That's Lobstertainment!
| "That's Lobstertainment!" | |
|---|---|
| Futurama episode | |
| Episode no. |
Season three Episode 8 |
| Directed by | Bret Haaland |
| Written by | Patric M. Verrone |
| Production code | 3ACV08 |
| Original air date | February 25, 2001 |
| Opening caption | "Deciphered From Crop Circles" |
| Opening cartoon | "Box Car Blues" (1930) |
| Guest actors | |
|
Hank Azaria as Harold Zoid | |
"That's Lobstertainment!" is the eighth episode in season three of Futurama. It originally aired on February 25, 2001.
Plot
After a disastrous attempt at stand-up comedy, Dr. Zoidberg informs the crew that his uncle, Harold Zoid, was a star in the silent hologram era. Zoidberg writes to his uncle, asking for help with his comedy act. The washed-up Harold Zoid sees this as an opportunity to restart his career. The crew sets off for Hollywood.
While taking a bus tour of movie stars' homes, Bender leaves the tour, and scams his way into employment as Calculon's water heater. Shortly afterward, Zoidberg meets his uncle in a fancy restaurant. Harold Zoid tells him to give up comedy, because he would be perfect for drama, leading him to tell him that he needs Zoidberg to finance a drama to the tune of a million dollars. Bender tells Calculon that he can star in the movie if he provides the production money. Calculon initially refuses on account of disliking the font, but after learning Harold Zoid wrote the script, and getting a guarantee from Bender that he will win an Oscar, he accepts.
The film, The Magnificent Three, is a story about a son (the Vice-President of Earth) not wanting to follow in his father's (the President of Earth) footsteps. Unfortunately, the movie is terrible, and at the premiere, the entire audience walks out. Furious, Calculon threatens to kill Bender, Zoidberg, and Harold Zoid if they cannot find some way to get him an Oscar. After failing to convince Calculon to act better, they all agree that the best way would be to rig the awards. Meanwhile, Leela and Fry are busy attempting to free their ship from the La Brea Tar Pits.
When the awards reach the Best Actor award, Dr. Zoidberg tosses presenter Billy Crystal off the stage and takes his place. In place of the fifth nominee, he substitutes Calculon. But when he sees his uncle's depression at being a has-been, Zoidberg announces him as the winner. Calculon, somewhat chastened by Harold Zoid's acceptance speech, decides not to kill him or the others. Fry and Leela eventually escape from the tar pits and are allowed to enter the after party when the caveman's skeleton they are dragging is recognized as that of Sylvester Stallone.
Broadcast and reception
In the DVD commentary, the producers mention that this is considered by fans to be the worst episode of the series. In its original airing the episode was ranked 79th for the week with a 4.8 rating/8 share.[1]
References
- ↑ "U.S. Primetime TV Ratings For The Week Of February 19 – 25, 2001". 2001-02-27. Retrieved 2007-07-05.
External links
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