Futurama Season 11 Episode 10 Review: All the Way Down

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 10, “All the Way Down,” is a great way to end the season, as its handling of simulation theory is unique, clever, and funny — with some earnest, heartfelt emotions. 

This episode, written by Matt Groening, David X. Cohen, and Shirin Najafi, contains simulated versions of the Planet Express crew and complex science that gives Professor Farnsworth the chance to shine.

But what sells this season finale is the focus on the relationships between the characters.

“All the Way Down” features plenty of unique animation styles, including the original iteration of the simulation. Even though they are simply blocks, the colors are distinguishable enough from one another that we can still tell which one is each character.

Also, the animators have made clear distinctions between the (supposedly) real characters and their simulated versions, using faint glowing outlines that are noticeable enough but not distracting.  

The concept of people not knowing they’re in a simulation is fascinating and relevant, considering that some people think we are in a simulation. 

The Planet Express crew’s reaction to the possibility of being in a simulation is relatable. While they’re undoubtedly curious, they also don’t want to know, as this could affect their daily lives. 

This episode features much of the quirky humor for which Futurama is best known. Some of the jokes land better than others, although at least the jokes are always in line with the characters’ personalities. 

Additionally, there’s a Black Mirror-like quality to this episode, as it features simulations and advanced technology that could (and just may) go wrong. One could also see references to Inception during this episode, with its never-ending simulations and “Benders all the way down.”

Fortunately, instead of stealing from these stories, the writers use them as inspiration, leading to an amusing and unique exploration of simulations and advanced technology. 

This innovation can also be seen in the unique visuals throughout the episode, especially in the ending sequence. The animators have made something different and memorable, creating new ways to enjoy Futurama. 

As we’ve seen throughout this season, the beloved characters of Futurama have received plenty of chances to shine. On this episode, Professor Farnsworth gets to exercise his scientific muscles. 

It’s always interesting when the Professor comes up with a new invention or type of technology, and it’s fascinating when this technology becomes the central point of an episode, as it does here. 

The Professor’s decision to drill into a pipe would anger environmentalists — including Leela, who at least used to care about the environment. However, he has never really cared about what environmentalists thought. 

Also, the significance of Bender’s ass is mentioned, and we even get to see him twerking, eliciting Farnsworth’s compliment. While we haven’t heard his most famous phrase, we at least spend some time on Bender’s relationship with his favorite body part. 

This episode could be akin to Futurama Season 4 Episode 8, “Godfellas,” in that both episodes have Bender as a god-like creature — although, in this instance, he is the only one who sees himself as a god. 

What makes “All the Way Down” solidify itself as a memorable Futurama season finale is the focus on Fry and Leela, who we’ve seen become more comfortable as a couple this season. 

While those two probably aren’t on this episode as much as Bender or the Professor, there are a handful of moments given to their relationship — including (and especially) the ending slow-motion animation of them about to kiss. The “Space Italy” segment that centers on Fry and Leela is quite clever, albeit perhaps a bit too short.

Then again, that wouldn’t have left a lot of time for the rest of the plot. 

Also, Leela mentions the need to give the simulated Fry and Leela privacy when getting intimate; this indirectly references Futurama Season 10 Episode 2, “Fry and Leela’s Big Fling.” 

Overall, this episode is an excellent way to end the season. While not every episode has been great, it has overall been strong, mainly when focusing on what makes the characters and their relationships tick. 

Stray Observations:

• The pixelated opening is a clever diversion, which might make the viewer assume that’s how the entire episode will appear. 
• Farnsworth jokes about the robot planet and Dr. Zoidberg being made up when we know they’re real; this is in line with the Professor’s clueless moments. 
• The Professor’s line about being a “scientist, not a politician” is perhaps one of the episode’s funniest lines. 
• Bender randomly quotes  Shakespeare when he says, “If you prick me, do I not bleed?” This aligns with his previous attempts and desire to speak in an elevated language. 
• As the Planet Express ship dives deep into the ground, we glimpse the Land Titanic, among others. This season has been full of fun little Easter eggs that Futurama diehards should appreciate. 

—

What did you think of this episode of Futurama? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Critic Rating:

User Rating:

 

All episodes of Futurama Season 11 are now streaming on Hulu.

 Follow us on Twitter and on Instagram!

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!

What to Watch on TV: The Irrational, Reservation Dogs, and Gen V