Ever since Futurama was relaunched on Disney+ after an eight-year hiatus, I have never quite understood the critical enthusiasm the new series seemed to receive. Both seasons 11 and 12, despite the familiarity of the old Planet Express team, never managed to cut through the political landscape, which is what the series was most famous for. It was disheartening because, of all the shows to have received a second (or even third) lease on life, I thought it would be the one to buck the trend for the better.   

Still hoping, perhaps foolishly, that the series still has the potential to reach its once stratospheric heights, I tuned in to watch the 10 episodes of its thirteenth season. Unfortunately, it’s mixed news, everyone.  

The Futurama relaunch’s most notable issue, out-of-date political issues and overused cultural phenomena, persists throughout the show’s latest season. Large time lapses between production and general disconnect with pertinent world problems have ultimately hampered the creative edge this show used to have. In today’s political and cultural climate, even something relevant from just weeks ago could become stale old news.

As a result, stories whose comedy relies on these once central issues inevitably suffer. Episodes like “The World is Hot Enough” and “Murderoni” are especially grievous examples from this season, with the latter featuring a political satire piece on Pizzagate – a conspiracy that lost all relevance nine years ago.

Away from the overtly politically satirical episodes, the season isn’t nearly as lopsided. The character-driven stories this season are an interesting mixed bag. While Leela and Fry’s relationship might need a tune-up, Bender’s misadventures still create great moments. Even after thirteen seasons, it’s difficult to argue that Bender hunting for space truffles in “The Trouble with Truffles” isn’t going to be anything other than a good time!   

However, what might’ve been an unexpected saviour and something the show should focus on more in the upcoming seasons are its science-focused stories. Both “The Numberland Gap” and “The White Hole” are easily season 13’s highlights. They serve as a reminder of just how good Futurama can be, as the production team seamlessly injects laugh-out-loud comedy into often difficult concepts. In “The Numberland Gap”, for example, there are plenty of great moments in between the science as audiences learn of Bender’s irrational fear of numbers other than 1 and 0.  It is for these moments that I keep finding myself back in front of the screen, despite the relaunch’s lows.