Futurama Season 13: A Blend of Satire and Sci-Fi
Futurama has always had a unique way of blending humor with social commentary. The show, which is a comedy at its core, often highlights how life in the future isn’t that different from today. Since its revival on Hulu, many episodes have taken a hyper-topical approach, parodying current events and trends. However, this hasn’t always been successful, as some episodes felt outdated by the time they aired.
Seasons 11 and 12 of Futurama tackled topics like Amazon, streaming TV, the pandemic, cancel culture, cryptocurrency, NFTs, and chatbots. Season 13 continues this trend, but with a more balanced approach. While it still includes cultural satire, it also features character-driven episodes that help restore the show’s groove.
One standout episode from season 13 is “The World is Hot Enough,” which addresses global warming and our collective inaction. This theme was previously explored in an episode from 2002 titled “Crimes of the Hot,” which even featured Al Gore. Another episode, “Scared Screenless,” comments on children’s screen addictions, while “Murderoni” parodies the Pizzagate conspiracy theory.
Not every episode in season 13 followed this pattern. The season was more balanced than previous ones, offering a mix of current event lampooning and character-based storytelling. This shift might indicate a return to the show’s roots.
The Season Finale: “The White Hole”
The season finale, “The White Hole,” was particularly strong. Written by Patric Verrone, who has been with the show since its inception in 1999, the episode explores the concept of white holes—hypothetical phenomena that are the opposite of black holes. In the episode, the Planet Express crew embarks on a mission to observe a white hole that is the birthplace of a new universe.
Many Futurama writers have a deep passion for science and technology. Co-creator David X. Cohen has a background in physics and computer science, while writer Ken Keeler holds a Ph.D. in mathematics. This scientific foundation often influences the show’s sci-fi elements.
“The White Hole” draws inspiration from real scientific theories, making it more akin to Star Trek than South Park. The episode sees the Planet Express crew boldly going where no one has gone before.
Exploring Time and Cloning
The white hole expedition comes with complications. The hole emits chronitons, particles that speed up the flow of time. Getting too close means millions of years could pass for the crew while only minutes go by outside the hole. This concept is similar to the time dilation in “Interstellar.”
“The White Hole” builds on a previous Futurama episode, “Time Keeps on Slippin’,” which also involved chronitons. The episode features Harlem Globetrotter/super-scientist Bubblegum Tate, played by Phil LaMarr. Unlike its predecessor, however, “The White Hole” doesn’t feel like a lazy retread.
To navigate the chronitons, the Planet Express crew enters cryogenic hibernation. This concept is reminiscent of the original “Planet of the Apes.” During their journey, the ship is equipped with a 3D printer-like device that creates clones of the crew to handle tasks. These clones, however, only last two minutes before disintegrating.
The second half of the episode follows these clones tending to the ship across millions of years. This subplot explores the ethics and comedy of cloning, touching on themes found in films like “Moon” and “Mickey 17.” While the concept may be familiar, the execution is uniquely Futurama.
Humor and Politics
The episode also includes a clever political joke. Early in the episode, Professor Farnsworth (Billy West) mentions convincing President Richard Nixon’s head (also West) to send them on the mission. The scene cuts to Farnsworth dropping a sack of money on Nixon’s Resolute Desk.
While topical humor has a place in Futurama, the show shines brightest when it embraces its sci-fi roots. With season 14 on the horizon, fans hope the show continues to deliver its best and most fantastical episodes.
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