Thoughts on 6ACV11 - Lrrreconcilable Ndndifferences - SPOILERS

[Reply #40 on:]

Well, the first act was really good, focusing on Fry's comic, offering a few good laughs out of the 3010 Comic Con, spoofing the cancellation of Futurama in a futuristic way, but after that, the jokes are lessened and the plot kind of becomes predictable as it almost totally focuses on Lrrr and Ndnd.
The twist of Fry not getting killed by the laser gun was already predicted very early on the episode, when they brought it up that it was a teleporter gun. It's a shame because the episode could have been left on a really good cliffhanger of Fry, or even Leela seemingly killed (like The Sting) and bringing it into a nice conclusion at the end of the next episode. Nevertheless, the scenes with Lrrr have mostly been done before (Spanish Fry) and it was kind of dragging on a bit. The Orson Welles fake movie scenes was good, but again, its all been done before (When Aliens Attack). Overall, the episode's first act was very strong, but the rest was average. I'll still give it a dead-on 8/10 as a result, since the first act was very strong on its own.

[Reply #41 on:]

I was afraid of a further regress, where the "Futurella" comic would be of disembodied heads inside of spheres, introducing a comic called "The Future Experience" that takes place in 5010; that comic would consist of ...

That would've been funnier than another "Fox sucks" joke.

[Reply #42 on:]

It may have been because I was half-awake but I had forgotten about the teleporter by the end of the episode. But obviously Fry doesn't die so I was just wondering "what was the twist" instead of thinking "ogod he's dead!"

I can't think of a great reason for Lrrr to hesitate on shooting Leela. It's not like he hadn't tried to eat her before.

I was expecting this to be a fairly weak episode and it was for me, but it did give me a lot of lines that made me laugh. Solid 7/10 from me.

[Reply #43 on:]

Loved this episode!  However my only beef about it was Fry's comic strip.  Does Fry think Leela is weak and defenseless or is he becoming sexist?  Fry is no Walker Texas Ranger.  Why couldn't his comic strip be about both him and Leela being superheroes?  It reminded me of those old Cheerios commercials with Kidd and Sue.   

Anyway, I like the Comic-Con scene, the costumes, and the 'Futurala' cancellation!  It was great to see the creators make a guest apperance!  Awesome to see Lrrr and Ndnd again, and I thought their interaction was hilarious!  Loved how Bender took Lrrr to a bar and his new girlfriend turned out to be a human!  The War of the Worlds reenactment was funny!  "Dork Calling Orson!  Dork Calling Orson!"  And the Scary Door opening was good as well!  Zapp and Kiff surrendering was fun too!  Awesome episode!  Expect for the comic strip.  I give it 3/5. 

Sometimes I think Fry needs a real kick in the butt, big time!   This was the second time he's degraded Leela.  Bender, I can understand.  But, Fry? 

[Reply #44 on:]

I thought the last part of this episode was when the episode got 'decent enough'.  I have to agree it was weak.  It wasn't crap, but the plot was too predictable and not funny.  The Comic-Con part didn't work for me.

I am a huge fan of meta-humour, but generally, meta-humour is also the hardest thing to do, because it is so easy to fall flat.  Though, I hope this is the last time.  We really should get over the fact the show was cancelled and brought back.

Not as terrible as some people would paint it herein, but yeah, weak one of the season.  At the very least; no cringe worthy moments.  So that is always a plus from me.

[Reply #45 on:]

There'll almost definitely be some meta humour in the season finale with the 3 different animation styles, but that won't be about them getting cancelled.

[Reply #46 on:]

One of the weaker episodes of the season. This one just seemed so random, like the writers weren't sure what, exactly, they wanted the story to be about (the whole nagging wife-midlife crisis-crazy one-night stand-invasion of earth progression was forced and for the most part unfunny; the marital problems between Lrrr and Ndnd were done much better in "Spanish Fry"). The relationship between Lrrr and Leela worked okay (I actually liked that he seemed to care for her, even if it was just because of her naggy ways), and the notion of a battle to the death with kitchenware was funny. I liked the Scary Door segment, and the Comic Con stuff (Bender's fruit boobs got a laugh from me); I'm still trying to decide if the Fry/Leela stuff was forced (and too reminiscent of working Homer and Marge's marriage into so many episodes of The Simpsons), but dang if it wasn't really freaking cute.

This may be my least favorite episode of the season so far--mainly because it's a retread of stuff we've already seen in "Spanish Fry") but it still gets a 6/10. Subpar, but it had its moments.

[Reply #47 on:]

One of the weaker of this season indeed, but still a fairly enjoyable episode. 7/10. While some part was extremely funny (Comic-Con, Orson Welles, a lot of background gags such as the Well-people in the jar museum and the Australian Man) while some were quite meh (the sitcom elements). I also really liked the Fry-Leela subplot - it was cute and didn't feel at all forced to me.

Better review coming up.

[Reply #48 on:]

OK, how many times is Fry going to block Leela from impending doom with his body?  We're up to 3 already, 2 this season, it's a little old. I mean, I know Leela's saved Fry's ass a bunch of times, but still...

[Reply #49 on:]

One thing I noticed - Amy didn't show the slightest bit of concern when Kif lost his leg. Strange. Are they going through another rough patch? lol

[Reply #50 on:]

Essentially weak, saved only by the fact that it is Futurama. I found Fry's comic somewhat annoying, the plot (as so many have said) was unoriginal and the jokes were sparse and largely not particularly amusing.

Although Bender selling weapons was rather good.

6/10 because it's new Futurama, but then it would have to be utterly terrible for me to give any single episode less than 5 because I believe all Futurama is above average TV.

[Reply #51 on:]

OK, how many times is Fry going to block Leela from impending doom with his body?  We're up to 3 already, 2 this season, it's a little old. I mean, I know Leela's saved Fry's ass a bunch of times, but still...

Agreed. It worked the first two times, but to use it again in a throw-away episode like this, where the "twist" is so painfully telegraphed... Not good at all.

[Reply #52 on:]

I really enjoyed the Matt Groening head-in-a-jar appearance, and Bender dressing up as Leela saying "I'm every nerd's fantasy!", mostly because that statement is so true lol

[Reply #53 on:]

Well... can't say this was my favorite, but it's always a treat to hear Maurice do his Orson Welles impression again. Yes, always.

The teleportation gun really was too predictable. The episode loses major points for that. In fact, the story overall has got to be the worst of the season.

...and yet, I laughed. The comic con stuff was hysterical, "dork calling Orson" was great. Bender spontaneously selling cast iron frying pans was freaking adorable.

The "furry" (or perhaps Lrrr-y?) allusion is funny on paper but I can't say I found myself laughing at anything on screen.

I give it a 5. Weak plot that saves itself with some fun gags.

Nothing I want to say has not been said by Kryten and Fishy.

I agree 100%.

[Reply #54 on:]

Hermes had no lines all episode lol

[Reply #55 on:]

When they find Fry at the end, Hermes just waves his arms as if he's cheering, but his mouth stays closed. It looks very strange.

My guess is that with 4 guest stars in this episode, they felt the need to cut back on the regular cast somewhat. No Phil LaMarr and no David Herman. It's not like the episode felt lacking because there was no Hermes in it or even like this is the first episode to not give Hermes any lines.

[Reply #56 on:]

Loved this episode!  However my only beef about it was Fry's comic strip.  Does Fry think Leela is weak and defenseless or is he becoming sexist?

No, he just seems to be indulging a schoolboy-crush-type fantasy. It actually seems like a parody of that kind of stuff.

Believe it or not, I'm a little reminded of the old Nickelodeon cartoon Doug (another character voiced by Billy West) and his Quailman comics and daydreams/fantasies of rescuing Patti Mayonnaise/winning her heart. It feels like a Fry version of that kind of stuff (hence, much more absurdly stupid and logically and artistically challenged...)

Sure, it felt to me like a more reciprocal version of something from the 4ACV-era 'ship, but it was cute, and it's so Fry...

[Reply #57 on:]

I loved Fry's comic book stuff precisely because it was so childish and cliched ("Don't thank random chance, thank my meteor-wishing power. With your lips"). I felt like Fry drawing comics in the first place was a sort of callback to "The Birdbot of Ice-Catraz" (or even "The Luck of the Fryrish", what with that childish spaceship drawing). The writers don't often showcase Fry's boyish charm (though Leela certainly mentions it often enough), but goofy, kid-like things like creating his own comic book are part of what make him such an endearing character.

Speaking of callbacks: I agree that Fry jumping in front of Leela to save her from imminent death is becoming a tired plot device. However, I liked Leela reminding Lrrr that she was in his mouth for five minutes, and Grrrl screaming after Lrrr that she wants to have his popplers. (Though bringing to mind "The Sting" and "The Problem With Popplers" did remind me that Patric Verrone used to write some really good episodes, and his past two offerings have been kid of lacking.)

[Reply #58 on:]

I'll give 7/10, almost 8/10. My day started so well,  watching a new episode of Futurama I loved Frys comicbook and the comic con thing. I laught much and I think that's the most important thing

[Reply #59 on:]

I felt like Fry drawing comics in the first place was a sort of callback to "The Birdbot of Ice-Catraz" (or even "The Luck of the Fryrish", what with that childish spaceship drawing). The writers don't often showcase Fry's boyish charm (though Leela certainly mentions it often enough), but goofy, kid-like things like creating his own comic book are part of what make him such an endearing character.

Speaking of callbacks: I agree that Fry jumping in front of Leela to save her from imminent death is becoming a tired plot device. However, I liked Leela reminding Lrrr that she was in his mouth for five minutes

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm sure originally, Fry was going to be really good at video games and draw loads of comics? Two character traits that were sort of abandoned but then the video game thing sort of appeared in Anthology of Interest II and Bender Should Not Be Allowed on TV. I think this is them finally getting round to giving him the comic thing. Although I suppose he drew a comic in Time Keeps On Slippin' thinking about it.

I also loved how Lrrr remembered Leela. The usual thing in shows like this would be for him to not remember her despite them having a lot of interaction in past episodes and so I actually found it quite funny when he lit up and said "Leela?!" as if they bonded through the events of that episode.

[Reply #60 on:]

How do those costumed nerds remember the Brain Spawn?

[Reply #61 on:]

I particularly liked the Na'avi from Pandora.  That looked like Scruffy under the makeup.

[Reply #62 on:]

I actually found the meta-jokes fricking hilarious to be honest. Also, the first bit of music as they entered the ComicCon sounded like Frank Klepacki's work so I was locked in a period of nerdgasm for the next 5-6 minutes anyway...
ZOMG they mentioned Joss Whedon.

That and on one hand they poke fun with giving "what every nerd dreams of" in the form of Bender crudely dressing up as Leela while...I don't know, rewarding I guess, with giving Leela dressed up as Princess Leia. I'm fairly sure that ticked a few people's boxes. Maybe it wasn't fantabulously witty, clever or funny but I appreciated it!
Though the less said about that maybe the better.

On the whole though...I really liked this episode - not nearly as much as last week's, and yes the plot was weak in some places despite I think a strong premise - and double yes, the twist at the end...I was genuinely shocked for about three seconds then it became pretty obvious (and before the cross-dresser reappeared though at first I really did think they just killed her off). I'm sure it was painfully obvious for others for some time before.

Anyway, 8/10. I preferred it to That Darn Katz!, but it nestles around that region for me.

[Reply #63 on:]

Hermes had no lines all episode lol

Omg thats so true. Bummer.

[Reply #64 on:]

Speaking of That Darn Katz!, Grrrl has a lolcat poster in her home.

[Reply #65 on:]

LOVED the "I like the doodles drawn on the side" line from Sergio Aragones. Been a MAD Magazine reader for quite a while and Aragones' little doodles are always my favorite part.

[Reply #66 on:]

Hmmm.  Not so great.  I did like the Comic-con stuff, especially Bender in costume as Leela.  But the main plot was basic mediocre sitcom junk.  This was my least favorite of the new season.  I give it a 5. 

[Reply #67 on:]

Thoroughly meh - the only part I really enjoyed was Katee Stackhoff as Grrl. Hope to see more of her, and Zoidberg, why not?

[Reply #68 on:]

Lol, this was a cute episode. As Leela puts it, "Good ending [episode] not great."

8/10

[Reply #69 on:]

6/10 - a few good scenes, but the "let's try something done 1000 times before on TV but with the Futurama twist" doesn't always work.

Hands up, those of us who thought until now that it was spelled LLRR...

-- Don

[Reply #70 on:]

6/10 - a few good scenes, but the "let's try something done 1000 times before on TV but with the Futurama twist" doesn't always work.

Hands up, those of us who thought until now that it was spelled LLRR...

No one did.  It's on the wiki.

[Reply #71 on:]

I actually found the meta-jokes fricking hilarious to be honest. Also, the first bit of music as they entered the ComicCon sounded like Frank Klepacki's work so I was locked in a period of nerdgasm for the next 5-6 minutes anyway...
ZOMG they mentioned Joss Whedon.

That and on one hand they poke fun with giving "what every nerd dreams of" in the form of Bender crudely dressing up as Leela while...I don't know, rewarding I guess, with giving Leela dressed up as Princess Leia. I'm fairly sure that ticked a few people's boxes. Maybe it wasn't fantabulously witty, clever or funny but I appreciated it!
Though the less said about that maybe the better.

On the whole though...I really liked this episode - not nearly as much as last week's, and yes the plot was weak in some places despite I think a strong premise - and double yes, the twist at the end...I was genuinely shocked for about three seconds then it became pretty obvious (and before the cross-dresser reappeared though at first I really did think they just killed her off). I'm sure it was painfully obvious for others for some time before.

My feeling exactly.

[Reply #72 on:]

I quite liked this one overall. It's in the top half of episodes for this season so far for me, but the story-line did seem a bit contrived/forced.

   However my only beef about it was Fry's comic strip.  Does Fry think Leela is weak and defenseless or is he becoming sexist?  Fry is no Walker Texas Ranger.  Why couldn't his comic strip be about both him and Leela being superheroes?  It reminded me of those old Cheerios commercials with Kidd and Sue.

I though it was implying that Fry is stuck in the Hero [male] rescues Love Interest/Victim [female] from Evil Villan [male] mindset.

   "Dork Calling Orson!  Dork Calling Orson!"

I'm sad to admit it but I too am old enough to get that reference.

Background jokes that made me chuckle:

• Fourth root four news

[Note: mathematically the fourth root of four is equal to the square root of two.]

• Comic-con 3010 — Free admission with Ewok pelt
• Videogame: the movie
• Movie: the videogame
• Coming soon! — Calculon in Delayed and Overbudget 2
• T Shirts — XXXL and up
• Line for next year's admission ->
• The Toyminator
• Spaceship in a Bottle

One background sign in the convention which I did not get:

• Kidnami

Also how can a moderately sized human inside a full-sized Omicronian coutume get it to move and behave realistically?

[Reply #73 on:]

   "Dork Calling Orson!  Dork Calling Orson!"

I'm sad to admit it but I too am old enough to get that reference.

Me too.  Ugh...

[Reply #74 on:]

Also how can a moderately sized human inside a full-sized Omicronian coutume get it to move and behave realistically?

It's da future!

Seriously though, I come across the pages of a few furry costume-makers on deviantArt once in a while and some of them are very skilled in their work. They can make pretty complex stuff; I'm sure in a 1000 years the spirit of that commitment will be evident in a costume like Grrlll's or whatever her name is. Of course, realistically you'd think that she'd also have to be encased in about a ton of foam padding to fill out the costume but, well, future wizardry stuff.

[Reply #75 on:]

the notion of a battle to the death with kitchenware was funny.

You're probably too young to know, but in sitcoms and comics from back in the 50s and 60s, hitting her husband with a frying pan was the way that a wife got back at her husband.

I liked Leela reminding Lrrr that she was in his mouth for five minutes

Do you think that MG, et al, could have gotten away with that line on Fox?

Edit: Yay! I'm a delivery boy!

[Reply #76 on:]

I quite liked this episode. Not as good as the last one, obviously, but it provided plenty of laughs, although later in the episode it got weaker.

8/10

[Reply #77 on:]

7/10 - Some funny Bits, but it had a Standard story line and there were some Plot Holes in it.... Good to see an Episode based slightly more around other Characters too. (Lrrr and NdNd)

[Reply #78 on:]

I also gave the episode a 7. I thought it was quite entertaining and not too annoying but, on the other hand, I didn't think there was anything that special about it (except for being Futurama of course). And the whole plot about 'women just nag... ' is kind of too much of a stereotype for me.

[Reply #79 on:]

And the whole plot about 'women just nag... ' is kind of too much of a stereotype for me.

I think you mean overdone and cliché.  Stereotypes can be funny.  If we don't just roll our eyes when we hear them... again.