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"Future Stock"
Futurama episode
Episode no.Season 3
Episode 21
Directed byBrian Sheesley
Written byAaron Ehasz
Production code3ACV21
Original air dateMarch 31, 2002 (2002-03-31)[1]
Episode features
Opening captionLove It Or Shove It[2]
Opening cartoon"Jingle Jangle Jungle" by Famous Studios (1950)
Episode chronology
← Previous
"Godfellas" 		Next →
"The 30% Iron Chef"
Futurama season 3
List of episodes

"Future Stock" (also known as "Futurestock"[1]) is the twenty-first and penultimate episode of the third season of the American animated television series Futurama. It originally aired on the Fox Network in the United States on March 31, 2002. The episode follows Fry, as he meets a sleazy businessman, simply known as That Guy, during a support group meeting, who later takes over Planet Express. Directed by Brian Sheesley, and written by Aaron Ehasz, the episode was well received by critics.

The episode contains multiple cultural references, notably of the 1987 film Wall Street, for which inspired the character of That Guy. That Guy's outfit was based on what series co-creator David X. Cohen thought was the average look of a businessman from the 1980s.

Plot

[edit]

At a Planet Express stockholders' meeting, Hermes and Professor Farnsworth inform the shareholders that the company is on the verge of bankruptcy and their stock is worthless. Meanwhile, Fry wanders away from the meeting in search of food and finds his way into a support group meeting for cryogenic clients who have been defrosted. Fry meets a sleazy 1980s businessman, known simply as That Guy, who froze himself while awaiting a cure for his terminal "boneitis".

When the Planet Express stockholders decide to vote on a new CEO, Fry nominates That Guy and he beats out the Professor by one vote. That Guy names Fry his new Vice Chairman, and sets out to remake Planet Express by giving it an expensive image overhaul. That Guy spends the company funds on creating the image that Planet Express is a success, despite not having made a delivery since his takeover. That Guy purchases Zoidberg's stocks for a (fresh) sandwich. They voice their concerns to Fry, who reassures them That Guy has all their interests at heart, before That Guy announces that he is selling Planet Express to Mom so she can eliminate them as competitors. Feeling guilty for letting the company go out of business, Fry vows to block the takeover. The takeover is held at the orbiting Intergalactic Stock Exchange, where all Planet Express employees vote against it, but the stock That Guy previously bought gave him a controlling interest and he outvotes them. Mom and her sons vote for the takeover and agree to buy out all outstanding shares in Planet Express at the current market price of $107 a share, which the crew discovers will make them all rich.

Before the final approval can take place, That Guy suddenly succumbs to his boneitis, having forgotten to cure the disease, and dies, leaving Fry in control of his shares. Fry then makes a speech, telling of how money is valueless compared to friendship. The crew try to stop Fry from doing the right thing and sell the company for their financial gain, but as a result of his speech, the stock price gradually crashes down until it reached $0.03 a share. Since they will all now be poor either way, Fry votes against the deal. The staff leaves to spend the weekend in disappointment over the loss of their potential wealth, with Fry content in saving Planet Express.

Production

[edit]
Aaron Ehasz (pictured) wrote the episode.[3]

"Future Stock" was directed by Brian Sheesley,[4] and written by Aaron Ehasz.[3] The voice for That Guy was provided by frequent guest actor David Herman.[5] During the commercial that Hermes presents for the stock brokers, there are two shots of a computer animated Planet Express ship. To achieve this, the animators created the model of the ship with one file, and split it into two sections, which were then added to the 2D animated sequences.[6] That Guy was originally named Steve Castle in an early draft of the episode, but it was cut for simplicity.[5] The outfit that That Guy wears throughout the episode was modeled after what series co-creator David X. Cohen thought was the average look of a 1980s businessman.[5] When Fry moons Mom, she originally responded with "You call that an anus?", but the line was cut for censorship, a decision which John DiMaggio asserts his opposition for in the episode's DVD commentary.[4][7]

To create the crowd shot during the 'Big Ape Fight' scene, the animators would draw a model of non-moving onlookers in Photoshop, and then animate the moving ones later, layering them on top of each other to look natural.[6] The writers decided to "be careful" with the stock gags shown when the Planet Express crew visit the Intergalactic Stock Exchange, as to add extra subtle jokes, particularly mocking Macintosh.[5] The animators "went out of [their] way" to add more "gizmos", to match the '1980s-esque tone of the episode.[5] While still played in a comedic sense, an original draft of the episode had the scene of That Guy succumbing to his boneitis be "more extreme".[6] Series co-creator Matt Groening said he was "incredibly confused" by the episode's ending at first, due to the complex nature of the shares plot.[8]

Cultural references

[edit]

Broadcast and reception

[edit]

"Future Stock is mostly just an excuse for jokes about how much businessmen in the ‘80s were assholes…And it’s a damn fun episode, with a terrific central villain, a smart use of Mom and her trio of idiot sons, and a modestly clever plot. This one relies on some knowledge of stock trading to really grasp its rich complexities, but fortunately…the script explains everything just as much as it needs to be explained for the plot to make sense."

—Zack Handlen's review of the episode for The A.V. Club.[9]

In its initial airing, "Future Stock" finished 94th in the Nielsen ratings among primetime shows for the week of March 25–31, 2002. It received a Nielsen rating of 2.7/6, equivalent to 4.79 million viewers.[10]

Since airing, the episode has received positive reception from critics. It was given an A by The A.V. Club. The review highlighted the death of That Guy, which it called "hilarious", and it's "gratifyingly smart" conclusion.[9]

In 2023, Vulture named "Future Stock" as the thirteenth best episode of Futurama, joking that "One day, we will find a cure for terminal boneitis".[11]

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Future Stock

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from Grokipedia
"Future Stock" is the twenty-first episode of the third season of the American animated Futurama, originally airing on on March 31, 2002. The episode was written by and directed by Brian Sheesley. In the story, delivery boy befriends a thawed-out executive from the who becomes the new CEO of the struggling Planet Express delivery company, sparking a corporate takeover battle with the villainous Mom and her robot empire. The episode satirizes 1980s corporate culture, machinations, and through exaggerated futuristic elements, including a cryogenic for the unfrozen and an orbiting Intergalactic . Key characters include the main Planet Express crew—Fry (voiced by ), Leela (), Bender (), Professor Farnsworth (also ), and others—alongside the opportunistic "That Guy" (), whose real name is revealed in production notes as Steve Castle. Mom (Tress MacNeille) and her sons Walt (), Larry (), and Igner () play antagonistic roles, highlighting themes of greed and loyalty. Produced as part of Futurama's third production season (broadcast as the fourth due to scheduling), "Future Stock" features animation by and music by , with cultural references to 1980s films like and pop icons such as . The script by Ehasz, known for his work on , emphasizes humor derived from Fry's naivety clashing with cutthroat capitalism. Guest contributions include voice work from the core cast, with no major celebrity guests, focusing instead on ensemble dynamics. Upon release, "Future Stock" received positive reception for its sharp and entertaining plot, earning a 7.7 out of 10 rating on from over 2,700 user votes. Critics praised the episode's "damn fun" energy, clever villainy, and accessible explanation of financial concepts, though some noted its straightforward structure as less philosophical than neighboring episodes. It remains a fan favorite for its nostalgic and commentary on corporate excess, contributing to 's legacy of blending sci-fi with social critique.

Synopsis and Analysis

Plot Summary

The episode opens with Fry attending a cryogenic meeting at the Lodgatorium Comfort Dome Inn, where he encounters Steve , a thawed businessman from the afflicted with boneitis, a fatal condition that prompted his freezing. Bonding over their shared 20th-century origins, Fry invites Castle—soon referred to as "That Guy"—to join the Planet Express crew amid the company's ongoing struggles. Meanwhile, Planet Express faces severe financial difficulties, with accountant Hermes Conrad announcing at the annual shareholders' meeting that the company is on the verge of due to poor and an $8 banking . Disgruntled shareholders, led by Hattie McDoogal, revolt against Professor Hubert J. Farnsworth's leadership, demanding a new CEO. Fry returns with That Guy and nominates him for the position, leading to a vote where That Guy secures victory by a single share, thanks to Hattie's opposition to Farnsworth. As the new CEO, That Guy swiftly takes over Planet Express, promoting Fry to vice chairman and implementing aggressive 1980s-inspired corporate reforms to revitalize the company. He rebrands the operation with flashy neon aesthetics, organizes high-energy motivational seminars featuring period music, and engages in stock manipulations such as buybacks to artificially inflate share values. In a cost-cutting move, That Guy fires Leela, deeming her expendable, and demotes Hermes from accountant to unpaid intern, stripping him of authority. The regime's excesses peak at an "80s guy" dance party aboard the Planet Express ship, where the crew is forced to participate in era-specific festivities amid blaring synth-pop tracks. Dr. John A. Zoidberg, unaware of his holdings' value, offers to trade his significant stake in the company for a simple sandwich, which That Guy accepts, granting him majority control. The climax unfolds as That Guy announces plans to sell Planet Express to Mom Corporation, the company's longtime rival in interstellar delivery, during a high-stakes bidding at the Intergalactic Stock Exchange. The shareholder vote approves the acquisition due to That Guy's controlling interest. However, during the live announcement, That Guy succumbs to boneitis and dies on live television. Horrified by the betrayal, Fry, as vice chairman, inherits his shares and rejects the acquisition, delivering a heartfelt speech that causes the stock price to crash from $107 to $0.03, blocking the sale. In the resolution, Fry restores control to and reinstates the original crew. Planet Express returns to its dysfunctional , with share values plummeting but the team's jobs secured.

Themes and Motifs

The episode "Future Stock" employs to critique 1980s corporate culture and , centering on the character of That Guy, a thawed investor who exemplifies stereotypes of unchecked greed and aggressive practices. As a caricature inspired by from the 1987 Wall Street, That Guy prioritizes hostile takeovers and stock manipulation over ethical considerations, such as when he boasts of dismantling a pharmaceutical company on the verge of curing his terminal boneitis to pocket $100 million, directly echoing real-life scandals involving financiers like Ivan Boesky and Michael Milken. This portrayal underscores the era's "greed is good" ethos, parodied through That Guy's declaration that "sharks are winners and they don’t look back 'cause they don’t have necks," firing employees labeled as "sheep" to streamline operations for profit. His obsession with superficial enhancements, like rebranding Planet Express with aesthetics while ignoring actual deliveries, further mocks the focus on image over substance, as he insists, "Delivery has nothing to do with the delivery business. Image, people, image!" A recurring motif contrasts nostalgia for 1980s aesthetics with the alienating progress of future technology, embodied in Fry's initial admiration for That Guy's era, which evokes Fry's own frozen past. Fry bonds with That Guy over shared cultural touchstones, such as singing "The Safety Dance" and Fry's childhood affinity for Miami Vice-style lunchboxes, highlighting a romanticized view of 1980s excess that clashes with the episode's futuristic setting. However, this nostalgia unravels as Fry witnesses the destructive side of that culture, revealing how outdated corporate tactics disrupt the Planet Express crew's makeshift family dynamic in a high-tech world. The narrative critiques shareholder capitalism and work-life imbalance through depictions of employee exploitation and hollow motivational rhetoric, as That Guy's regime treats staff as disposable assets in pursuit of a merger with Mom's Delivery Company. Employees endure mistreatment, including abrupt firings and platitudes like "It’s all about appearances... the sleek, dazzling veneer of the ," which prioritize over job security or personal well-being. This commentary on corporate mergers is illustrated by That Guy's plan to sell Planet Express for personal gain, forcing the crew to choose between financial windfalls and their bonds, ultimately exposing the dehumanizing effects of prioritizing profit. Themes of and redemption drive Fry's , transforming him from a naive admirer of That Guy's bravado into an ethical decision-maker who values human connections over wealth. Initially swayed by That Guy's mentorship, Fry enables the but later confronts his error, delivering a heartfelt speech at the Intergalactic : "In my whole life, this company was the only place I’d ever really felt at home... what counts is people... people you love. You can’t put a price on that." By intentionally crashing the stock price from $107 to $0.03, Fry redeems himself, restoring Planet Express and affirming to his found family, though the crew's initial willingness to accept the critiques shallow workplace allegiances under capitalist pressures.

Production

Development and Writing

The episode "Future Stock" was developed during Futurama's third production season, which aired as part of the show's fourth broadcast season, with the intent to satirize elements of corporate America and stock market culture amid the ongoing economic turbulence of the dot-com bubble's collapse in the early 2000s. The script was primarily written by Aaron Ehasz. Writing the episode presented challenges in balancing the satirical humor with tight plot pacing, particularly in integrating specific gags such as the cryogenics support group scene that highlighted Fry's outsider status in the future. "Future Stock" aired on March 31, 2002, serving as the penultimate episode of the third broadcast season and concluding the Planet Express company's internal storylines on a high note before the season finale.

Animation and Direction

The episode "Future Stock" (production code 3ACV21) was directed by Brian Sheesley, who oversaw the visual translation of the script's comedic elements into animated form. Animation production was handled by , with much of the work completed at their sister facility in , , as was standard for episodes during this period. Key stylistic choices emphasized an exaggerated aesthetic to highlight the episode's central conflict, featuring vibrant colors, voluminous , and period-specific attire that sharply contrasted with the series' established futuristic visual palette. This approach amplified the satirical portrayal of corporate excess amid the 31st-century setting, drawing visual inspiration from era-defining media like films and music videos. Technical aspects relied on digital ink-and-paint processes integrated with 2D hand-drawn animation to create fluid, dynamic sequences, such as the chaotic shareholder meeting and energetic dance numbers set to tracks. These techniques allowed for seamless blending of traditional cel-shaded elements with subtle CGI enhancements, enabling efficient rendering of complex action while maintaining the show's signature expressive character designs. In , incorporated music references, such as a parody of ' "," to underscore thematic gags, with precise audio mixing enhancing the era's synth-heavy soundscape. The score was composed by . Editing focused on tight comedic timing, using quick cuts and exaggerated poses to heighten punchlines in dialogue-heavy scenes. Budget considerations for the episode aligned with Futurama's early production costs, exceeding $500,000 per half-hour installment, prompting cost-saving measures such as in crowd scenes at the , where reusable background figures and simplified motion cycles minimized frame-by-frame detailing.

Cast and Characters

Voice Cast

The voice cast of "Future Stock" is led by the series' core performers, with voicing the lead character , the elderly Professor Hubert J. Farnsworth, and the hapless , bringing distinct inflections to each role that underscore their contrasting personalities in the episode's corporate intrigue. provides the voice for the no-nonsense pilot Turanga Leela, delivering lines with her characteristic blend of toughness and warmth during the Planet Express crew's chaotic takeover scenarios. rounds out the main trio as the sarcastic robot Bender, whose gruff delivery amplifies the humor in group dynamics and confrontations with the episode's . Recurring voice actors fill out the supporting roles without any prominent one-off guest stars, emphasizing the episode's reliance on established ensemble chemistry. Phil LaMarr voices the bureaucratic Hermes Conrad, contributing to scenes of administrative frustration, while Lauren Tom brings bubbly energy to Amy Wong in her intern antics. David Herman notably portrays the central antagonist That Guy (real name Steve Castle), a revived 1980s stockbroker, infusing the character with a sleazy, era-specific bravado that mimics Wall Street archetypes through exaggerated confidence and cynicism; Herman also voices several minor characters including Scruffy the janitor, a caveman, a Jewish robot, and a stock market robot. Tress MacNeille handles multiple parts, including the domineering Mom and the elderly Hattie McDoogal, adding layers of authority and quirkiness to the corporate elements. Maurice LaMarche contributes to background voices such as the sign-writer, a monster, Walt (one of Mom's sons), and Ape #1, enhancing the episode's satirical ensemble scenes. The performances stand out for their ensemble delivery in high-energy group sequences, such as the frenzy and boardroom battles, where overlapping dialogue captures the frenzy of business culture clashing with the future's absurdity. Herman's take on That Guy particularly evokes sleaze through vocal mannerisms reminiscent of period films, providing a foil to Fry's wide-eyed innocence without overpowering the core cast's interplay.
ActorRole(s)
, Professor Hubert J. Farnsworth,
Turanga Leela
Bender
Hermes Conrad
Amy Wong
That Guy (Steve Castle), Scruffy, Caveman, Jewish Robot, Robot at Stock Market
Mom, Hattie McDoogal, Suz Johnson
Sign-Writer, Monster, Walt, Ape #1
Joe, Ape #2

Character Focus

In the episode "Future Stock," Philip J. Fry's character arc begins with his insecurity as a cryogenically frozen 20th-century everyman, leading him to bond with the revived businessman (known as "That Guy") at a for the unfrozen, where Fry's prompts him to invite Castle to Planet Express as a potential savior from . As vice-chairman under Castle's aggressive leadership, Fry experiences a brief empowerment through corporate perks and stock gains, reveling in like singing and mooning a rival executive, but ultimately adopts a moral stance by using Castle's bequeathed shares to block a lucrative sale to Mom Corporation, declaring the crew his family despite their financial disappointment. This development underscores Fry's growth from passive outsider to decisive protector of his found home, tying into his series-long trait of 20th-century clashing with futuristic realities. Steve Castle, the one-off antagonist, embodies 1980s corporate excess through his charismatic yet manipulative persona, employing buzzword-laden speeches like "synergizing" and "playing hardball" to seize control of Planet Express with a slim majority of shares, firing the staff, and rebranding the company to outshine competitors. His traits—ruthless ambition, superficial charm, and transactional view of relationships—peak in his plan to sell the company for personal gain, only thwarted by his sudden death from "boneitis," leaving his shares to Fry in a ironic twist that highlights his lack of genuine loyalty. Supporting characters react variably to the upheaval: Turanga Leela resists the changes imposed by , criticizing Fry's initial alliance and voicing frustration over the company's instability, though she briefly embraces the prospect of wealth with excitement about becoming a millionaire before decrying the low final stock value. Hubert J. Farnsworth displays characteristic detachment, dozing through critical meetings and later blaming for the company's woes without deeper involvement, reflecting his elderly disinterest in daily operations. Bender, ever the opportunist, prioritizes financial gain by supporting the sale to Mom for a quick payout, booing only when it suits his and expressing dismay at the crew's lost riches. The ensemble dynamics during the takeover reveal tensions within the Planet Express crew, as initial unity fractures under Castle's authoritarian revamp— impulsively sells his pivotal shares for a , Hermes and fret over before sways them toward the , and even janitor Scruffy's single vote tips the scales—culminating in toward Fry's final speech that tanks the to $0.03 per share, yet reaffirms their makeshift bonds amid the chaos. This episode reinforces Fry's overarching series traits, particularly his nostalgic affinity for culture that blinds him to modern corporate pitfalls, while the crew's reactions echo their established personalities—Leela's loyalty to stability, Farnsworth's aloofness, and Bender's selfishness—highlighting how external pressures like the amplify internal conflicts without resolving them permanently.

Release and Reception

Broadcast History

The episode "Future Stock" originally premiered in the United States on the on March 31, 2002, serving as the ninth episode of the show's fourth broadcast season, though it was the twenty-first produced episode of the third production season (code 3ACV21). In its initial airing, the episode earned a Nielsen household rating of 2.7, finishing 94th among primetime shows for the week of March 25–31, 2002, and reflecting modest performance compared to lead-in programs like within Fox's Sunday animation block. Following the series' cancellation by Fox in 2003, "Future Stock" entered syndication, with reruns airing on Cartoon Network's block starting in late 2003 and continuing through the mid-2000s, where the show built a dedicated audience. It later received broader distribution via reruns beginning in 2008 alongside the revival of new episodes, and international airings occurred on networks such as in the UK and in Canada during the early 2000s. For home media, "Future Stock" was first released on the Futurama Volume 3 DVD set on March 9, 2004, which included audio commentary by writer Aaron Ehasz, director Brian Sheesley, and other production staff. A high-definition version appeared in the Futurama: The Complete Series Blu-ray set on December 10, 2013, again featuring the original commentary track among special features. The episode became available for streaming on Hulu in 2023 as part of the platform's catalog of original Fox episodes, coinciding with the launch of new Futurama seasons. As of 2025, the episode is available for streaming on Hulu and Disney+ as part of the full series catalog, alongside ongoing new seasons on Hulu.

Critical Response

The episode received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its sharp of corporate greed and takeovers, exemplified through the revival of "That Guy" as a sleazy executive transforming Planet Express into a cutthroat enterprise. In a 2015 retrospective, awarded it an A grade, commending the "damn fun" humor, the "terrific central villain" in That Guy (voiced by ), and the smart integration of Mom and her sons into the corporate intrigue, while noting the plot's "modestly clever" resolution that critiques machinations without requiring deep financial knowledge. Audience reception has been solid, with the episode holding a 7.7/10 rating on based on over 2,800 user votes, where viewers frequently highlight memorable gags such as the revival aesthetics and the recurring "boneitis" joke tied to the executive's downfall. Contemporary coverage in 2002 aligned with the era's economic context, as the episode aired amid post-dot-com bust scrutiny of corporate excess, though specific reviews from that time are sparse; later analyses, like Vulture's 2023 ranking of it as the 13th best episode overall, reinforce its enduring appeal for the "gratifyingly smart" conclusion and iconic lines about curing "terminal boneitis." Some retrospective critiques have pointed to the plot's formulaic redemption arc as less innovative compared to the series' more experimental entries, though it remains effective in delivering timely commentary on .

Cultural Impact

Allusions and References

The episode "Future Stock" features prominent parodies of films centered on excess, particularly the 1987 movie Wall Street. The character known as "That Guy," a thawed , directly emulates , the film's ruthless corporate raider, from his pinstripe suits and to his manipulative mentoring of Fry in high-stakes deal-making and the "greed is good" ethos. References to actual 1980s financial events are woven into the plot's stock manipulation scheme, including leveraged buyouts and the junk bond market. That Guy boasts of socializing with real-life figures , convicted in a major scandal, and , the "junk bond king" infamous for pioneering high-yield securities that fueled hostile takeovers. These nods mirror the era's corporate raiding tactics, as That Guy acquires controlling shares in Planet Express through shady trades and plans its asset-stripping sale. Internally, the episode callbacks prior Futurama portrayals of Mom as a scheming corporate overlord, building on her antagonistic role in episodes like "Xmas Story" where she dominates through MomCorp's monopolistic practices. Here, That Guy's bid to sell Planet Express to her reinforces her as the ultimate symbol of ruthless capitalism. Pop culture nods to 1980s music and fashion appear in That Guy's thawed worldview and visual design. He mistakenly believes Cyndi Lauper sustained popularity beyond her early-1980s peak, reflecting the era's fleeting pop trends, while his animated style—wide lapels, power ties, and a Miami Vice-inspired lunchbox—evokes yuppie aesthetics. Historical allusions include the cryogenic support group for "defrostees," satirizing real-world 20th-century cryonics experiments and their ethical pitfalls, such as unfulfilled revival promises and legal disputes over frozen remains, which gained notoriety in the amid growing pseudoscientific hype. Fry's attendance highlights the disorientation and faced by revived individuals, paralleling documented cases of cryonics enthusiasts' isolation.

Legacy and Influence

The episode's portrayal of 1980s corporate excess and its critique of neoliberal business practices have been examined in academic literature for their reflection of broader economic themes. In the 2014 dissertation "Extreme Businessmen: Representations of Contemporary Corporate Life," scholar Can Aksoy references "Future Stock" on page 101 as a satirical depiction of financial culture, where the character "80s Guy" embodies the era's emphasis on appearances and risk-taking, stating: “‘Listen big guy, now that you’re my protégé, its time I cut you in on the secret to success… Its all about appearances… the sleek, dazzling veneer of the .’” This analysis ties the episode to ongoing critiques of and , resonating with post-2008 discussions of financial inequality and deregulation's long-term impacts. "Future Stock" has influenced later Futurama episodes exploring corporate dominance, particularly those centered on Mom's monopolistic empire, by establishing a template for satirizing shareholder-driven takeovers and ethical compromises in business. For instance, the revival-era episode "Decision 3012" (season 7, episode 3) echoes the original's election-year corporate satire through its portrayal of manipulative political maneuvering by powerful entities, building on the groundwork laid in "Future Stock" for critiquing systemic . Fan appreciation for the episode has endured through Futurama's revival periods (2010–2013 and 2023 onward), with its humor and memorable lines ranking it among the series' highlights in retrospective lists; Paste Magazine placed it at number 5 in its 2018 ranking of the 50 best episodes, praising the dynamic between Fry and "That Guy" for capturing the show's blend of nostalgia and corporate parody. In 2023, Vulture ranked it 13th in its list of the 40 best episodes. Quotes from the episode, such as those emphasizing 1980s bravado, have circulated widely in fan communities, contributing to its cultural staying power. The episode's themes of corporate greed are highlighted in home media releases, where it features extensive on DVD and Blu-ray editions. The 2003 DVD Volume 3 includes commentary by creators , , , Jeff Westbrook, Brian Sheesley, , , and , who discuss the of Wall Street-style ambition and its relevance to modern . Comparisons to similar sci-fi s often draw parallels with ' business-focused episodes, such as "" (season 4, episode 12), where both shows use exaggerated corporate figures to lampoon unchecked capitalism and consumer manipulation, though "Future Stock" uniquely infuses Reagan-era aesthetics into a futuristic setting.

References

  1. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0584440/
  2. https://theinfosphere.org/Future_Stock
  3. https://www.syfy.com/futurama/season-4/blogs/episode-recap-future-stock
  4. https://www.avclub.com/futurama-godfellas-future-stock-1798183970
  5. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0584440/fullcredits/
  6. https://escholarship.org/content/qt7td9b70w/qt7td9b70w.pdf
  7. https://tvacdb.sandboxen.com/series/Futurama
  8. https://www.roughdraftstudios.com/
  9. https://variety.com/2002/tv/news/cartoon-channel-has-a-futurama-1117872510/
  10. https://www.slashfilm.com/1387463/futurama-simpsons-secret-animation-weapon/
  11. https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Creator/RoughDraftStudios
  12. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0584440/fullcredits
  13. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0584440/characters/nm0379114/
  14. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0584440/characters/nm0534134/
  15. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0584440/characters/nm0919798
  16. https://the-avocado.org/2021/11/21/futurama-season-three-episode-twenty-one-future-stock/
  17. https://www.primetimer.com/features/futurama-25th-anniversary-matt-groening-fervent-fanbase-the-simpsons
  18. https://www.hulu.com/series/futurama-85bf4cc1-cd8b-4469-ad87-7289217a0b74
  19. https://www.vulture.com/article/futurama-best-episodes-ranked.html
  20. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0584440/movieconnections/
  21. https://lawandthemultiverse.com/2013/03/13/futurama-future-stock/
  22. https://www.ign.com/wikis/futurama/Episode_53:_Futurestock
  23. https://www.pastemagazine.com/comedy/futurama/the-50-best-episodes-of-futurama
  24. https://www.goldderby.com/gallery/futurama-top-40-greatest-episodes-ranked-worst-to-best/
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