We were all waiting for the return of Futurama as it was cruelly cancelled, we got the films and we got some reprieve in that but what we really wanted was a new series. And here it is. Finally. But the first few episodes have been hit and miss and this has left a few disheartened, I can't see how anyone would feel that way after watching this episode though.
Futurama's most important quality is that it can tug the heartstrings as well as cause a good old fashioned belly laugh. This episode has both of these qualities and the ending, like most really great episodes in this series, was able to be emotionally satisfying without being to saccharine, it felt honest and sweet and I loved it.
Although I was surprised that the two characters to cause such an emotional response were Bender and Hermes but that was the joy of the episode really, developing both characters to an extent and making it enjoyable (because everyone knows an episode with Bender focus is awesome).
What really surprised me about this episode (apart from the ending which I refuse to spoil) is the look at mortality. This episode looks from Bender's point of view as he realises (to his utter shock) that he is in fact mortal and therefore at one point will die. He asks the questions that you do when you realise this, "Why was I brought on to this planet only to die?", it's so tragic and heartbreaking, one particular scene in which he actually breaks down doesn't feel forced at all and actually purely emotional (once more without being uncomfortable). Of course he learns the lesson we all do which is that life is precious and although it ends we have to learn to experience and enjoy it for it's faults, Hermes actually helps him with this, as I previously said I was shocked how much I really liked Hermes in this episode.
So yes, to those disheartened by the new material released by Futurama, watch this episode and have your faith restored.
