Futurama Romance?

[on:]

Well, I've been WATCHING Futurama for a long time, but it took a lot of boredom to come to a message board. I never realized that there would be followers of futurama that called themselves shippers like with pokemon. (Yeah I know, I'm a geek).

Here's the thing--I pray that if by some miracle Futurama continues that there will never be an open relationship between anyone on the show. I mean, open romance ruins EVERY SHOW, and usually only happens in desperation. And once two people are together, you get, "okay, what now?" plots. It didn't count with Fry and Amy because they broke up in one day.

Now--the hints are still all right--but I don't think that Leela and Fry would be that great for each other in any case--it's like I think they're cute together--but I think their personalities are incompatible.

I'm not sure if this goes in this topic or the human resources one. lo siento.

Ah well. I'm probably the only person on earth who would want to keep most romances off of TV. Or at least until the dead last episode.

[Reply #1 on:]

I dont think that there will ever be a true romance on the show. I think that they will all last about an episode long.

[Reply #2 on:]

You're right, if Futurama continued, making Leela and Fry officially an item would have been a mistake. The way I see it, however, the best thing would be to build up from where it is at this point (no relationship beyond friendship, but they're well aware of the fact that they care for each other deeply, as well as the fact that Fry is madly in love with Leela and Leela is slowly but surely falling for Fry) to a sort of "unofficial relationship" - no steady dating or engagement or (God forbid) marriage, but very much in love and quite open about it with each other. The Leela/Fry relationship has always been a running sideplot, and keeping it as a running sideplot while gradually developing it and keeping it fresh would be the best course of action.

[Reply #3 on:]

I actually think they've maybe already overdone the Fry and Leela stuff a little.  There's already been several episodes on it, and I think they're starting to push the limits of how much importance it can have in the series.  Its definetely a good aspect of the show, but its one of many aspects that make it the great show it is, and shouldn't be the focus.  Also agreed that if the show continued it would probably ruin it to have them actually "get together" in anything other then the final episode, since relationships (other then maybe minor stuff like Kif and Amy) is Jump the Shark on most shows.

[Reply #4 on:]

*blinks* romance......bad? but...but...romance good!

[Reply #5 on:]

Yes, on most shows. But, come to think of it, name one show that has a staff as brilliant as the Futurama staff. You have to admit it - they are simply amazing. If anyone could pull off an on-going romance between two main characters without ruining the show, it would be the Futurama writers.

[Reply #6 on:]

I think the only way that leela and fry could be written into the show (well) is to be in the last episode. These last few episodes have been leading up to that Finale.

[Reply #7 on:]

if i could have my way, they would get together during the middle of the last season. getting them together is good, but i wanna see them together. At least for a couple of eps.

[Reply #8 on:]

I guess in a way there kinda together at the moment,

[Reply #9 on:]

 

Originally posted by Anarchist:
Yes, on most shows. But, come to think of it, name one show that has a staff as brilliant as the Futurama staff. You have to admit it - they are simply amazing. If anyone could pull off an on-going romance between two main characters without ruining the show, it would be the Futurama writers.

Well, some of the older Simpsons staffs I guess....you have a point though.  If anyone could pull it off, it would be them.  But still, it would dangerous water to tread.  I know there are already some fans out there (maybe not at PEEL) that are already getting a little annoyed with the romance aspect, and of course Futurama isn't exactly a show that gets top ratings to begin with (even if it is largely Fox's fault).

[Reply #10 on:]

You mean old simpson writers like ken keeler, matt groening and david x cohen.

[Reply #11 on:]

Well yes, but there are other great writers and producers from the older days, like Jon Vitti, Sam Simon, James L. Brooks, John Swartzwelder, Mike Reiss, Al Jean, Greg Daniels, Bill Oakley, Josh Weinstein, David Mirkin, Jay Kogen, Wallace Walladarsky....

even some of the newer writers I suppose, like (ta da) J. Stewart Burns (he wrote the season finale, Moe Baby Blues, which has to be the best episode in years).

[Reply #12 on:]

If by some miracle Futurama was revived on TV, I wouldn't be adverse to seeing Fry and Leela together on a more romantic level.  Opposites attract, you know, and the momentum is working in Fry's favor.

For one thing, it doesn't have to stay that way, or even be a open relationship like Homer and Marge.  I mean, this is a sci-fi show; there's always an escape through a flimsy pretext, just like the F-Ray.

[Reply #13 on:]

It's all up to the last episode to decide whether the relationship episodes between fry and leela were worthwhile...

[Reply #14 on:]

Shippers? I dont want to see them together, I want a tragic romance where leela just cant lower herself to fry's level.

[Reply #15 on:]

I defientely like the romantic aspect of Futurama, it's part of what make this show great. But it would be nice if other relationships would get a little more attention, and then let the Leela/Fry thing take the backseat for a while. After all it's only possible to do so many "Fry show Leela how he feels, and make a fool of himself/come of as a nice guy" episodes without it looking like over kill, and Fry start coming of as pathetic. Maybe let the (I know it's academic, but let's pretend our opinions actually matter) relationship slip into the background for the time being, and get some crazy episodes on the air. Or how about knocking the season average of Amy/Kif episodes up to 2? It would be nice to focus on them as a couple in an episode or two.

[Reply #16 on:]

I don't like to see too many episodes fully devoted to romance. I'd prefer to see the romance be shown as a running sideplot throughout the season, as I've said before. You know, sort of like the Amy/Kif romance is, but more visible. I'd prefer to see episodes never really FOCUS on the romance, unless it's a key episode like The Sting.  By "running sideplot", I mean sort of like "Xmas Story" and "Love and Rocket" - the Fry/Leela romance wasn't the focus of that episode, but it was definately there. Making too many episodes devoted fully to romance WOULD be overkill.

[Reply #17 on:]

I think they need to continue the Fry/Leela romance until they have some sort of final button for it, like in the last ep. They shouldn't really become a couple, but we should just know that they're happy and in love or something. I don't really see it as overkill because the whole series has been kind of leading up to it. And the synopsis for 'The Devil's Hands are Idle Playthings' sounds as if that is what they will do. The synopsis reads(in case there are any geeks here who haven't read it yet):
"Fry cuts a deal with the devil which allows him to acquire the skills needed to show Leela that he loves her."
So, yeah. That's probably what they'll do.

[Reply #18 on:]

 

Originally posted by grunka_lunka:
The synopsis reads(in case there are any geeks here who haven't read it yet):
"Fry cuts a deal with the devil which allows him to acquire the skills needed to show Leela that he loves her."
So, yeah. That's probably what they'll do.

Maybe, maybe not. I doubt that it would this simple...
 

[Reply #19 on:]

 

Originally posted by Gocad:
 Maybe, maybe not. I doubt that it would this simple...
   

I doubt it too. For a while, I thought "The Sting" would be mainly about Leela adopting a space bee, and no one really knows what the hell's gonna happen in "The Farnsworth Parabox."

Besides that, Fry and Leela might not end up together. The same thing (sans the devil) happened in "Parasites Lost", and they're still not together.

[Reply #20 on:]

 

Besides that, Fry and Leela might not end up together. The same thing (sans the devil) happened in "Parasites Lost", and they're still not together.

That would be a downer.

I like the romance aspect, as long as it isn't in every episode.

I disagree about Amy and Kiff though. I never found Amy funny and Kiff is only funny when he is paired with Zap.

[Reply #21 on:]

 

Originally posted by ShadowFox:
I disagree about Amy and Kiff though. I never found Amy funny and Kiff is only funny when he is paired with Zap.

I agree; Kif hasn't suffered enough in recent episodes.  The essence of comedy is someone else's pain, after all.  Forget romance, we need more anguish and tragedy... now THAT'S funny.

[Reply #22 on:]

I agree with Anarchist in his points.  What I'd like to see is not a romance where they're mad about each other, but like a side romance.  Not if they're all "kissy-kissy", that sucks.  Besides, the staff won't ruin the show if they get together.  What I'd really LIKE to see is them getting together in a movie.  That would rock.  I think the KIf/ Amy romance is not as big and should be a side plot because we know they like each other.  Anyway, sweet moments with Fry and Leela would be best, either in a movie or in the few last eps.

[Reply #23 on:]

I think that you could have a Fry/Leela romance work, as others have said, as a more off to the side subject.  As I picture it, yes they would be in love with one another, but that still wouldn't prevent Fry from doing stupid stuff sometimes, and Leela would still be herself, ie. yelling at Fry when he does his stupid stuff.  I just think that in the case of romance, they would each be more forgiving of the other's faults, but would still push each buttons on occasion.

[Reply #24 on:]

I don't think it would work if Fry and Leela actually get together.

The show would lose all trace of unresolved sexual/romantic tension between them. They're together, nothing is uncertain. We've lost a major source of jokes and plotlines. Fry's clumsy attempts to win Leela can be rally funny, I've yet to see a show based on couples humor that even come close to rival the hillarity of Futurama.

Secondly, this will be a big thing, major, the biggest thing to happen in the history of Futurama. This will force the direction of both characters. All actions will be judged in light of their relationship, in short they will lose their freedom to "act". Will Fry be able to continue doing stupid and crazy things, without we have to see Leela berate him every time they "get home"? Will Leela be able to use brute force without Fry intervening and signing her up for anger management? etc. I don't think we will.

Lets keep Fry and Leela where they are (relationship wise), as I think their friendship is an invaluable part of the show. Pushing the romance subplot a bit to the side will be a good move right about now, give way for some fullblown wckiness. I have a feeling the "Farnsworth Parabox" might just be it.

[Reply #25 on:]

I would agree if we were getting more seasons. But since it is ending soon, the last episode should definately have them get together.

[Reply #26 on:]

Well, at least its alright for Amy and Kiff. But it would be a nice end if Fry and Leela were to get together, especially when you see how hard Fry tries and wants to be with her. For example 'In Time Keeps on slipping' and especially in 'Parasites Lost' when Fry and Leela finally get together, but Fry is unsure who Leela is attracted to, him or the parasites. 

[Reply #27 on:]

well i like romance in futurama but not overdone, its good to see it once in a while.
i agree that the last episod will have to be the one to tie things up and it should be at least i hr long.

[Reply #28 on:]

 

Originally posted by Squeezit:
I never realized that there would be followers of futurama that called themselves shippers like with pokemon. (Yeah I know, I'm a geek).

Actually, "shippers" is a widely recognised term (at least in fan followings). Especially in Star Trek, there are people who very much root for certain relationships to be explored.

Should there ever be another series or movie of Futurama, I believe the move taken is the "have your cake and eat it too" device.  . What if Fry and Leela do fall in love and go out, but soon after Leela is killed/trapped and replaced by an identical (but non-infatuated-with-Fry) Leela? It would drive the 'shippers mad, I know, and I'll probably be lynched just for suggesting it  .

[Reply #29 on:]

Yeah, i'd rather see Fry still trying to win over Leela up until the end. I've always liked the kind of bond between them, with Fry's unlimited devotion to her and her more subtle affection (at first just tolerance) towards him as well, so well examined in "The Sting".
In the end, she should admit her feelings for him. That's how it should end. Going any further would be to much; most fans of the Fry/Leela romance would be satisfied by that.

[Reply #30 on:]

Eh, the Amy/Kif relationship is tons more interesting.

Besides, Fry striking out with Leela is like Charlie Brown trying to kick the football.  Do you really want to see him kick the football, or would you rather see Lucy pull it away, every time?  Even the single time she didn't pull it away Charlie Brown still missed.  What would happen if he did kick it?  What then?  Where could you go from there?  You couldn't.

[Reply #31 on:]

I wonder if it would be a Hit-Or-Miss if the final episode ended with a sort of ending where they show the characters in a freezeframe and a scroll at the bottom says what happens to them?

[Reply #32 on:]

Even if they don't start dating, they could still have a little "fun" now and then on those long trips, right?

[Reply #33 on:]

I would have Fry chasing Leela until the end, then at the end of the final episode you could have them getting together. You could have them get together in the Anthlogy if Interests episodes.

[Reply #34 on:]

 

Originally posted by Walshyboy:
You could have them get together in the Anthlogy if Interests episodes.

What a great idea!  Why didn't the writers think of that?

[Reply #35 on:]

 

Originally posted by ShadowFox:
I would agree if we were getting more seasons. But since it is ending soon, the last episode should definately have them get together.

I agree.
Although I'd prefer it, if they'd end the final episode a bit unclear.
So that, in case there will be no more Futurama, the shippers (including myself) could be happy, but if there would be some sort of continuation the writers wouldn't be traped with a couple.
Which, as said before, would ruin one of the best things on Futurama.

[Reply #36 on:]

I think a movie would totally do it, because I do like seeing Fry trying to win her over.  I agree with you, Adam.  Still, the last ep or movie should basically end on a shippy note, just to leave a good ending. 

Spacepilot, that may be a good idea, but that would make me sad as well as everyone here.  Knowing the writers, they'll do it right.

Nixorbo, I think the Kif/ Amy romance is BOOOORGING. (No offense, it's just my opinon).  I believe I posted else where that the Fry and Leela romance is so powerful to us shippers, well to me at least, because Fry and Leela are a perfect match.  Kif and Amy- well, I just don't feel the same way.  They do make a good pair though.

[Reply #37 on:]

The reason Fry and Leela is perfect for each other is because it's built into their characters. From the very start the unresolved sexual/romantic tension between the two characters was a central part of the shows running plotline. And it wouldn't work, unless everybody could see the two characters was destined for eachother.

The Amy/Kif relationship was made more as an afterthought, and a direct result of a quick joke on "A Flight To Remember". Yet, the relationship worked pretty great, and is now the driving force behind both Amy and Kif's development as characters. Additionally it isn't overdone like Fry and Leela threaten to be at times.

So as an late addition I think the Amy/Kif thing work great, and would like to see an episode devoted to them as a couple. The cameo in "That's Lobstertainment" was neat though.

[Reply #38 on:]

Well i think somethings got to happen beteewn leela and fry remember the 'other' comment when fry mentioned leela in 'the why of fry'?

[Reply #39 on:]

Yea, Teral, I totally agree.  That's what makes it such a good story.  I like Amy and Kif as a side plot.  (You may have guessed that I'm not Amy's biggest fan).  It all has to do with destiny, and stuff.