Thoughts on The Bots and The Bees [7ACV01] WARNING-Spoilers

[on:]

Well, I don't know what to say.


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Hilarious! Wanda Sykes had an awesome role in it as Bev. And with her in the mix of sharp satire and smart/quirky humor is genius. I loved Fry's role too.   How he came up in the end was awesome, and it welded the two parts of the episode together to end a fabulous episode.

9/10

[Reply #1 on:]

Put Spoilers warning in the title SGB. Cause I ain't spoilering what I type.

I'll need to rewatch it. But I liked Ben. 'Wipe my shiny metal ass.' Ending was kinda sad though naked glowing Fry was disturbing.

[Reply #2 on:]

I can't really change the title...

[Reply #3 on:]

Put Spoilers warning in the title SGB. Cause I ain't spoilering what I type.

Also--and not to be a backseat thread-opener or anything--this puppy could use a poll, SGB. (And can't you change the topic's title just by editing your original post?)

Anyway: This episode exceeded my expectations. The Bender/Ben stuff didn't seem forced (until the ending, at least--but I like that the writers chose to poke fun at the absurdity of the situation by making Bender's anguish deliberately over-the-top and melodramatic), there were a lot of funny moments (Bev's line to a worried Ben about rust monsters eating Bender's face was probably the biggest laugh for me: so cruel, so random, so hilarious), and I like how the episode was clearly about Bender but that the other PE crew members fit naturally in the story. In particular, I liked how Leela's attitude towards Bender's parenting gradually changed, and how she stuck up for him in the end by telling URL that he was actually a good father.

I will say, though, that most of the pivotal plot-points in this episode, I saw coming from a mile away. Once Farnsworth made that comment about Ben only having one expansion slot--and once Hermes sent Fry away until someone was in need of a glowing guy--I pretty much knew how things would wind up. That's not necessarily a bad thing, mind you (though I would prefer to be surprised by a story's various twists and turns), but it's worth noting.

I'll need to rewatch this again to form a more concrete opinion, but right now I'd say it's in the 7.5/10 to 8/10 range. Bender episodes can be pretty hit or miss for me, but this one managed to pull off both the crazy robot shenanigans and the crazy robot melodrama pretty effectively.

[Reply #4 on:]

A strong start to the season for sure. I liked the mix of humor and drama. Only real complaint was that like what Gorky said, main plot points conclusions were a bit obvious, and the episode was maybe a little too fast paced.

9/10

[Reply #5 on:]

I was highly amused. The PE signal shining out across the night sky and the various characters' responses made me laugh several times. "To the employment cave!"

Though was it just me or did Bev seem a little racially charged?

And yeah, SGB if you click the button to edit your original post, it should allow you to adjust the thread title accordingly. Here there be spoilers!

[Reply #6 on:]

I tend to like Bender episodes at least with the original stuff. But I thought that this one was pretty good. Like I said I will have to rewatch it, I missed the first few minutes trying to get my TV box to work and then hobbling to my parents room to watch it. Bit it was better than I was expecting from the new stuff.

Yeah the episode definitely seemed to be to quick with development and stuff, but main plot point yes were obvious but that does happen a fair bit in anything.

[Reply #7 on:]

That was the best Futurama I've seen in ages! Had a great high-energy opening, a surprisingly cute story, an almost believable technobabble explanation of how robot baby-making works, and the gags worked for the most part.

Favorite gags: female robot at the bar orders a screwdriver (I can't believe nobody's done that gag yet!) and the whole "dam/damn! grate/great!" routine. Maybe I am just in a punny mood, but those had me in stitches.

[Reply #8 on:]

This thread REALLY needs a poll -- or else start a second thread about this episode that includes a poll..

[Reply #9 on:]

Yeah, they had to cover a lot of ground in about 22 minutes of air time, so things seemed to progress pretty quickly at times.

I enjoyed Ben's attempt to bend the grate. A clear callback to the very first episode, but with a different result.

[Reply #10 on:]

Their shouldn't have to be 'spoilers' put in the title, considering that it's an ep that just aired xD

Hurr, trying now to download from the internets. Youtube people were pretty fast to try and get in on their, shut down by copyright xD

[Reply #11 on:]

Where the heck is the review thread for the other episode? Everybody besides me, stop being so lazy!

I forgot to mention: the opening caption made me lol. Good job being internet hip, writers!

[Reply #12 on:]

Did anyone else laugh at URL's moments? I found it quite hilarious!

[Reply #13 on:]

the episode was maybe a little too fast paced.

Agreed. Though, as far as pacing is concerned, I do think that the joke-per-minute rate in this episode was much higher than that of a lot of season six episodes; pretty much every joke made (and they were made rapidly) hit. In fact, though it's not like I was laughing out loud throughout the episode, I cannot think of one gag that didn't at least make me smile. I also can't think of any jokes that made me cringe or roll my eyes in disgust, so that's also a good thing.

Favorite gags: female robot at the bar orders a screwdriver (I can't believe nobody's done that gag yet!) and the whole "dam/damn! grate/great!" routine. Maybe I am just in a punny mood, but those had me in stitches.

Those were two of my favorite moments, too. Oh, and those two lady-bots were hysterical. The world needs more Yiddish robots!

[Reply #14 on:]

I had a few concerns about this episode, but I like how it turned out.  I would give this a 9/10

[Reply #15 on:]

the episode was maybe a little too fast paced.

Agreed. Though, as far as pacing is concerned, I do think that the joke-per-minute rate in this episode was much higher than that of a lot of season six episodes; pretty much every joke made (and they were made rapidly) hit. In fact, though it's not like I was laughing out loud throughout the episode, I cannot think of one gag that didn't at least make me smile. I also can't think of any jokes that made me cringe or roll my eyes in disgust, so that's also a good thing.

Oh yeah, I guess I made it sound like I didn't like the pacing, it was more of an off comment than anything.

[Reply #16 on:]

Oh, I definitely appreciated the rate of joke delivery. I was afraid to putz around on the internet during commercial breaks because I might miss a few seconds, and would thus miss a hilarious joke.

[Reply #17 on:]

That was great! I loved the intro with the Batman-style spotlight in the sky, and Amy robbing Randy.
Lots of good jokes throughout, and the story was good (although nowhere near the level of Jurassic Bark and similar episodes.)
Also, I loved the science behind robot reproduction.

I might need to see it a second time, but my first impression is a 9/10

Now for 7ACV02...

[Reply #18 on:]

Great Episode! Seeing how Bender and Ben got closer was great! I also liked how Fry got so addicted to Slurm Loco! Very Funny Moments too! I LOVED how it started to get very touching moments as Ben started to grow up! Overall, I loved the entire episode from start to finish! Great way to start off!

10/10 !

[Reply #19 on:]

Though was it just me or did Bev seem a little racially charged?

It's not just you. It caused me to cringe a couple of times.

I was a little scared when I first learned about the plot of this episode, but I was pleasantly surprised. It was hilarious and lighthearted, and the ending was almost as depressing and touching as the end of TKoS. Definitely a strong start.

Solid 8/10.

[Reply #20 on:]

Thank you, caffeineaddict. I'm glad I'm not alone. I thought it was a little cringeworthy.

[Reply #21 on:]

This was a rather great episode to start the season off with! 

With pretty good jokes (I personally enjoyed the opening with Amy stealing Randy's car and all) Wanda Sykes was pretty funny too, her sassy role fits. Having another look into Fry's disturbing Slurm addiction was...interesting. 

I also loved the ending, that really made me shed a tear.

All in all, I have to give episode a 9/10 score. (Great to have something new to look foreward to on the weekdays)

[Reply #22 on:]

Another thing I might add: Farnsworth was just absolutely brilliant.

"I hate to crush a boy's dreams... but what the heck!"

And the way he took off Ben's head with the chainsaw. 

[Reply #23 on:]

Maaan, I hate Wanda Sykes/Sikes/Whatever...other than that, this was a tremendous episode. Gonna watch it again before rating.

[Reply #24 on:]

I watched that chainsaw scene and thought "That seemed unnecessary". But hey, he's a senile amoral crackpot. Let him saw a little bit, even if he could just use an access door. He's earned it.

[Reply #25 on:]

I liked it, but I'm not in love with it just yet. 6/10 for my first viewing (that's not a bad thing!).

[Reply #26 on:]

I liked the episode, I kind of wish the ending had a better cap on it.  Also fucking Community has warped my mind that I was so positive that older Ben was voiced by Donald Glover. I hope Ben shows up again, this episode was kind of a downer (but I mean that in the most lenient way).

I voted an 8 but it's more like a 7.8.

(I'm LOVING this second episode).

[Reply #27 on:]

I liked this episode. It was solid and made me laugh, so all in all a good episode. Probably the weaker of the two episodes for me, but definitely more enjoyable then a few of the episodes from Season 6. It feels like the show is hitting its stride once again. Seeing as we all like to deal in numbers, I'll give it an 8/10.

It also looks like LaBarbara is being unfaithful to Hermes again, if Barbados Slim's cameo at the start is anything to judge by.

[Reply #28 on:]

Great way to start the new season.  Ahh so much to process!  The URL/Bev pairing was a pleasant surprise and I loved his line, "Lets just get out of here."  The intro sequence was so amazing, especially the warp speed shift over to the PE ship being eaten by a spider.  "No time for that, the Professor needs us!"

Solid 8/10.

[Reply #29 on:]

for both episodes:

those episodes were terrible. i want to complain however way i can! Fry saved the show for me with his pantsless antics. i hated the ending of the 2nd episode but liked the beginning. i can never be a Futurama fan. i might not be supporting the show anymore too

0.5/10

[Reply #30 on:]

Just out of curiosity, what would you rate below 5% because that's really low.

[Reply #31 on:]

the 1st episode was just boring. the story was weak. it wasn't funny at all. i hated the ending for that episode too.

the 2nd was just chaos & unfunny humor.

my favorite show...making me want to cry right now.

[Reply #32 on:]

Though was it just me or did Bev seem a little racially charged?

It's not just you. It caused me to cringe a couple of times.

This is the sole reason it gets a seven from me, rather than an eight. A solid season opener, this one had good pacing, some great comedy, a little pathos, and managed to sell me on the concept of robots mating to produce more robots than factories alone can churn out (although it does make me wonder if most of those robots won't be rather useless - and also, who the hell owns them?) as well as providing the disturbing revelation that a robot can be circumcised more than once. Thanks for that, Futurama writers.

The introductory sequence was wonderful. So much crammed into a few seconds. I'm thinking that this should be a good season.

[Reply #33 on:]

Amazed no one's mentioned the opening caption yet. I love the level of awareness there!

I'll admit I groaned upon hearing this episode's plot, but they handled it very well, explained away all my concerns and kept me laughing the entire way through. Opening sequence was a particular standout, though the chase at the end was pretty great, too. Overall, a strong premiere. I'd say it's somewhere between a 7 and an 8 for me.

[Reply #34 on:]

I'm glad they explained it thoroughly.

Too bad the opening caption ruined Futurama forever.

[Reply #35 on:]

Jesus Christ on a popsicle stick, just the thought of DXC or other staff members looking for feedback here is killing me. I can't believe that people have such high standards! (especially Unmentionable) This episode had so many great one liners, and who can forget the robot sex ed tape?

Did anyone else die of laughter when the narrator said: "The best you can get is Francine."?


Edit: Thanks Mongo.

[Reply #36 on:]

I can't believe that people have such low standards! (especially Unmentionable)

[grammar nazi]I think you mean "ridiculously high standards"[/grammar nazi]

[Reply #37 on:]

Loved the episode, hate Wanda.  Hope we never see/hear from her again.....

8/10

[Reply #38 on:]

8/10, I would say. I went into this episode not really knowing what to expect, and I was pleasantly surprised by the result.

The plot was well-driven and strong, if a bit fast-paced. The jokes for the most part were quite good-the show still has that biting, dry humor that made people like it in the first place. There was a very glowing review for this episode on the "Pre-Season 7" board, and while it wasn't quite as good as that review made it out to be, it definitely stood on its own. This one was definitely more well-rounded than many Bender-centered episodes are. So while they didn't absolutely hit it out of the park, it was a solid start to the season.

[Reply #39 on:]

There were so many funny jokes in this episode that reading through this thread reminded me of several that I forgot between watching it several hours ago and coming here to post about it.

This was definitely a stronger season opener than Neutopia (but I guess Neutopia wasn't actually supposed to be a season opener, since it's 6ACV20 and all). I really loved the whole opening sequence and the robo-sex ed filmstrip.

I wasn't so sure about the whole premise, but it ended up being handled pretty well and then ending was emotional enough (I mean, it was no Jurassic Bark or Luck of the Fryrish, but it didn't feel lame or forced or anything like that).

Overall I'd give it a 7.5/10 and round it up to an 8 for the poll.