Thoughts on 6ACV19 - Ghost in the Machines - SPOILERS

[Reply #40 on:]

I'm just gonna say it, this show would be so much better if it just focussed on Fry, Bender and Leela. No more minor characters! they aren't even needed for the scenes really. I don't find Hermes or Amy a strong character and it really bugs me when they get a lot of screen time in the new episodes.

Also I may be the only one who thinks this but I don't like the tune that plays during the beginning of a new scene. sounds like an instrumental to a nursery rhyme or something, very un futurama esque.

I don't mean to sound pretentious, but it's a good thing you don't write for Futurama.

I agree with him that the heart of the show is really the dynamic between Fry, Leela, and Bender. From the pilot, they are established as the core trio, the characters we are expected to root for. And, honestly, my favorite episodes of the series either focus on the characters individually (so, say, "The Why of Fry"), or as duos (any shippy episode, or something like tonight's episode for how it examines Fry and Bender's friendship), or as a trio ("The Honking" comes to mind, as does the subplot in "The Route of All Evil"). The supporting characters have their moments (I love Hermes in "Lethal Inspection," and Farnsworth in "Mother's Day"), but I don't think they're the heart of the show, and seeing the entire PE grew act as a family unit in every single episode becomes a bit grating. When used in moderation, though, the supporting characters are great.

I agree with what you said, but his implication was that the minor characters shouldn't ever be used in a main story ever, which is just ridiculous. It's not possible to write an entertaining story solely about either Bender, Leela or Fry every week. It just seems unrealistic to me. I definitely agree that the best episodes revolve around them, but there are great episodes revolving around the other characters as well, and without those episodes the great ones revolving around the main trio wouldn't feel as great.

^ Did I say I wanted to write for Futurama? ^

Johnnyboy69 look ok all i'm saying is the episodes from 1999-2003
focussed mainly on Fry,Bender and Leela.
The new episodes focus on the whole crew
and that is what disappoints me about the new season.

Yeah but the problem is that what you're saying is false. They still focus on those three more than anybody.
Let's take a look at Season 6 and 6B
Rebirth- Focus on Fry and Leela
Attack of the Killer App- Focus on Fry and Leela
In-A-Gadda-Da-Leela- Focus on Leela (and Zapp)
Proposition Infinity- Focus on Bender and Amy
The Duh-Vinci Code- Focus on Fry and Professor
Lethal Inspection- Focus on Hermes and Bender
The Late Philip J Fry- Focus on Fry and Leela
That Darn Katz!- Focus on Amy and Nibbler (The FIRST not to focus on Fry Leela or Bender)
A Clockwork Origin- Focus on Professor
Prisoner of Benda- Focus on everybody (great ep)
Lrreconciliable Ndndifferences- Focus on Lrrr
The Mutants Are Revolting- Focus on Fry and Leela
Holiday Ep- hard to classify
Neutopia- Focus on everybody
Benderama- Focus on Bender
Ghost in the Machines- Focus on Bender

So basically 12/16 eps from Season 6/6B have focused on the main trio in some capacity. There's really not much room to complain there

[Reply #41 on:]

Johnny, I still think they should be used, when their needed
but they are thrown in for no reason. Which can ruin the story.
Space them out like in the old episodes. Thats all I'm saying.

[Reply #42 on:]

Johnny, I still think they should be used, when their needed.
But they are thrown in for no reason, which can ruin the story.
Space them out like in the old episodes thats all I'm saying.

That's fair, I guess I just don't seen an issue with how they've been used thus far. I mean Season 1 was very clearly focused around Fry Bender and Leela, but the show got away from that quite a bit in subsequent seasons.

[Reply #43 on:]

Rebirth- Focus on Fry and Leela and everybody else (A lot of screentime for the minors aswell)
Attack of the Killer App- Focus on Fry and Leela (the boil ruined that ep)
In-A-Gadda-Da-Leela- Focus on Leela (and Zapp) and everybody else
Proposition Infinity- Focus on Bender and Amy
The Duh-Vinci Code- Focus on Fry and Professor. Thats the first time it's only been the three go on a mission
Lethal Inspection- Focus on Hermes and Bender (Hermes is not a strong character, I find this episode incredibly overrated)
The Late Philip J Fry- Focus on Fry and Leela and bender which made it a great episode
That Darn Katz!- Focus on Amy and Nibbler (The FIRST not to focus on Fry Leela or Bender) Which is why that episode was awful
A Clockwork Origin- Focus on Professor and everybody else
Prisoner of Benda- Focus on everybody (great ep) They are all needed for this ep so this one is an exception
Lrreconciliable Ndndifferences- Focus on Lrrr and everybody else
The Mutants Are Revolting- Focus on Fry and Leela and everybody else comes along for the journey
Holiday Ep- hard to classify everybody
Neutopia- Focus on everybody
Benderama- Focus on Bender everybody went to deliver the giant cream, Why?
Ghost in the Machines- Focus on Bender and fry but still a lot of screen time for the minor characters.

Now compare all the first 4 series...I thought not

[Reply #44 on:]

After watching the episode a second time, I have a feeling that they're trying to turn Scruffy into an actual, full character, instead of just a static, one-liner type character. It just seems like too much of a coincidence that each of the past three aired episodes (albeit out of production order) have had multiple Scruffy appearances in each. Although, it does seem like a coincidence that there has been some kind of montage in each of the three aired episodes so far...  

[Reply #45 on:]

Well he's rumored to have a whole episode based about him, not looking forward to that one. The producers are ruining the character scruffy

[Reply #46 on:]

Well he's rumored to have a whole episode based about him, not looking forward to that one. The producers are ruining the character scruffy

I don't think that's the case (at least anymore). I'm pretty sure that was just some confusion between that and the episode about how Zoidberg meets the Professor. Honestly, I'm pretty excited about that episode, because it's the only character's relationship to Planet Express that hasn't been explored, even in any limited way.

[Reply #47 on:]

This was a great episode. 9/10 for me. The callbacks to previous episodes were brilliant, and every moment with Beelzebot is gold. I loved the various uses for bender's parts, and the ways that Bender finds to haunt Fry, and I loved the characterisation of Bender. Sure, he's the selfish jerk that he always is, but it was tempered with a little humanity. That's how I like Bender.

The animation was fantastic, the parodies of various movies were well done and not overplayed, and I don't really think there were any missed opportunities... this episode definitely fits in with the feel of the original run as well as the newer episodes, and re-inforces my gut feeling that the overall quality of the show is still intact.

Btw, the talk about focusing on one character or another and about Scruffy being only a bit-parter should probably go in the "Everything's worse" discussion thread... if [-mArc-] wanders in and sees those posts he'll probably move 'em, and having to do that will make him cranky. Don't upset our borg overlord.

[Reply #48 on:]

Well he's rumored to have a whole episode based about him, not looking forward to that one. The producers are ruining the character scruffy

He usually talks slow but in this episode he spoke at the same speed as the rest when he served Preacher Bot. Didn't care for that to much. I enjoy his slow 1 liners.

[Reply #49 on:]

Rebirth- Focus on Fry and Leela and everybody else (A lot of screentime for the minors aswell)
Attack of the Killer App- Focus on Fry and Leela (the boil ruined that ep)
In-A-Gadda-Da-Leela- Focus on Leela (and Zapp) and everybody else
Proposition Infinity- Focus on Bender and Amy
The Duh-Vinci Code- Focus on Fry and Professor. Thats the first time it's only been the three go on a mission
Lethal Inspection- Focus on Hermes and Bender (Hermes is not a strong character, I find this episode incredibly overrated)
The Late Philip J Fry- Focus on Fry and Leela and bender which made it a great episode
That Darn Katz!- Focus on Amy and Nibbler (The FIRST not to focus on Fry Leela or Bender) Which is why that episode was awful
A Clockwork Origin- Focus on Professor and everybody else
Prisoner of Benda- Focus on everybody (great ep) They are all needed for this ep so this one is an exception
Lrreconciliable Ndndifferences- Focus on Lrrr and everybody else
The Mutants Are Revolting- Focus on Fry and Leela and everybody else comes along for the journey
Holiday Ep- hard to classify everybody
Neutopia- Focus on everybody
Benderama- Focus on Bender everybody went to deliver the giant cream, Why?
Ghost in the Machines- Focus on Bender and fry but still a lot of screen time for the minor characters.

Now compare all the first 4 series...I thought not

Dude you are literally blinded by nostalgia, the crew was used in the exact same way for old episodes that focused on Fry, Bender and Leela. Also in Benderama it was only Fry, Leela and Bender that made the delivery. The rest of the crew was on the ship but to insinuate that this somehow takes away from the plot is just moronic. You are just flat out wrong about a huge number of the things you said. What is the point of minor characters if they don't have any screen time? You just don't know what you're talking about.

Btw That Darn Katz is a hilarious episode. People that don't like it can't get over their distaste for cat related humor. Nibbler was amazing in that episode.
And if you want to keep arguing I'll point out the countless old episodes that used the crew in the capacity you are complaining about.

[Reply #50 on:]

You say I'm moronic I say you're moronic, we both win!

Look we are never going to come to the same conclusion we are both going to stick to our own opinions no matter what.

It's like trying to convert a christian to an atheist...not gonna happen.

[Reply #51 on:]

Can't you guys discuss that in the Everything is worse now thread? Leave this to the discussion on the episode.

Okay, back on topic.

I thought this was extremely entertaining. I gave it 9/10 after one view. It had a really nice, classic vibe to it, especially in the first act with the parade. I agree with whoever that the first scene was a little too reminiscent of Neutopia, especially considering Neutopia is actually straight after this one in production order. The "Parade Parade Day" jokes were all good, there were some nice call backs (like Ben Beeler and his wife, who previously only appeared in a deleted scene in 6ACV03). Bender and Fry had a good, cute connection right from the start, reminiscent of 1ACV03. The balloon joke had me laughing out loud. I was prepared to disgust the "it sure was nice of the mayor's wife to have sex with me" line, but hell, it was funny, even though I'm a shipper. Bender dying was done a little quickly, I thought, even though I found Lynn funny. I would have liked a scene about Fry mourning him without any jokes for at least a few seconds, kind of like how they handled Fry's death in The Sting. Then again, I'm sure they had such a scene but had to cut it for time.

I liked the return of Robot Devil. Lots of nice call backs to his previous appearances, including him wanting to do song numbers. He's so darn cute. Great references to a couple of movies as well, including the Exorcist and whathaveyou. I first thought Bender was a little too quick to accept having to kill Fry, but then I realized how upset he was already, and it was weighed out in act three.

They handled the heart attack nicely, not to humorous and not to grotesque. Fry as an Amish was fun to see, plus the scene when he goes off and Bender tries to contact him was really emotional. Isn't the score at that point from some previous episode?

Bender trying to save Fry towards the end was actually really exciting. I thought the episode overall seemed pretty calm (but good), so I was surprised to see how at the edge I was when he couldn't save him. It turned out really great. The ending, with Bender going to heaven, was a little too sudden in my opinion. Then again, I can't think of a better way to end it without having the show be twenty minutes more, so maybe that was the only way.

Overall, a really good episode. This was my first view, but it's possible it was one of season six's best episodes.

[Reply #52 on:]

Can't you guys discuss that in the Everything is worse now thread? Leave this to the discussion on the episode.

Second. I've made a response to Johnnyboy and WWWH there.

Regarding this episode, I've decided the reason I liked it so much was that it's sheer continuity porn. Continuity is one of the things I really appreciate about good TV shows, and to see it faithfully serviced like the finest whore that money can only vaguely satisfy was wonderful.

[Reply #53 on:]

Mybad guys. It's just difficult to relocate a discussion when it started and is located in a certain thread.

[Reply #54 on:]

Can't you guys discuss that in the Everything is worse now thread? Leave this to the discussion on the episode.

Second. I've made a response to Johnnyboy and WWWH there.

Regarding this episode, I've decided the reason I liked it so much was that it's sheer continuity porn. Continuity is one of the things I really appreciate about good TV shows, and to see it faithfully serviced like the finest whore that money can only vaguely satisfy was wonderful.

I was really worried about this, especially concerning LI. I liked how the robot ghost stuff was put like something the regular world wasn't aware of, so it was perfectly fine that modern science rejected the thought of robot ghosts.

One thought though: Why did the Robot Devil become a ghost? Did it count like he killed himself, even though it was Bender in his body and even though it was more like sacrifice?

[Reply #55 on:]

I thought this episode was great. The feel of it reminded me of the old episodes so I loved that. The references to other episodes was used very nicely and I was so happy to see older characters return (even if they are minor). I personally like that they use minor charactors, I think it makes the episode more entertaining. This one had me laughing and I loved the fry/bender relationship.

So, all in all.. A great one for me! I can't wait to see what future episodes bring. I have a feeling this is going to be a great season. And to know after this one there will be 13 more episodes brings a great smile to my face. Can't wait for the Zoidberg/Professor episode!

[Reply #56 on:]

It was a fantastic episode tonight. 9/10. The quality of this broadcast season so far is very reassuring.

[Reply #57 on:]

Hey, Dr. Beeler is having quite a few semi-big roles this season. I love that. Four speaking appearances so far this season, as compared to two in season 4.

[Reply #58 on:]

One thought though: Why did the Robot Devil become a ghost? Did it count like he killed himself, even though it was Bender in his body and even though it was more like sacrifice?

I think it would be counted as suicide, since the body that was destroyed was technically voluntarily destroyed.

[Reply #59 on:]

Maybe I missed something in the episode, but did Hermes hear Bender say the word "limbo"?  It seemed kinda odd, like they were suggesting something there.

(Or maybe it's just Hermes' obsession with the limbo?)

I was wondering about that, too.

The Amish spaceship reminded me of this image:



I don't know what else I can add; I'll put it in my "good" category. (I have three categories for episodes: "bad", "good", and "great". I don't participate in the polls because 10 choices are too many, especially before I've seen the whole season.)

[Reply #60 on:]

7/10 for me, fellas. the plot seemed a little forced to me. i also hated the resolution. however, the plot pretty much demanded a bad resolution.

before i further my opinions, i am going to watch it a few more times.

ps: i loved the return of beeler, as well.

"paleontologists do it in the dirt. i'm a paleontologist."

[Reply #61 on:]

10/10 Classic! Just like how Benders Death would be alongside the beginning plot! Bravo to this wonderful episode! One of the Best of Season 6! Awesome Classic Feel from the old series in it! It kinds of reminds me of Season 3. Whoever made this one should make more!!!!! Fry am The Egg Man might be just as classic as this one!

[Reply #62 on:]

Even if Bender's reply to Fry were just "maybe" the ending would have been MUCH better. That's my only criticism. That was the quintessential Futurama episode - lots of heart and lots of laughs.

[Reply #63 on:]

This episode was great. Just finished watching it a few minutes ago and I was really impressed. The first act wasn't rushed or clumsy, and it followed a good design flow right from the start. Then a few quick turnarounds here and there in the second act with Preacher Bot and the seance, but still wildly funny. I was laughing in fits at some points and realized early on how much I was enjoying it. However far-fetched the idea of a ghost robot seemed to me, it was easy to move past. After all it's a cartoon SciFi comedy, and nonetheless; tastefully done.

I know I'm might be grading a bit generously but I have my convictions, so I give this episode a 9.5/10. I laughed, I was touched, I was wildly entertained, and furthermore, I can't wait to watch it again.

ALL POWER TO THE HYPNOTOAD!!

[Reply #64 on:]

One thought. When the crew comes to visit Fry in the Amish Homeworld, the first thing he does is give Leela a big hug. That was cute.

[Reply #65 on:]

if fry's comment "winter's coming" was a reference to 'game of thrones', i'd be a very happy man.

[Reply #66 on:]

One thought. When the crew comes to visit Fry in the Amish Homeworld, the first thing he does is give Leela a big hug. That was cute.

And then he asks how Scruffy's doing hahaha. I love the bromance there. They won't admit it in dialogue, but we all know they have a little thing!

if fry's comment "winter's coming" was a reference to 'game of thrones', i'd be a very happy man.

This episode was produced over two years ago, references to things that happened within that time are just coincidental.

[Reply #67 on:]

Fry as an Amish was fun to see, plus the scene when he goes off and Bender tries to contact him was really emotional. Isn't the score at that point from some previous episode?

Hey, on second viewing, that's from when Fry gets in Lake Mutagenic in 6ACV12. Not exactly the same, but reminiscent.

[Reply #68 on:]

One thought. When the crew comes to visit Fry in the Amish Homeworld, the first thing he does is give Leela a big hug. That was cute.

And then he asks how Scruffy's doing hahaha. I love the bromance there. They won't admit it in dialogue, but we all know they have a little thing!

if fry's comment "winter's coming" was a reference to 'game of thrones', i'd be a very happy man.

This episode was produced over two years ago, references to things that happened within that time are just coincidental.

the book was written a long time ago, fren. also, nerds are huge fans of the series, and nerds write futurama episodes.

[Reply #69 on:]

Game of Thrones isn't a book, flesheatingbull, A Game of Thrones is. No wonder people assume your talking about the TV series when you say the wrong title.

[Reply #70 on:]

Game of Thrones isn't a book, flesheatingbull, A Game of Thrones is. No wonder people assume your talking about the TV series when you say the wrong title.

thanks for the correction.

however, the next time you abbreviate an episode or movie title, i will call you out and be furious. no more 'tlpjf' or 'tbwabb'. SPELL IT OUT!!! ARRROOOOOO!!!

edit: also, the next time someone says 'beatles' instead of 'the beatles', i am going to be self righteous and act confused.

[Reply #71 on:]

The point of correction is that "A Game of Thrones" is one thing, "Game of Thrones" is another. Quit taking things so personal, PEEL is so much nicer when people get along.

[Reply #72 on:]

The point of correction is that "A Game of Thrones" is one thing, "Game of Thrones" is another. Quit taking things so personal, PEEL is so much nicer when people get along.

agreed. on second viewing, i absolutely loved the new episode. it could have been in the original series, and we'd never have noticed(minus the ONE bad joke, obamacare).

btw, you're alright in my book aki. unlike ikea, you are not sveedish crap.

[Reply #73 on:]

I cringed a little about the Obama care joke, then I rewinded it and played it again to be sure that's what he said. Is there some hidden joke I'm not getting, or are we to assume Obama somehow effects the health of the 31st century?

[Reply #74 on:]

I cringed a little about the Obama care joke, then I rewinded it and played it again to be sure that's what he said. Is there some hidden joke I'm not getting, or are we to assume Obama somehow effects the health of the 31st century?

yivo, i hate politics. especially american politics. thank yivo i voted for john frusciante(i only voted so we could decriminalize marijuana in Massachusetts, which passed).

[Reply #75 on:]

You know there's a politics thread?

[Reply #76 on:]

Yay! I LOVE this episode.
It very much had that classic feel to it, and I loved the callbacks and the humor, but yet it was still sweet with Bender having a realization and really showing love for Fry. *aww* I love episodes like this that have a good balance. THAT'S Futurama.
But seriously, it was very good. I LOL'd quite a bit and enjoyed the plot and the callbacks to other episodes. The Robot Devil is always good, and you can tell they really worked hard on this episode. It didn't feel like it was just thrown together like some of the other new ones.

Edit: My one complaint: ""it sure was nice of the mayor's wife to have sex with me!"
Don't think this went unnoticed, Groening!! 
PLEASE FEED THE SHIPPERS! THEY'RE STARVING TO DEATH 

[Reply #77 on:]

On second viewing, I really took a shine to how sweet and sad Bender is, in that scene when on the Amish Homeworld, and Bender tries to hug Fry but Fry (obviously) doesn't notice anything...

So fracking sad!

[Reply #78 on:]

Also it made lethal inspection a gigantic waste of animation.

I dunno, they seemed to have thought about it. While it is a little odd that Bender seemed happy to commit suicide after that episode, that's the joke. Bender only became a ghost because he killed himself. Presumably, if he is killed by something instead, he doesn't become a ghost and is unable to rebuild himself. Thus rendering him truly dead.

[Reply #79 on:]

I cringed a little about the Obama care joke, then I rewinded it and played it again to be sure that's what he said. Is there some hidden joke I'm not getting, or are we to assume Obama somehow effects the health of the 31st century?

I think that IS kind of the joke, actually. That bill alone took many decades to get to, without much substantial health care reform in the interim, and a lot of people (including, not incidentally, many Obama supporters) would consider it to be still far too little in proportion to the enormity of the problem. The idea that even a thousand years later it would STILL be the only substantive health care reform in America is pretty funny, especially with it still being referred to by its derisive 21st century nickname from the right-wing (even as it's apparently somewhat successful in saving Fry). It's a joke about the slowness of progress in American politics, and the over-reaction of people who consider what are essentially baby steps to be huge, over-reaching policy changes.

Not trying to start a political debate or anything, but I think that was the intention of the joke (from TV writers who tend to be left of center). I laughed, anyway.

And I thought this episode was great. One of the better season 6 episodes so far, IMO. The Ghostbusters bit is one of my favorite lines ever on the show.