Warning: Contains SPOILERS for Futurama season 11, episode 10!
Summary
In the season finale of Futurama season 11, a groundbreaking event unfolds as the possibility emerges that Bender, a beloved main character, has met an unprecedented fate. The episode intriguingly proposes the notion that the entirety of the main Futurama universe is, in fact, a simulated reality, thus raising the question of whether the Bender depicted at the conclusion could be an alternative iteration.
The potential elimination of Bender, a significant character in the show, holds great significance as it would mark the first instance of a main cast member being permanently removed from the series. The alternate version of Bender may possess distinct memories and encounters. In what could be an unprecedented twist, the season finale of Futurama's 11th season appears to have bid farewell to one of its long-standing characters, potentially altering the course of the series. While Futurama has occasionally introduced overarching storylines, very few have had a lasting impact on the show, serving more as intriguing trivia for loyal fans. However, this latest season may have ventured into uncharted territory by permanently removing a key figure who has been a constant presence since the show's inception.
Futurama has made its much-anticipated return on Hulu, with the acclaimed sci-fi series being revived by Matt Groening for an eleventh season, over ten years after it last aired. Season 11 of Futurama successfully recaptures the beloved characters, humor, and charm that fans cherished in the previous ten seasons, alleviating any concerns about the show's revival on Hulu. The tenth episode of Futurama season 11, titled "All the Way Down," concludes the first season of the revival in a remarkable manner, possibly even surpassing the quality of the entire season. Nevertheless, this finale could potentially have a greater impact on the show than any previous episode of Futurama.
The Futurama Season 11 Finale Seemingly Killed Off Bender
Indeed, Futurama season 11, episode 10 may have left fans puzzled with the ambiguous fate of Bender. In this episode, Professor Farnsworth constructs a simulated universe that closely resembles the real one, complete with replicated versions of the Planet Express characters who experience the same events and storylines. As the simulated characters begin questioning their existence within the simulation, they devise a plan to destroy a magnestar, speculating that the simulation might struggle to accurately depict such a complex event. This would then confirm their suspicions about the simulated nature of their universe.
Aware that this action will ultimately terminate the simulated universe, the actual crew of Planet Express decides to connect Bender to the simulation. By doing so, the authentic Bender's artificial intelligence overrides that of the simulated Bender, enabling him to warn the simulated universe. Unfortunately, as the magnestar explodes, causing the simulated universe to crash, it appears as though Bender is still trapped inside. However, to the astonishment of the real Planet Express crew, the genuine Bender's body unexpectedly reactivates. Despite the confusion surrounding this situation, it remains uncertain whether Bender is truly alive or deceased, contrary to appearances.
Futurama's New Bender May Be An Alternate Version From A Different Universe
The Bender seen at the end of the episode may actually be an alternate version from a different universe, even though he appears to be back in the real world. As the real Amy observes the simulated universe, she starts to question whether this "real" universe is actually just a simulation within a larger universe. Initially, Farnsworth dismisses this idea, but he eventually becomes convinced. The season 11 finale of Futurama strongly suggests that the main Futurama universe is indeed a simulated one, leading to the theory that the Bender at the end of the episode is not the original Bender from the show.
If the main Futurama universe is indeed a simulation within a larger universe, it is possible that the Bender seen at the end of the episode is from that universe. This is because it is shown that the various simulations tend to repeat each other, indicating that the greater universe may have inserted its own Bender into the simulated universe where the main Futurama timeline unfolds. The title of the episode implies that Benders were likely sent to countless simulated universes, and this infinite regression did not originate in the main universe. Therefore, it appears that the original Bender has died and been replaced.
Why Killing Off Bender Is Such A Big Deal In Futurama
The death of Bender in the season 11 finale of Futurama is a momentous event for several important reasons. Firstly, it marks the first time a significant member of the main cast has been permanently killed. Throughout the series, almost every member of the Planet Express team has died at some point, including Bender himself on multiple occasions. However, each time they have been able to return either through time travel or the use of one of Professor Farnsworth's inventions. The Bender replacement theory suggests that the original Bender is now gone, with the version seen at the end of the episode being a completely different entity.
Moreover, the alternate version of Bender introduced in the final episode may possess notable differences compared to the original Bender. The simulated universe revealed that the various simulations are not perfectly aligned with the events in the actual Futurama timeline, as evidenced by the divergence during the Magnestar adventure. Consequently, it is plausible that the universe from which the new Bender originates is distinct from the primary Futurama universe. As a result, the new Bender could have memories, experiences, and storylines that differ from those of the original Bender, even if these disparities are not explicitly addressed.
Could The Real Bender Have Made It Back To His Universe In The Season 11 Finale?
Although it may appear that the actual Bender perished when the simulated universe crashed, there is a chance that he managed to return to his own universe in the season 11 finale. It is plausible that when the simulation crashed, the program removed anything that did not originally belong to the simulation. Bender, being a foreign AI in the program, could have been pushed back into the real universe. Furthermore, if other simulated Benders were able to return to their original bodies, it could have triggered a chain reaction leading to the real Bender also being pushed back. Unfortunately, there is no concrete evidence to support this theory, as it remains purely speculative.
The Main Bender Isn't The Only Character That Died In The Simulation
In the Futurama season 11 finale, Bender's demise is undeniably tragic, but it is not alone in its sorrow. The episode's conclusion witnesses the simulated universe experiencing a crash, resulting in the demise of a simulated proxy for every living being in this vast universe. However, the extent of this devastation goes beyond imagination. The simulated universe itself had its own simulated universe, and this pattern continued ad infinitum. Consequently, an infinite number of simulated Futurama universes collapsed, leading to an infinite loss of lives in this somber finale of season 11.