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Author Topic: " If you could change ONE thing in Futurama, what would you change?"  (Read 19938 times)
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Frida Waterfall

Professor
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« Reply #40 on: 08-20-2008 19:07 »

I'd axe out all the events in "Bender's Big Score", and begin the renewed season at 3005 instead of 3007. "Bender's Big Score" ruined the emotion in too many episodes for just one cheap, more forced on semi-cry. Also, I don't want the characters growing up too fast. In the original run, they may have only aged a few years, but there were some subtle hints that they all were maturing (most notably in vocabulary and nature).

The "reset" button in Futurama works well in it's formula. If it weren't for it, it'll just become another "Heroes" or "Charmed" that requires you to tune in every week to fully understand the plot. (I can get into more detail on this if you want to bore yourself to death).
Bendersfan1221

Space Pope
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« Reply #41 on: 08-20-2008 19:27 »

I would make Leela less of a bitch.
Fry from being a whinly little piss ant about Leela not loving him.
After the first 2 movies Fry and Leela just being best friends.
Farnsworth and his shot gun would appear more.
Before the first 2 movies Fry and Leela getting together.
Less use of the damn reset button though it is handy so that the plots don't require you to tune in every week to make sure you understand the plot.
All continuity that was destroyed in BBS restored.
Frida Waterfall

Professor
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« Reply #42 on: 08-20-2008 19:47 »

 
Quote
Originally posted by Bendersfan1221:
All continuity that was destroyed in BBS restored.

All continuity that was destroyed in "Bender's Big Score" kept untouched, unnoticed, and victimized by the reset button (or left uncanonical, or the entire plot changed so then it resembles nothing of the crummy original).
Bendersfan1221

Space Pope
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« Reply #43 on: 08-20-2008 20:03 »

Huh? Sorry um it's summer for me and I don't use big words but I should start considering uni for me starts next week damn.
Frisco17

DOOP Secretary
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« Reply #44 on: 08-21-2008 22:15 »

 
Quote
Originally posted by Bendersfan1221:
Farnsworth and his shot gun would appear more.

Second. Although not too much because the beauty of it is that you aren't expecting it.
dr.bender nye

Liquid Emperor
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« Reply #45 on: 08-23-2008 12:34 »

Quote
Originally posted by Bendersfan1221:
Farnsworth and his shot gun would appear more.

Second. Although not too much because the beauty of it is that you aren't expecting it.

And the same for Zoidberg's ink pouch to escape from his enemies.
no.9 man

Bending Unit
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« Reply #46 on: 09-23-2008 18:05 »

Amy or Hermes would be a neptunian.
Curious Gorge

Bending Unit
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« Reply #47 on: 09-23-2008 18:33 »

Leela wouldn't have let Fry fly the ship and go to prep the doomsday device herself in TKOS.

Whilst it was undoubtedly a sad ending it did serve quite an important purpose in the sense that it made you feel for Fry (as well as fleshing out his character) which in turn made you more likely to actually give a damn whether he wins her over or not.

I also disagree that the show would have "jumped the shark" if they ever got together. Whilst the writers have done a good job of building up that side of the story I'm starting to feel that there's not that much else they can drag out of it. It's becoming increasingly obvious that it's "meant to be" and the longer the characters don't realise this themselves the less plausible it becomes...and without that degree of plausibility a fair bit of shine would be taken off that element of Futurama in my opinion.

I made a mess of explaining that admittedly but I'm beginning to think that this particular story arc should be resolved before it stretches too thin. Plus it'd lead to a new element to the show which in turn would provide new humour and help keep the show fresh if it does go on beyond the fourth movie.

What would I change about the show though? Easy, I'd change the release dates for Bender's Game to tomorrow with the Wild Green Yonder coming out the day after.
Frisco17

DOOP Secretary
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« Reply #48 on: 09-24-2008 03:15 »

I also disagree that the show would have "jumped the shark" if they ever got together. Whilst the writers have done a good job of building up that side of the story I'm starting to feel that there's not that much else they can drag out of it.

Thank you. I've said that a number of times but don't seem to have much of a following. I don't feel like looking for the old posts but they're probably in the old ship threads somewhere. Ah well at least now I have a follower. I shall train him as my apprentice.
Curious Gorge

Bending Unit
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« Reply #49 on: 09-24-2008 13:18 »

I also disagree that the show would have "jumped the shark" if they ever got together. Whilst the writers have done a good job of building up that side of the story I'm starting to feel that there's not that much else they can drag out of it.

Thank you. I've said that a number of times but don't seem to have much of a following. I don't feel like looking for the old posts but they're probably in the old ship threads somewhere. Ah well at least now I have a follower. I shall train him as my apprentice.

It'll be an honour to serve under you.
Frisco17

DOOP Secretary
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« Reply #50 on: 09-25-2008 04:45 »

It'll be an honour to serve under you.

Embrace the dark side and togther we shall rule PEEL as father and son!
I.C. Weiner

Bending Unit
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« Reply #51 on: 11-18-2008 09:03 »

The Zapper would be more involved in the series. He is like Duffman's great great great great grandson and I love it.
gudbjorg

Liquid Emperor
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« Reply #52 on: 11-18-2008 11:48 »

Fry's luck should last a little, for once.
robertojamison

Bending Unit
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« Reply #53 on: 12-06-2008 22:34 »

I loved the episode when Zapp came to work at PE. I think the added characters allowed for more jokes and new story lines.

Additionally....

I think PE should add an extra ship and crew. The second crew should be led by Zapp. I love the story line between Zapp and Leela.  They could fight for top crew, and sometimes have to work together. I think the storyline possibility is endless.

Just one Futurama lovers opinion.
Officer 1BDI

Starship Captain
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« Reply #54 on: 12-06-2008 22:41 »
« Last Edit on: 12-06-2008 22:43 »

Fry's luck should last a little, for once.

Fry has plenty of luck already.  It's just usually bad luck. :p

I'd be intrigued to see a competing delivery company/crew (not including Mom, as going up against her is like sending David to battle Goliath and we already saw bits of that in "Future Stock"), at least for an episode, but I wouldn't want Zapp leading it.  Part of what makes his character hilarious to me is his unbelievable incompetence in light of his high/important ranking.  Reducing him to delivery crew captain would take away from that, IMO.  And it would feel too much like an extended rehash of "Brannigan, Begin Again."
OrpheusLupus

Crustacean
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« Reply #55 on: 12-06-2008 23:40 »

I sort of agree with the "less of a reset button" thing, in a waaaaaaaaaay...It's not like the Simpsons where I came very close to wanting to punch a few characters with severe amnesia (having Comic Book Guy actually point it out didn't help at all! :-P).  That said, I'm a firm believer in continuity, but only if it doesn't FORCE you to have watched previous episodes.  Basically in my "perfect world" (results may vary) the stories would continue to be mostly self-contained (although I like occasional two-parters), but the characters would generally remember them (except when they actually have amnesia for story reasons) when appropriate.  Or if something major is added or taken away, it continues to exist/not exist past the end of the episode.  This is one of those things that Futurama does much better than some shows though :-P    And I'm fine with the occasional crazy ending, mind (Bender exploding, New New York destroyed...).
Scroto.the.Dwarf

Crustacean
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« Reply #56 on: 12-17-2008 01:41 »
« Last Edit on: 12-17-2008 01:44 »

1: it would go on forever
2: more video game references
3: more digs at brand names and corporations, (the ikea joke made me laugh for ages!)
sorry if i only got one, but i said 3 anyway

oh, and HEAPS more zoidberg, and scruffy!
I.C. Weiner

Bending Unit
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« Reply #57 on: 12-18-2008 07:52 »

Totally agree with "it would go on forever". I'm excited for ITWGY but sad that it could be the last time that I see a new episode of one of my favorite shows.
Scroto.the.Dwarf

Crustacean
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« Reply #58 on: 12-19-2008 01:00 »

i think if ITWGY is received well enough, the show will continue, even if only for profit.
(so that means everyone here buy it!, no piracy or youll get no more! )
robertojamison

Bending Unit
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« Reply #59 on: 12-21-2008 06:44 »

I'm confident that futurama tv series will continue.....you should be too!
me,bender

Crustacean
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« Reply #60 on: 01-03-2009 03:24 »

I wish they could make it so Frys parents could come back from the dead and after like 18 episodes they were killed because time warp duplicates always die that would be cool :laff: :laff: :laff: ;) ;) :) :) :) :hmpf: :hmpf: :rolleyes:
My Own Grandpa

Crustacean
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« Reply #61 on: 01-03-2009 23:39 »

I am still praying that ITWGY will restore the beautifully crafted 20th-century continuity that BBS indiscriminately destroyed. And although I hate the reset button, I really, really do hope they use it for the next movie, as the ending of Bender's Game looked like the end of 31st century life as we know it, which is definitely not good news.

Also, I wish the fact that Fry is his dad's dad had come up more in the series.
FYP

New Tester
Urban Legend
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« Reply #62 on: 01-21-2009 08:26 »

I'm waiting for the whole Leela/Fry love thing to finally come to terms in the next movie...that's what i would change cos it won't happen more than probably. Fry's the best character, he kinda deserves better than the treatment he always gets.

I'M DEAD SERIOUS.
suss6052

Starship Captain
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« Reply #63 on: 02-20-2009 17:23 »

I would have liked to see the first three movies be much more like the last one, and to have not dragged out the Fry and Leela thing for nearly 9 years in the context of the show.
zoidbergrulzs

Crustacean
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« Reply #64 on: 02-20-2009 20:06 »

it unchangebly legend
crimsonbanana

Crustacean
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« Reply #65 on: 02-23-2009 11:07 »

more of the advertisement in dreams!
(I've actually had that in a dream)
coldangel

DOOP Secretary
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« Reply #66 on: 02-23-2009 14:37 »

I would have given the characters five fingers. Their skin isn't yellow and the idea originally was for it to be less traditionally cartoonish than other American animations. By the time the 'ware-car' turned up I knew that idea had been sadly abandoned.
BenderTheGreatest

Crustacean
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« Reply #67 on: 02-23-2009 19:33 »

I'd like to see more Zapp Brannigan.  Making a jackass of himself.  Strking out with chicks.  Being totally incompetent in his job.  You know, everything that makes him great...
hahahahaha yeah, that would be great!!

Kif: Sir, the computer predicts, at our current speed, a 100% chance of being sliced in half

Zapp: Thats the wrong attitude Kif, SAME SPEED AHEAD!
FrysBabi

Bending Unit
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« Reply #68 on: 04-16-2009 00:05 »

I would change how often Fry is sweet and a little intelligent to more often!!!! Not enough of those moments where everyone goes, maybe he is a little smart......

(not all the time though because that would be boring)
FistfulOAwesome

Starship Captain
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« Reply #69 on: 04-16-2009 03:10 »

Aside from agreeing OrpheusLupus, Suss6052, and coldangel_1 there are a few other things I'd change.

Less Celebrity Cameos and If a Celebrity does a Cameo they must play a new character unless they themselves are integral to the plot.

It honestly annoys me that the Simpsons and Futurama made such a big deal about celebrities. Why is it necessary to shoehorn in these people into episodes if their only purpose is to essentially shout out "Look at me. I'm Guest-Starring". It doesn't work in either show since in the Simpsons they are supposed to be an average family and it's even worse in Futurama since it is set 1000 years in the future.

As an example of what I mean here are good, bad, and could have been better uses of celebrities in Futurama (not a list of how good their performances are, just of how well they were used).

Bad
Lucy Lui- She had no purpose since it could have been any starlet who Fry downloaded. The episode was also near entirely about her even though that did nothing to further the plot or make it funny. If I may add something, there is no reason that Fry would have even known who she was since he saw only 30 seconds of an episode of Single Female Lawyer (Ally Mcbeal) and the Charlie's Angels movies came out in the 2000's. Worst use of a celebrity guest star ever!

Could have been better
Beck- Beck is actually well used on the show. He is used to tie Bender into the world of Vaguely Folkish Alterna-Rock and he isn't made the center of attention. Still, despite that I still feel a celebrity shouldn't be used as a plot device unless it is truly necessary (The Star Trek cast-members are one of the only necessary guest stars on the series). Plus, I still wish we could have had the episode be Bender touring with Wailing Fungus (who could have been voiced by Beck).

Good
Phil Hendrie- He plays original, funny characters who are integral to the plots of their episodes. I don't think I even have to type more since we all enjoy at least one Waterfall performance (if not all of them).
heyumugs
Crustacean
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« Reply #70 on: 04-16-2009 13:29 »


1. Erase BWBB from existence.
2. More Zapp Brannigan.
3.  NEVER would have had Leela stand on a murdered woman's body - even if it was a member of the Waterfall family.  Most insensitive scene in all of Futurama.
4. Don Rickles guest stars
x.Bianca.x

Urban Legend
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« Reply #71 on: 04-16-2009 13:31 »

BWABB wasn't that bad. It had some good jokes. Also, Leela standing on Frieda Waterfall was still hilarious. 
zoidbie

Crustacean
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« Reply #72 on: 04-16-2009 14:47 »

i d like to see kif's and leela's children.. he said they should wait 20 years...20!
yeah ok its either because amy should get ready for em, or very very optimistic about the show  :laff:  :laff:
id like to see that one eye alien at last since leela disappointed us by being a not-so-hideous-after-all mutant  :p
zoidbie

Crustacean
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« Reply #73 on: 04-16-2009 14:49 »


1. Erase BWBB from existence.
2. More Zapp Brannigan.
3.  NEVER would have had Leela stand on a murdered woman's body - even if it was a member of the Waterfall family.  Most insensitive scene in all of Futurama.
4. Don Rickles guest stars

when did the third happen?
FistfulOAwesome

Starship Captain
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« Reply #74 on: 04-16-2009 16:32 »
« Last Edit on: 04-16-2009 16:49 »

heyumugs: On #1- Just strike it from your personal Canon (I did). Nothing happens in the episode that will ever be referenced in a new season so it's like it never happened anyway.
On #2- Who wouldn't want that?
On #3- I actually have more of a problem with how Frida's body ended up in the Phone Booth. Still sad that she was killed though. All the other Waterfalls were probably Death Worthy through sheer annoyence (except maybe Old Man) but I thought that Frida and Hutch were totally respectable characters (especially Hutch). Stepping on her corpse wasn't necessary considering that unlike her brethren she was a 3-dimensional character.
4. As long as he plays a new character ;).

x.Bianca.X: I know you along with Nasty and GalacticEntity defend the episode as good and I'm not telling you not to like it. But someday you guys are going to have to accept that it is the most "Love it or Hate it" episode of the series.

zoidbie: Thanks for reminding me. If I could change another thing about Futurama I would make it so the children were Kif and Amy's and Kif never has the children personally.

It always annoys me when I see 401 and it turns out that Leela is the mother of Kif's Children. The writers say they changed it from Amy since if it was Amy you would hate her for abandoning Kif. But it's okay for her to abandon her pregnant boyfriend as long as the kids aren't hers? Somebody tell Lesbian couples that want children through a sperm bank that as long as it isn't yours you can leave and not be hated (so say the Futurama writers).

I was also too observant to see the one-eyed tadpole at the end as anything more than a retcon. The writers could of had their cake and eaten it too by making the babies at the end look like Amy (she was spit out last so the test could have easily malfunctioned). I think a lot of us would have remembered the episode more if it had that as a twist.

The other thing I was too observant about was the actual scene where Kif is impregnated. Kif specifically says that when his species is in the receptive state their skin is a semipermeable membrane. Their skin, not specifically their hand. As Kif is getting sucked out of the Nimbus the first person to touch his skin is Amy (she stretches his face). Hell, its the main joke in the scene. I know they somewhat retconned the way his species impregnated within this episode (next time Kif talks about the ways his species reproduce he mentions the poster that says "No glove, No love") but I still hold on to the skin thing so closely because I noticed it the first time I watched the episode.

I also could never take the impregnation of Kif because it means that him and Amy's relationship is done for. If the males and females in Kif's species can get pregnant then what makes them males and females? Does Kif even have a penis (what hole did he evacuate those babies from)? He doesn't even know what Human Love (Physical) is (310). I'm forced to conclude that Kif doesn't have a penis (at least not in a Human sense) and the relationship between him and Amy is done.

There is no way he could ever physically please her and at the end of the day that is an important part of human relationships. I know he could do other things (I don't know how nasty we could get on Peel but I'm sure you guys know what I'm talking about) but without a sexual drive (in a human sense) he couldn't get a rise out of her. Let's not forget that Amy's motherly needs would eventually kick in and if Kif couldn't impregnate her (which he can't) she would forever resent him.

I don't dislike 401, I just think the writers didn't think it through.
Gorky

DOOP Secretary
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« Reply #75 on: 04-16-2009 21:30 »

On #3- I actually have more of a problem with how Frida's body ended up in the Phone Booth. Still sad that she was killed though. All the other Waterfalls were probably Death Worthy through sheer annoyence (except maybe Old Man) but I thought that Frida and Hutch were totally respectable characters (especially Hutch). Stepping on her corpse wasn't necessary considering that unlike her brethren she was a 3-dimensional character.

I wouldn't go so far as to say Frida was three-dimensional--she basically just fit into the Waterfall mold of annoying, vaguely hippie-ish folky who's into the environment. Hutch was, without a doubt, the most "real" Waterfall to me--I suppose because he defied convention--and the only one whose death actually bummed me out. And, for the record, I think the phone booth thing is disturbingly amusing. It makes Leela come off as a bit crass, sure, but it's not like she and Frida were great friends or anything--I think ItWGY gives us adequate evidence that Leela finds Frida pretty dang annoying (and, you know, bad at writing communiques).

Quote
x.Bianca.X: I know you along with Nasty and GalacticEntity defend the episode as good and I'm not telling you not to like it. But someday you guys are going to have to accept that it is the most "Love it or Hate it" episode of the series.

I think that's a fair designation for TBWaBB. Personally, I hated it the first time around, because of its complete disregard for the emotional developments in BBS. Now, if I think of it like a season two episode--which I think it more resembles stylistically, anyway--then I can enjoy it much more. Season two was, overall, goofy and uninterested in true character development (with a few exceptions); TBWaBB kind of follows that trend, in that it is just broad, satirical, smutty stuff. Yes, Fry is appallingly out-of-character at points (that's definitely my biggest complaint), but I can still accept it as a decent monster movie parody.

Quote
zoidbie: Thanks for reminding me. If I could change another thing about Futurama I would make it so the children were Kif and Amy's and Kif never has the children personally.

It always annoys me when I see 401 and it turns out that Leela is the mother of Kif's Children. The writers say they changed it from Amy since if it was Amy you would hate her for abandoning Kif. But it's okay for her to abandon her pregnant boyfriend as long as the kids aren't hers? Somebody tell Lesbian couples that want children through a sperm bank that as long as it isn't yours you can leave and not be hated (so say the Futurama writers).

I was also too observant to see the one-eyed tadpole at the end as anything more than a retcon. The writers could of had their cake and eaten it too by making the babies at the end look like Amy (she was spit out last so the test could have easily malfunctioned). I think a lot of us would have remembered the episode more if it had that as a twist.

The other thing I was too observant about was the actual scene where Kif is impregnated. Kif specifically says that when his species is in the receptive state their skin is a semipermeable membrane. Their skin, not specifically their hand. As Kif is getting sucked out of the Nimbus the first person to touch his skin is Amy (she stretches his face). Hell, its the main joke in the scene. I know they somewhat retconned the way his species impregnated within this episode (next time Kif talks about the ways his species reproduce he mentions the poster that says "No glove, No love") but I still hold on to the skin thing so closely because I noticed it the first time I watched the episode.

I also could never take the impregnation of Kif because it means that him and Amy's relationship is done for. If the males and females in Kif's species can get pregnant then what makes them males and females? Does Kif even have a penis (what hole did he evacuate those babies from)? He doesn't even know what Human Love (Physical) is (310). I'm forced to conclude that Kif doesn't have a penis (at least not in a Human sense) and the relationship between him and Amy is done.

There is no way he could ever physically please her and at the end of the day that is an important part of human relationships. I know he could do other things (I don't know how nasty we could get on Peel but I'm sure you guys know what I'm talking about) but without a sexual drive (in a human sense) he couldn't get a rise out of her. Let's not forget that Amy's motherly needs would eventually kick in and if Kif couldn't impregnate her (which he can't) she would forever resent him.

I don't dislike 401, I just think the writers didn't think it through.

See, this is why PEEL's so great--we can have discussions about a cartoon alien's penis (or lack thereof), and no one thinks it's strange. :p

Seriously, though, I see where you're coming from. "Kif Gets Knocked Up a Notch" (one of the most underrated episodes of the series, IMO) definitely highlights the, shall we say, bi-species aspect of Kif and Amy's relationship. It's the one episode (excluding TBWaBB) where his alien nature plays a part; in this case, it serves to show that, hey, reproduction is different when you're a squishy green alien. That being said, I don't think the writers intended for us to think too hard about the mechanics of Kif and Amy's sexual relationship. I think we are just meant to accept that they love each other, and that Amy has matured to the point where she wants to spend her life with Kif; making the decision to accept her responsibility as "adoptive" mother to the children (whom, clearly, Kif considers to be a product of him and Amy, not him and Leela) shows growth in her character, and redeems her for her earlier behavior. If anything, I think the message of this episode (not like Futurama is all about the moral posturing) is that families are not defined by genetics; it is possible to love children that are not yours by birth, particularly when the, er, father? of the children is the love of your life. Oh, it inspires such warm and fuzzy feelings, it does.

And personally, I love that Leela is the mother/father/whatever of Kif's children. I think it's nice that this episode directly precedes "Leela's Homeworld", because...I don't know. I think both episodes have messages--albeit, one is schticky and one is earnest--about family. And that final moment of the episode, where the one-eyed tadpole winks at the camera, is kind of sweet when coupled with the music (which I find pretty heartwarming). I guess I just have a weird sense of "sweet", but I've always found the ending kind of touching. (Although your idea for a twist ending would've been pretty neat; now that you mention it, it is kind of odd that the writers didn't go in that direction.)

Anyway, some of my own changes:

1.) It would've been nice if Lars had been mentioned in the last three movies. I think it's ridiculous that Leela doesn't even allude to him while she's consoling the recently-widowed Amy in TBWaBB. The whole Lars-is-Fry thing was obviously meant to cement the fact that Fry and Leela are meant to be, and yet we don't get much perspective from Leela once she discovers the truth about Lars. Some insight there would have gone a long way towards either a.) making Leela more likable in TBWaBB or b.) explaining her seemingly sudden change of heart about Fry in ItWGY. I know Futurama isn't the sort of show where continuity plays that big a part, but the major plot-points (Nibbler can talk, Fry has no delta brainwave, Farnsworth and Mom were the Ross and Rachel of the 2900s) were always consistent, and played a part in episodes subseqent to their introduction. Lars, to me, is an important plot-point, so it's kind of annoying that he doesn't get similar treatment.

2.) As far as insight goes, I loved the flashback episodes; I wish there could've been more of 'em. Leela's past, in particular, was probably full of events that helped to shape the person she ultimately became. If the show comes back, I'd like to see more done with her early life.
heyumugs
Crustacean
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« Reply #76 on: 04-17-2009 14:01 »


Look, here's the problem(s) I have with Leela standing on Frida's murdered corpse and talking on the phone. 

It was wildly out of character for Leela.  Bender, Zapp, the Professor, yes.  But Leela?  No way.  A ridiculous character continuity error.  She may not have been friends with Frida, but she thought enough of her to join her cause.  The gag that there was no room in the phone booth so she had to stand on Frida is lame.  She would have moved the body.  Leela's pretty strong, it would have been done in two seconds.  But instead she consciously decides to stand on Frida's corpse (bones breaking and all)  and make a phone call?  Not the Leela I have been watching for the entire series!

Also, the scene took the Waterfall dying gag to a shockingly mean-spirted  place.  I actually felt sorry for Frida.   She didn't deserve to have her corpse humiliated like that.   This is Futurama, not South Park.  Thankfully the writers didn't have Leela get mad at Fry and stomp her foot and crush Frida's skull - although I'm sure that would have been funny to some.  Interestingly, in the audio commentary during that scene - specific to Leela's action of standing on Frida - didn't get any laughs or "Frida get's her's" comments.  Just descriptions.  "Bone crunching, squishing"  and  " she's standing on the body talking on the phone". 

Finally, the scene broke my heart.  Turanga Leela is my favorite character.  She is without a doubt one of the greatest characters of tv or film.  All praise to Matt G. for creating her.  She's smart, sexy, beautiful, heroic, kicks ass, a leader, sympathetic, has a heart of gold and only wants to be loved.  She's the most relatable of all the crew (ironically though she's a mutant) and the most moral.  Anyone can see why Fry moved the stars for her. 

Fry's love for Leela has touched my heart many times.  Yep, The Sting brought me to tears.  And when Leela discovers her parents are mutants - tears flowed again.  What an extraordinary woman she is and what an extraordinary show Futurama is.  And then this scene?!

Leela NEVER would have stood on a murdered woman's body to make a phone call.  It's not who Leela is or could be.  I still feel it's the most insensitive scene in all of Futurama and it just breaks my heart that Leela was the perpetrator. 

When the show comes back (it will!) I pray that she's never in anything close to this, if she needs to stand on someone and make a call, let it be a living Zapp Brannigan - he'd surely get off on it!!
speedracer
Bending Unit
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« Reply #77 on: 04-17-2009 14:45 »
« Last Edit on: 04-17-2009 16:48 »

It was wildly out of character for Leela.  Bender, Zapp, the Professor, yes.  But Leela?  No way.  A ridiculous character continuity error.  She may not have been friends with Frida, but she thought enough of her to join her cause.  The gag that there was no room in the phone booth so she had to stand on Frida is lame.  She would have moved the body.  Leela's pretty strong, it would have been done in two seconds.  But instead she consciously decides to stand on Frida's corpse (bones breaking and all)  and make a phone call?  Not the Leela I have been watching for the entire series!

In "Fear Of A Bot Planet", when Leela and Fry are being tried for the crime of being human, Leela says "look, he (Fry) may not have a case, but I'm genuinely not human."  In "Hell Is Other Robots", after the Robot Devil warns Leela that he'll kill Fry if she loses the fiddle contest, she immediately says "I'll do it!"  Leela's quite capable of acting just as thoughtlessly as everyone else.

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Also, the scene took the Waterfall dying gag to a shockingly mean-spirted  place.  I actually felt sorry for Frida.   She didn't deserve to have her corpse humiliated like that.   This is Futurama, not South Park.  Thankfully the writers didn't have Leela get mad at Fry and stomp her foot and crush Frida's skull - although I'm sure that would have been funny to some.  Interestingly, in the audio commentary during that scene - specific to Leela's action of standing on Frida - didn't get any laughs or "Frida get's her's" comments.  Just descriptions.  "Bone crunching, squishing"  and  " she's standing on the body talking on the phone". 

You cite "The Sting" as one of your favorite episodes -- surely you recall that the writers crack nonstop jokes about Fry's death for two minutes.  Black humor is a significant part of Futurama's repertoire.
Gorky

DOOP Secretary
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« Reply #78 on: 04-17-2009 21:01 »

I think you also have to consider that the joke isn't about Leela's character; it's about the horribly demeaning ways in which the Waterfalls die. I mean, no one raises an objection when Lrrr eats Free Waterfall Jr. in "The Problem With Popplers"--in fact, the entire world cheers him on. I'd argue that being eaten alive is just as disrespectful as is having your corpse stepped on. Granted, Leela isn't the one perpetrating the action in TPWP, but I still think both gags are just examples of darker humor that is less about established characterization and more about getting a laugh. That the joke fell flat to you, heyumugs, is totally understandable; I just think you might be overthinking it a bit.

And, at any rate, I find Leela's characterization in BBS, TBWaBB, and BG far more annoying and insulting to continuity than anything in ItWGY. In fact, I think that's the only movie where she is in character. Just my opinion, though. 
leelasbluehair

Bending Unit
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« Reply #79 on: 04-17-2009 22:59 »
« Last Edit on: 04-17-2009 23:02 »

fry and leela getting married would be excellent thing
leela It's great character
the sting leela's homeworld make me cry too. :cry:
she's very nice she's a good wife
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