Futurama Season 11 Episode 4 Review: Parasites Regained

This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.

Futurama Season 11 Episode 4, “Parasites Regained,” is a clever sequel to Futurama Season 3 Episode 4, “Parasites Lost,” — and a parody of David Lynch’s and Denis Villeneuve’s Dune films.

This episode is written by Matt Groening, David X. Cohen, and Maiya Williams. Despite the frequent Dune references, it is (at its core) about the unique relationship between Leela and Nibbler.

“Parasites Regained” showcases a new kind of technology: a shrinking ray. While this is hardly the most original of Professor Farnworth’s inventions, its simplicity helps move the story along.

As mentioned, there are numerous references to Dune, most of which are pretty obvious. There are sandworms, mentions of a “messiah,” and eyes turning orange due to glitter-like dust. 

The writers were evident in the over-pronunciation of the “dung” in the dung beetle, stretching it out to sound like “dune-gah.” Even though such overt references are probably unnecessary, the new creatures are exciting and unique. 

There are giant worms reminiscent of the creatures in the movies, yet they are used for comedic effect this time. 

Besides, this is hardly the first time the show has referenced Dune. On Futurama Season 2 Episode 11, “The Lesser of Two Evils,” we see a Miss Universe contestant named Miss Arrakis. 

Even later, on Futurama Season 9 Episode 12, “31st Century Fox,” the Planet Express crew is temporarily fitted with stillsuits seemingly identical to the ones worn by the actors in the sci-fi films.  

This outing also contains plenty of references and Easter eggs for long-time fans, such as references to Futurama Season 3 Episode 7, “The Day the Earth Stood Stupid.”

During the former episode, everyone becomes dumb except Fry, whereas in this newer episode, Nibbler is the only one who becomes dumb.

There’s a rather complicated explanation as to why they’re now making Nibbler dumb, perhaps a commentary on the complexities inherent in the Dune franchise.

These references to former episodes are woven into its parody of “Dune,” even if the parody becomes a little too gaudy and overt for its good.  

While the story gets bogged down with too many Dune references, it’s at its best when focusing on the relationship between Leela and Nibbler.

Despite his intelligence, he is still essentially a pet, curling up on Leela’s lap and purring like a cat. 

It did seem somewhat out of character for Leela to applaud Nibbler after consuming both a dog and his owner (a human), especially since we’ve typically only seen Nibbler consume non-human animals in the past. That said, Leela lets Nibbler do just about anything he wants after all the time she has spent caring for him. 

There’s also the running gag of Leela forgetting that Nibbler can talk, which is one gag that has probably run its course. 

“Parasites Regained” also contains plenty of modern references, including Fry complaining about seeing subtitles at the movies. Also, Leela and Nibbler play an advanced type of Wordle called “Quantum Wordle,” which works in the story’s context. 

Bender’s best moments are when he breaks out his tap shoes and uniform and is accompanied by a beetle voiced by Saturday Night Live‘s Ego Nwodim. 

Overall, it is a clever continuation of “Parasites Lost” that includes perhaps a few too many Dune references. But, when the episode focuses on Leela and Nibbler’s relationship, it shines the brightest. 

Stray Observations:

• Futurama diehards probably recognized the same pet human-dog owner duo from “The Day the Earth Stood Stupid.” 
• We hear Professor Farnsworth repeat one of his catchphrases, “Oh my, yes,” which feels natural in context. 
• Hermes (Phil LaMarr) is barely in the episode, just long enough to shout one of his best-known phrases, “My manwhich!”
• Zoidberg going on a brief [supposed] acid trip was one of the episode’s highlights and one that seemed too short. 
• There’s a reference to Nibbler’s supposed ability to predict the ending to any M. Night Shyamalan movie — another random pop culture reference that probably isn’t needed but is still amusing.

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