo they have going now.  I mean for the most part they do seem to keep their business and love lives separate, so I don't see why that should carry on, since they've always been bickering like an old married couple from day one.  As long as they don't have them devolve into a couple that is a) constantly bitching about who has to drop off the laundry b) goo goo eyed lovey dovey types c) a pair of horny rutting teenage faceslurpers, then it should be fine.

I think marriage would be a good finale for the show actually getting cancelled, or maybe shown on an episode that predicts the future.   
Louiswuenator

Starship Captain
****
« Reply #676 on: 07-12-2012 21:42 »

Or a feature length movie. :cool:
Inquisitor Hein
Liquid Emperor
**
« Reply #677 on: 07-12-2012 23:41 »

I think marriage would be a good finale for the show actually getting cancelled, or maybe shown on an episode that predicts the future.  

The "Future prediction" will be tricky due to Futurama's continuity. Future events would be considered "written in stone".
While e.g. in Simpsons, most folks do not REALLY expect Bart becoming chief justice, Lisa President, etc, etc, etc.... Dozens of different, often contradicting future careers/fates would be accepted for each character.

"Overclockwise" ambiguous last scene is imhO the maximum of forecast Futurama can afford.
Spacedal11

Space Pope
****
« Reply #678 on: 07-13-2012 03:14 »

I love the little moments that the show offers of Fry and Leela's relationship, last night's episode included. But man, all I have to think of is Jim and Pam from The Office, and that is a great example of a couple you want to be together but once they got there it got so boring. I don't think Futurama would be like that if Fry and Leela got married/had kids, I really don't, but it could easily become boring. I mean I revel in seeing moments where they are happy, kissing, being a couple, but there is too much of a good thing.
Frida Waterfall

Professor
*
« Reply #679 on: 07-13-2012 04:03 »
« Last Edit on: 07-13-2012 04:46 »

Isn't there already a jewelry store run by Randy?

Yes, but the only episode the jewelry store appeared in, "300 Big Boys", there was a banner outside advertising its going out-of-business sale. So, yeah...



I was originally going to go on a rant about how it isn't confirmed that Randy owns Diamonds are Forever and the fact that even the writers tend to forget some details, but thankfully the Infosphere has informed me otherwise...

Fry's "I can wait a little longer" line from "Rebirth" doesn't quite give the writers a pass, I think (though perhaps that was their thinking), since it was too vague. If he had said "Let's see where things go," or something slightly more concretely and consensually casual (again, I know that sounds like a silly demand on my part), then that might have been all right. But "I can wait a little longer," to me, doesn't translate to it being okay for Fry to have sex with the mayor's wife in "Ghost in the Machines," or for Leela to repeatedly refer to Fry as just a friend in "Fry Am the Egg Man."




[...]doesn't translate to it being okay for Fry to have sex with the mayor's wife in "Ghost in the Machines"

You're still hung up on that one throwaway gag line? In an episode that has really nothing to do with Fry and Leela's relationship? It was a bad, stupid line, yes, but get over it! Obviously it didn't mean anything, and you are holding on to your ill feelings too long.

Why can't you be upset at "Bender's Big Score", hunh? Now that entire movie was a trainwreck that everybody (well, not Xanfor and some select others) seems to have exonerate and exalted to a demigod status.

On that note: Season seven has gone out of its way to show us that Fry and Leela are in a committed relationship, presumably on the path to marriage (which, actually, I don't want to happen. I don't want them to get married, because it seems like it would be hard for a show so reliant on resets and fluidity in relationship-writing to believably pull off two main characters tying the knot. That said, I'd rather them be married than broken up, I suppose). That little scene in last night's episode--which could have been completely platonic, for the purposes of the story; Leela just needed someone to make her realize that Zapp and Munda might be the real deal, and any PE crew-member could have fulfilled that role--proves that the writers are taking these two characters and their relationship seriously, for once. Which I obviously like and appreciate a whole bunch.

For somebody who is so cool with "Bender's Big Score", I don't get how you wouldn't want them to be married in the course of the show. I see this current season as the writers' test to see how well that can handle having two prominent characters being in a committed relationship without their romance putting a drain on the show. Like you said, this season is going very well so far relationship-wise, and I think this demonstrates that the relationship doesn't have to be a focal point and can always take a backseat. Reminds me of Fry1 and Leela1 in "The Farnsworth Paradox". Though the fact that they were married played a large role in the multiple plots in that episode, when the story focus wasn't on their marriage, they acted like they usually did. A marriage is not a death sentence. Children end lives, but that's a whole 'nother jar of pickles.

I will not say it might be impossible to do, but it's FAR to early by now.
After e.g. 5 seasons showing Fry and Leela as committed couple (with not much difference to a married coujple anyway), such a marriage could be done as some kind of season final, based on the comfortable thought that basically nothing will change too much.
But after just one season? Nope, too early

Actually, I was kind of expecting some kind of closure to their relationship story arc. While it is kind of surprising for me that Fry will probably propose marriage to Leela in next summer's broadcast, I do think it is about time. In my mind, I was thinking that Fry would propose to Leela if Futurama were to get renewed again during summer of 2014's season finale, then they would officially wed the next summer's again-series finale. They have known each other since the year 3000 and have been considered a couple since 3009 or 3010. Besides, they're not getting any younger again. Fry's going to be turning 40 in the possible 2014 summer broadcast season (and if Futurama returns to premiering on Thursdays by then, an episode will air on his birthday).

(in error, IMO)

What? While studies show that marriages that have a two year plus engagement period don't seem to fare well, vows exchanged within a short amount of time (like, less than a month) do even worse! Think about the Las Vegas drive-by weddings!

I have disagree with Gorky on the lack of stories that can be told.  There are plenty of stories to tell other than to have kids or not to have.  They could even tell that one, and have them decide, rightly, that kids are not a wise choice at this point.

That storyline, I admit, seems really cliche for a show like Futurama. Futurama's an animated science fiction not a romantic comedy by ABC. Futurama has way too much going for it than to have those kind of unadventurous plotlines. But that idea as a b-story or even small joke, maybe.

Amy and Kif got married, and if anything, both of them got more interesting stories as a result.

Quote from:  Dr. Amy Wong
Technically we were Fonfon rus, so we weren't really married.

Amy and Kif's relationship really haven't been featured in the last production season at all other than "Proposition Infinity". However, seems like the relationship might be explored a little in this next new episode "The Butterjunk Effect".

And, to be honest, Kif and Amy's relationship isn't that exciting. Most regular fans don't really ask about what's going on with them nearly as much as the bombardment of questions/requests the writers receive pertaining to Fry and Leela's relationship. Kif and Amy's relationship isn't that great. It's not terrible, but it's no Fry and Leela. I'd even say Farnsworth's and Mom's relationship is more exciting, at least there's lots of humor there...

The Fry trying to win over Leela storyline has gotten old old old.  

While it seems to have gotten long-winded (well, we'll see about "Fun on a Bun"), I feel like it is too late for some of the grand "Parasites Lost"-esque storylines. But, just because the relationship is much more mutual doesn't mean the end of the grand romantic gestures.

What I mean is, they're not going to give us episodes where a married Fry and Leela discuss combining their assets or argue over who has to make dinner that night; they're going to give us "Let's have a baby," because that is a Big Deal worthy of devoting a whole episodes to on a show that only reserves a few episodes a season to the exploration of the two main characters' love lives.

The former stuff you're right about- Futurama isn't a romantic comedy. But the latter claim, yes, Futurama may and may have to touch upon the subject, but no, they will never introduce children into the show (well, except for Cubert and the one-off Ben, but from yesterday's podcast it seems like Cubert isn't going to appear at all except in non-canonical installments; Cubert can't be playing the preteenage brat anymore). David has clearly stated that in interviews. Several times. And he always goes on to say that it would destroy the dynamic of the show. However, that doesn't mean Fry/Leela spawn can't appear in a flash-forward, as time travelers, or in a non-canonical segment (somehow, I just seem to want [somewhat]/expect them to appear in "Naturama", what animal documentary doesn't include a segment on reproduction?).

Hmm... seems that everybody has gotten off-the-handle on this thread ever since I posted the connections on the current series finale (or they were really thrown off by Leela's comment on how Fry is gradually becoming marriage-material) Don't know which one, could be the latter 'cause it seems like nobody wants to be bothered in wasting their time reading my long as toilet paper posts...
Pages: 1 ... 14 15 16 [17] 18 19 20 Print 
 Topic locked! 
« previous next »
Jump to:  

SMF 2.0.17 | SMF © 2019, Simple Machines | some icons from famfamfam
Legal Notice & Disclaimer: "Futurama" TM and copyright FOX, its related entities and the Curiosity Company. All rights reserved. Any reproduction, duplication or distribution of these materials in any form is expressly prohibited. As a fan site, this Futurama forum, its operators, and any content on the site relating to "Futurama" are not explicitely authorized by Fox or the Curiosity Company.
Page created in 0.151 seconds with 35 queries.