The Futurama Holiday Spectacular (“brought to you by Gunderson’s Unshelled Nuts!”) was split into three one-act stories — ala Tales of Interest and The Simpsons‘ Treehouse of Horror — which was a nice change.
I thought it was fitting the first act was devoted to XMas, which has been a part of the show since the first season. Every act had a different song devoted to its holiday, but XMas had my favorite thanks to Evil Robot Santa: “Sugarplummy visions will be dancing through your head/When I cane you from the comfort of my sled!”
Robanukah — Bender’s made up robot holiday — is another reference from the early seasons and it was fun to see it expanded. Slutty fembot petroleum wrestling doesn’t seem very kosher, but who am I to judge Fembot Ruth and Fembot Esther for their sexy religious choices?
Kwanzaa was my favorite simply for the returning characters. Barbados Slim and Bubblegum Tate were a delight (props go to the amazing Phil Lamarr for both characters), and I loved Coolio’s reprisal as rapping, wall smashing Kwanzaabot, who Hermes’ son mistook as the Kool-Aid Man. Funnily enough, the rap song he sang actually taught me a little bit about the holiday. The more you know.
Each of the stories had a slight environmental message in it. Those parts all kind of felt forced, but I think the Robanukah oil shortage worked the best. The other theme that tied all the acts together was violence, horrible violence! I am not ashamed to say I laughed when Tinny Tim got run over by President Nixon. And each story ended with everyone dying (save for Bender during Robanukah), so each holiday was equally disrespected. It’s the holiday special for people who hate holiday specials.
I’m really hoping this 3 part special becomes a yearly tradition with Futurama. A new season hasn’t been confirmed yet, but we still have thirteen episodes to go in this season. Don’t believe me? Al Gore confirmed it tonight: “Don’t worry, the Futurama crew will be back next year with all new episodes featuring Bender, Leela and me — Al Gore — as Captain Lance Starman.”
Other great quotes?
Clacked by Katie Schenkel 
on Nov 22, 2010 @ 10:14 EST5EDT
