Thoughts on 6ACV06 - Lethal Inspection - SPOILERS

[Reply #120 on:]

Oh ya I'd also like to point out that when they get to Mexico Bender says

"Last week I was in Italy"

If that were true Fry and Farnsworth shouldn't be in this episode.

Well, you don't know if they stayed in Italy until Farnsworth and Fry got back.

_________

Also, I saw the parts where the animation looked off again. It's the mouths of Farnsworth & Fry when Farnsworth says: "I fear I may not survive this war reenactment," and when Fry says, "Sith? What the Hoth?"

[Reply #121 on:]

Been thinking about what it means if bender always assumed he had a back up system, does that mean everytime he wanted to use the suicide booth he wasnt expecting to die?

[Reply #122 on:]

It was a fantastic episode. I wasn't expecting anything great at all, but this is an instant favourite. I never thought Hermes and Bender would make such a good pairing, and it was nice to see a lot of interaction between the two for once.

Loving all the visual gags. Just realised Mom's knitting a noose! I agree the episode focused more on the plot than gags, but the jokes were solid, and the plot was very, very strong. An instant classic.

[Reply #123 on:]

I just spotted it after watching the episode for a second time. Very odd. Do you think this is some kind of animation error in his tiny appearance this episode, a set-up for the future or some kind of in-joke that I don't get (although I must admit, the I find his style of moustache to be hilariously 'him').

No?  It was a joke because they were in Mexico!  Gee...

[Reply #124 on:]

   Igner has grown a moustache!

Actually, all three sons had pencil-thin moustaches. Presumably, as Svip indicated, because they are in Mexico.

[Reply #125 on:]

I don't think it was quite as strong as other "aww" episodes, and it did seem to partially to fully re-write some established chronology, but bah, lots of it was lots of fun, I thought the defensive ink joke was inspired - I definitely think it's my new favourite of the season so far

[Reply #126 on:]

This ep doesn't really break continuity.  You just have to try hard to explain off the inconsistencies.  For example, it's possible that Baby Bender was constructed at an early part in the assembly line, and, later, his parts were recreated into the Bender we all know and love.

[Reply #127 on:]

I thought this episode was terrible. I do not say this due to the inconsistancies that the episode makes you think of, just the fact that it was not funny in any way really. I did not think any of the jokes (if there were many) were up to snuff and I have never enjoyed Hermes as a character so to see an episode so strong with Hermes just did not produce a good 22 minutes for me. 2/10 from me!

[Reply #128 on:]

2? That's quite harsh. Were you asleep?

Evidently Bender doesn't remember his birth, only his most recent complete reconstruction. Interesting that Hermes looks so different in what is probably 2998/2997. He obviously let himself go very quickly.

One other thing perhaps of note; At least two comics (23, 32 & possibly 39) have utilised Bender's backup system as a plot device and are now even less canonical.

A pile of dead bears can only mean one thing; This episode gets a 94/100.

[Reply #129 on:]

This episode was fantastic, and here's some of the reasons why:
-It had Hermes and Bender going on an adventure (which I've never seen before, and I've seen all of the episodes)
-It seemed even more like a classic Futurama episode.
- It had an ending that makes you go "aah, so that's how it happened" just like in BBS.
-It had a letter written in Alien Language 1, Which translates to:

Show spoiler

Need extra cash? Meltdown your unwanted humans. We pay top dollars!

Overall, 9/10!
Looks like the season's picking up, doesn't it? I bet the next one will be even better!
EDIT: Just checked out IGN to see what they thought. They gave it a 9/10!

[Reply #130 on:]

I am so glad that other people translate this stuff...I am way too lazy to do it myself. The AL1 gag and the silver medal freeze frame gag are both pretty funny.

[Reply #131 on:]

Wowee wow wow! What a treat. Best ep of the season.

[Reply #132 on:]

I realise that it all comes down to personal taste but I find it hard to believe that I am one of the only ones who gave this episode below a 6/10. To the dozens of people who gave this episode an 8+ I would love to know how this episode even comes close to ANY of the episodes that are rates a 8+ from the first 5 seasons?

Maybe I am too critical due to wasting so much of my life watching the first 5 seasons so many time (naaa, not a waste I know) but nothing this season has even came close, and this is by far the worst of this season in my opinion.

[Reply #133 on:]

I think you can take this episode and hold it up against similar episodes from the original run--"How Hermes Requisitioned His Groove Back", say, and "Leela's Homeworld" (two episodes that, while different, have elements similar to the ones in "Lethal Inspection")--and see that the newest episode holds up pretty well against them. I think of it like this: if you compare one of the best episodes of season four--let's say "The Sting"--with one of the best episodes of season one--let's say "I, Roommate"--you notice some distinct stylistic differences (different pacing, certainly different characterizations, maybe even different comedic sensibilities). That doesn't mean that "The Sting" and "I, Roommate" are bad episodes: they're just different kinds of good. I mean, things are bound to change from season-to-season; it's something that happens with all shows.

That's the attitude I've kind of taken with season six so far: the episodes are good (like pretty much everyone here agrees, they're better than most other shows currently on television), but some of them are good in a different way. You may see this as a lowering of standards; I see it as an opening of the mind.

[Reply #134 on:]

Good point Gorky...any show is going to evolve in style as years go by, and just because it's different doesn't mean it's worse. It is a little unfair to expect season 6 to feel exactly like seasons 1-4.

And yet, I have to say that Lethal Inspection felt very very similar to the FOX episodes. It had laughs and it had heart. Everybody acted in character, and there were no out of place pop culture references...and I think even the swearing and offensive content was slightly lesser here compared to previous season 6 episodes. Pretty much every little thing that people have used to say "season 6 is too different! it's not the same show!" was absent here. I think it would have fit in perfectly in the FOX run.

Why do you find it so hard to believe that you're in the minority, SWJ? No episode is 100% perfect, and no episode is going to appeal to every fan, but geez...it was a good episode. I think this is kind of a go-nowhere debate, but what specifically about the episode rubbed you the wrong way?

[Reply #135 on:]

I realise that it all comes down to personal taste but I find it hard to believe that I am one of the only ones who gave this episode below a 6/10. To the dozens of people who gave this episode an 8+ I would love to know how this episode even comes close to ANY of the episodes that are rates a 8+ from the first 5 seasons?

Maybe I am too critical due to wasting so much of my life watching the first 5 seasons so many time (naaa, not a waste I know) but nothing this season has even came close, and this is by far the worst of this season in my opinion.

First... five... seasons?  And you call yourself a fan?  Your opinion is hereby void.

Also what Gorky and FishyJoe said.

[Reply #136 on:]

Weren't the movies chopped up for season 5?

yes I know they were

[Reply #137 on:]

Technically, this is Season 5, but Comedy Central chopped the movies up as Broadcast Season 5. Yes, I know this is common knowledge for PEELers, but this is only a clarification. This is Broadcast season 6. Sooooooooooo... I forgot where I was going. Damn you, distractions!

[Reply #138 on:]

Wouldn't this be broadcast season 7, because the first four were in five in the broadcast order.

[Reply #139 on:]

they confusion about the season breakup is ridiculous for this show... the easiest scapegoat is fox (since it is the scapegoat for all futurama's problems) but as far as i know the order that the writers deem correct is the 4 seasons (split up in the dvd volumes... not broadcast order) the movie 5th season, and this is season 6.

[Reply #140 on:]

 Lethal Inspection is now the #1 TV episode on iTunes. 

[Reply #141 on:]

Technically, this is Season 5, but Comedy Central chopped the movies up as Broadcast Season 5. Yes, I know this is common knowledge for PEELers, but this is only a clarification. This is Broadcast season 6. Sooooooooooo... I forgot where I was going. Damn you, distractions!

No, this is production season 6 and broadcast season 7, the movies were production season 5 and broadcast season 6. The production seasons are the seasons on the DVDs and are in the order of when the episodes were made (and theoretically supposed to be aired), not when they actually aired on TV. So, technically, because FOX aired season 4 as two broadcast seasons, this is actually season 6 but the seventh season to be aired.

[Reply #142 on:]

- He's Mexican, I'm Mexican. Let me handle this.
- Sus papelos, por favor?
- ....Siiiiii.
*guitar crashes over head*
- OUCHO!!!!!!

^ Made me laugh the very hardest

[Reply #143 on:]

Yes Svip, as others have let you know, the movies were cut up for season 5... So, is my opinion once again valid?

FishyJoe. There were many areas of the episode which rubbed me the wrong way. If you can find a way to ignore all the plot holes when in correlation to the previous seasons there are still many problems (in my opinion). First, as I have previously stated, Hermes is my least favourite main character of the show, so that did not help. Secondly, this episode was so dry with very little laugh values from either of the main characters of the show. I actually got more laughs from the killbots than from anyone else.

As I have stated in other posts I love Futurama for its political satire and wit, and this episode was lacking just that. I was watching this episoide with my partner who is a die hard fan (and Mexican) and we both could not believe that more satire was not used being in Mexico.

I realise that the new seasons will of course be different from what they used to be, that is to be expected. I am still not a fan thus far.

[Reply #144 on:]

Yes Svip, as others have let you know, the movies were cut up for season 5... So, is my opinion once again valid?

I am well aware of that fact.  I, at the very least, should be aware of any facts regarding broadcast vs. production.

You keep talking about the "the first five seasons".  What do you mean?  The statement is ambiguous given the situation of Futurama.  Do you mean the original series/run, i.e. production season 1-4 or do you mean them and the films?

If it is the latter, then I fail to see what the films had to do with the original statement you made.  If it is the former, my point remains.  I am not in the wrong here.

Your opinion, for what it matters however, has been as valid as anyone's.  Just not on the subject of broadcast, that is.

[Reply #145 on:]

And the crazyiness begins.  My neice has just informed me that she wants a Baby Bender Doll for XMAS this year.  Just when you thought you'd gotten away from rampid consumerism, "they pull me back in..."

[Reply #146 on:]

Okay, I've just come back from a week holiday and finally saw the episode. Comments:

Oh my. Throughout the episode it felt quite strange, very plot-driven and with not so many jokes (but those that existed were good) and Bender-Hermes is a very strange pairing. Thinking through the episode afterwards it was really well planned, Bender being extremely true to character realising he is mortal after all these years, going through stages of grief and anger and suicidal. What got to me was the ending, from Tijuana and forward. The moment when Bender is having his outburst in the house is wonderful, the music epic, and even though I suspected all along that Hermes was Inspector #5, it still really got to me when they showed the clips. I just supposed the episode would end with Hermes apologising to Bender and saying he mustn't have been careful enough, but instead it turns out he knew of it all the way through, just didn't have the heart to destroy Bender. I actually teared up by the end, just like the first time I saw Jurassic Bark or The Sting. Beautiful.

[Reply #147 on:]

FishyJoe. There were many areas of the episode which rubbed me the wrong way. If you can find a way to ignore all the plot holes when in correlation to the previous seasons there are still many problems (in my opinion).

First, as I have previously stated, Hermes is my least favourite main character of the show, so that did not help. Secondly, this episode was so dry with very little laugh values from either of the main characters of the show. I actually got more laughs from the killbots than from anyone else.

And that right there is why this is really a go-nowhere debate. When it comes to laughs, it is completely subjective. I thought this episode had plenty of hilarious gags. What else is there to say?

As I have stated in other posts I love Futurama for its political satire and wit, and this episode was lacking just that.

Political satire, really? I don't know...the show hasn't really gotten political in the past. Sure, there's A Head In The Polls and Proposition Infinity, both great episodes...but overall, I wouldn't say the show was exactly known for political satire.

I was watching this episoide with my partner who is a die hard fan (and Mexican) and we both could not believe that more satire was not used being in Mexico.

I realise that the new seasons will of course be different from what they used to be, that is to be expected. I am still not a fan thus far.

What sort of satire about Mexico were you expecting, given the plot? They had the corrupt Mexican official ("I would have also accepted a bribe") and an abandoned run down factory symptomatic of its broken economy, so they didn't completely ignore satirizing the setting.

[Reply #148 on:]

What he means is that he wishes Speedy Gonzales had a cameo. Andalé andalé arriba arriba!!!

[Reply #149 on:]

I think the amount of Mexican satire was perfect. It could easily have been over the top, but it was not. Over the top would have destroyed both the overall plot and the climax.

[Reply #150 on:]

The episode was wonderful. I loved the reenactment in the beginning, and set up the episode for Bender having to cope with mortality. Loved the joke with Hermes eating the calculator and the killbots shooting whenever they heard a word to attack. Also Bender punching the wall was funny. Nothing really felt forced to me, even Leela's inability to file the papers. I knew Hermes was Inspector #5 since the problem happened, but the ending was really touching. Great music.  9/10

[Reply #151 on:]

The episode was wonderful. I loved the reenactment in the beginning, and set up the episode for Bender having to cope with mortality. Loved the joke with Hermes eating the calculator and the killbots shooting whenever they heard a word to attack. Also Bender punching the wall was funny. Nothing really felt forced to me, even Leela's inability to file the papers. I knew Hermes was Inspector #5 since the problem happened, but the ending was really touching. Great music.  9/10

"The problem"?

[Reply #152 on:]

that's why this is the best episode this season. nothing felt forced. to be honest, i still love the worst episodes of the original run/movies, because the characters were still the same. the plot may not have been as good, but it doesn't matter. id like any episode, regardless of plot, just because i like the characters.

anyways, the first few episodes of this season were off. i was patient and credited it to their time off. as expected, the last two episodes are back on track. in fact, i was very pleased by them, and feel that the tone is as the original run and movies.

and yes, i am one of those folks that loved the movies. in fact, i found them to be highlights of the series. they were all epic, and well thought out.

frat over.

[Reply #153 on:]

adorable goddamned ending

[Reply #154 on:]

In the Civil Sithil War enactment, why do the Planet Express people all have the same rank (corporal)?

I only noticed this when Leela calls Fry 'private' but they both have two chevrons on their uniforms. It turns out that they all do, though the Professor has a star above his.

Also, why would the Professor have (or even want) a wheel-chair when

• the 'technology' of the wheel has supposedly been lost, and
• he already has a hover chair (c.f. when he rescues the remains of Bender in Roswell That Ends Well)?

[Reply #155 on:]

He doesn't have a wheelchair; he has a soft chair with wheels on it.

[Reply #156 on:]

In the Civil Sithil War enactment, why do the Planet Express people all have the same rank (corporal)?

I only noticed this when Leela calls Fry 'private' but they both have two chevrons on their uniforms. It turns out that they all do, though the Professor has a star above his.

Also, why would the Professor have (or even want) a wheel-chair when

• the 'technology' of the wheel has supposedly been lost, and
• he already has a hover chair (c.f. when he rescues the remains of Bender in Roswell That Ends Well)?

your more obsessed with canon then they are.

the wheel chair was merely a joke, one that i found funny.

[Reply #157 on:]

Saw it again last night; I'd put it up there with the original run of the series.

[Reply #158 on:]

Technically, this is Season 5, but Comedy Central chopped the movies up as Broadcast Season 5. Yes, I know this is common knowledge for PEELers, but this is only a clarification. This is Broadcast season 6. Sooooooooooo... I forgot where I was going. Damn you, distractions!

No, this is production season 6 and broadcast season 7, the movies were production season 5 and broadcast season 6. The production seasons are the seasons on the DVDs and are in the order of when the episodes were made (and theoretically supposed to be aired), not when they actually aired on TV. So, technically, because FOX aired season 4 as two broadcast seasons, this is actually season 6 but the seventh season to be aired.

Oh, sweet! I just got quoted! I belive I'm a true PEELer now.
Going back on topic, Lethal Inspection is the best episode of production season 7/broadcast season 6. (There, let's open up old wounds).

[Reply #159 on:]

I've found 2 minor contradictions with this episode...

Show spoiler

1 - They talk about Bender being mortal & not being able to download a version of himself into another robot.  Yet, in "How Hermes Requisitioned His Groove Back", they removed a CD in the back of his head that had all of Bender's personality on it.

2- I don't remember the episode (maybe "Mars University"), but Bender is shown to have been made on an assembly line as an adult, and his "bending knowledge" is downloaded directly to him (nice "graduation cap ceremony", btw).  But, in this episode, he's shown on the assembly line as a "baby bender" sucking on a bottle of beer.

Really minor issues; the episode was great!