Ep 13. Naturama

The episode Naturama from season 9 of Futurama is an interesting and unique departure from the usual adventures of the Planet Express crew. Rather than focusing on science fiction and space travel, this episode takes a look at the natural world and the various animals that populate it.

The structure of the episode is a set of four short films, each of which is narrated by one of the main characters of the show. Each film explores a different aspect of nature, from the migration patterns of birds to the survival strategies of insects.

The first film, narrated by Fry, is called "Migration Instincts" and focuses on the annual migration of Canadian geese. The story follows a pair of geese as they make their way south for the winter, encountering various obstacles along the way. Fry's narration is lighthearted and educational, and the animation is charming and engaging.

The second film, narrated by Leela, is called "Survival of the Fittest" and takes a closer look at the natural selection process. The story features a group of spiders who are vying for dominance in their little corner of the forest, competing for resources and mates. The tone of this film is a bit darker than the previous one, as Leela's narration explains the brutal nature of survival in the wild.

The third film, narrated by Bender, is called "Natural Enemies" and deals with the relationship between predator and prey. The story focuses on a pack of wolves as they hunt for food, and the various animals they encounter along the way. Bender's narration is predictably irreverent, but still manages to convey some interesting facts about the animals featured in the film.

The final film, narrated by Professor Farnsworth, is called "The Miracle of Birth" and explores the reproductive habits of various animals. The story follows a female salmon as she swims upstream to spawn, and the various challenges she faces along the way. Farnsworth's narration is a bit more dry than the others, but still manages to be informative and entertaining.

Overall, Naturama is a fun and educational episode that offers a unique perspective on the natural world. The animation is gorgeous, and the various narrators do an excellent job of conveying both the wonder and the harsh realities of nature. Fans of Futurama will no doubt appreciate this departure from the show's usual sci-fi fare, and anyone with an interest in the natural world will find plenty to enjoy here.