Futurama is a science-fiction animated series that is situated in the future. The pilot episode, entitled Space Pilot 3000, revolves mainly around the theme of time travel. The episode starts with Philip Fry accidentally being cryogenically frozen. He is then "fast-forwarded" to the future.
From the 21st century, after a a blink of an eye (in Fry's perspective), he is now in the 31st century. We see a drastic change from the past society and the future society. Before, cars traveled by land, now we see cars hovering in tubes. There are also alien life forms and even suicide booths for those who were fed up with what life has to offer. Everything was so amusing for Fry at first...until he was being chased by a police officer.
This police officer was trying to implant what you call a career chip. This determines what life path you will take. It's a take it or leave it situation. You either accept the fate given to you or you can head on over to the suicide booth to take your life. This was a disadvantage among all the wonderful things that happened to the future.
The episode is a reflection of our expectations of the future. And we all know how the saying goes "Expect the unexpected". We all hope ambitiously for the future. We hope to have teleportation devices, flying cars, a solution to global warming, etc. Like us, the creators of this show also had expectations for the future, which was exemplified through the new inventions. But we cannot avoid the fact that not all changes are for the better. Right now, we are free to choose what path to take in life, but in the show, it is seen that your future is imposed on you. Something we didn't expect to happen, but did.
Futurama as a whole is a real eye-opener to be really cautious of what we wish for. And be aware that all things have consequences to them. On the lighter note, the show is very humorous and it is very enjoyable to watch. At first glance, it may only bring a light message, but when analyzed thoroughly you will be able to see how deep it can get.
Mayumi Katrina B. Rix
2013-14322
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