The world of touring music offers a unique balance between artists who are promoting new material and those who are considered legacy artists, still drawing in large crowds by playing from their much-loved catalog. While no artist wants to be labeled as a “legacy artist,” it doesn’t mean that these artists aren’t still creating good music. They simply understand what their fans want and deliver it to them.
One prime example of a legacy artist in the entertainment industry is the animated comedy series, Futurama. Originally canceled by Fox in 2003, the show was revived through a series of feature-length installments and a regular run on Comedy Central that concluded in 2013. However, even after its final run, the love for the show from its devoted fanbase led to yet another revival, this time on Hulu.
The decision to bring back Futurama for another season was heavily influenced by online outrage from fans regarding stalled contract talks. The fans played a significant role in ensuring that all the stars of the show returned for this latest revival. Thus, the first six episodes of the new season can be seen as a form of fan service, as the creators are aware that without their support, the show would have remained dormant for years.
While there may be a sense of “playing the hits” in the start of this season, it by no means diminishes the quality of the episodes. It simply shows a respectful acknowledgement of the fans’ loyalty and enthusiasm. The creators of Futurama are well aware that without their dedicated fanbase, the show would not have had the opportunity to continue for so long. A healthy dose of pandering, in this case, is a small price to pay for the continued support from fans.
Related Post
However, it is worth noting that the Comedy Central run of Futurama concluded with a powerful and emotionally satisfying episode. Fry and Leela, the show’s central characters, experienced a lifetime of solitude and happiness through a defective time-altering button. Ultimately, the episode touched on the show’s recurring themes and gave viewers a sense of closure. With the new season, this sense of closure is undone, and the show goes back to its classic formula.
The premiere episode of the new season, titled “The Impossible Stream,” is an example of the industry-standard format of “we were canceled, and now we’re making jokes about it!” This type of episode is not new, as many other shows have done it before. While the self-aware humor can be entertaining, it rarely feels fresh. However, the episode does offer some genuinely funny moments and provides commentary on the streaming universe, albeit in a genial and soft manner.
The subsequent episodes of the season backtrack on the Fry/Leela storyline, bringing them back to the beginning of their relationship. The goal is to give fans what they want, focusing on popular characters and callbacks to previous episodes. While this approach may seem formulaic, it is an effective way to bring viewers back into the fold and maintain their interest. Additionally, it is important to note that despite the lack of groundbreaking concepts, the episodes are still enjoyable and humorous.
In this initial batch of six episodes, there is a noticeable absence of memorable new characters, inspired episodic structures, or mind-bending futuristic ideas. While this may be disappointing for some fans who were hoping for fresh and innovative content, it does not diminish the quality of the episodes. Each episode still manages to make viewers smile and laugh, proving that the creators of Futurama understand their audience and can deliver a consistent level of entertainment.
In conclusion, the revival of the animated comedy series Futurama provides a balance between serving the show’s legacy and delivering content that fans crave. The creators understand the importance of their devoted fanbase and acknowledge their role in keeping the show alive. While the new season begins with familiar territory, it doesn’t detract from the overall enjoyment of the episodes. The lack of groundbreaking concepts may be disappointing to some, but it doesn’t mean that Futurama is no longer worth watching. It’s a series that continues to bring laughter and entertainment to its fans, and that is ultimately what matters most.
