I, Roommate

Of all episodes of Futurama, "I, Roommate" is probably the most sitcom-y, and it also has the simplest story. Fry is invited to stay with Bender in his apartment, but after Fry realises how small it is they get out looking for a new one, and Fry finally has to choose between the perfect apartment and his best friend. Though a simple plot it is very nice and convenient, and it is largely character-driven which is quite necessary so early in the series, when all characters still aren't quite settled.

I, Roommate is not a hilarious nor emotional episode, but it is... pleasant. Alike many early episodes it's extremely calm and it's one of those episodes that makes you happy, with some good jokes and an ending with some heart, without going too far one way or the other. The episode also introduces Bender's apartment, that will be featured in many episodes to come.

Another early episode that was burdened with the task of establishing things (this time, it's the case of where Fry will live). Taking that into account, it's great. It's not one of Futurama's most incredible plots -in fact, it's extremely simple, like an average sitcom -to the point that it actually feels like a parody of sitcoms in general at times. Personally, I love this contrast. The show started off with its opener, then a story with characters going to the moon, with this episode, decided to show its other side: New New York-based sitcom shenanigans.

On the comedy side, it was the funniest episode up until this point (but it was only 3 episodes in so that's hardly saying much). Even so, there are plenty of laughs to be found here.

IR is one of the episodes that establishes a fundamental of the Futuramaverse: that Bender and Fry share an apartment together. Of course, this being Futurama, they go on a voyage of discovery beforehand, and there's an hilarious twist at the end of the episode.

Solid gags, a well-paced plot, and the inclusion of references to things like The Odd Couple, and classic sci-fi jokes make this a good comedy episode as well as one for the geeks and nerds. At this stage the show is still in its' introductory phase, and still finding its' feet, but it finds them well and truly on firm ground.

The writing is decent, the characters are all well done, and the voice acting is markedly improved. There's a plethora of beautifully drawn and animated backgrounds, and it sets up a part of the show's continuity.

Whilst not mind-blowing, with no alien planets or profound revelations, it's got a high rewatch value, and should be included in anybody's introduction to Futurama.

The first episode of Futurama I ever saw! I, Roommate was the one focusing on Fry and Bender, after Fry is forced to move out of Planet Express for his laziness and annoyances. They both settle in a large, fancy apartment, but Bender's robotic system interferes with the TV, and their friendship is put to the test.

The episode is very funny, well thought out, and both Fry and Bender have their moments together. When Fry temporarily stays at Bender's apartment, Bender has a dream of killing all Humans, in which Fry is disturbed, with the rooms only being 1.5 cubic metres big (enough for 1 and a half people). The future setting is pushed further forward, and although a little sitcom-y, the episode worked well in developing the characters. This episode also introduced Calculon's show All My Circuits. Overall, a solid 9/10.

A great down to Earth episode. And one of the few of Futurama, in fact. This episode is thoroughly character driven, but some may argue that its plot and premise doesn't really put the whole science-fiction setting to good use.

But the episode establishes an importance between the relationship of Bender and Fry, and the episode succeeds thoroughly on this matter, so despite its drawbacks of being very sitcom-y, it comes out on top.

It is hard to point out any obvious flaws in this episode, because there aren't any. But this episode isn't really that overly memorable and fans tend to forget it. And I guess the reasoning is that little happen in the episode and doesn't have the most memorable moments of the show nor the first season.

After squatting at Planet Express for a solid month and aggravating all of his coworkers, Fry sets out to find a place to live in "I, Roommate". Bender offers to let Fry live with him in his cramped quarters, but they soon find a plush, spacious new place. Unfortunately, Bender's antenna interferes with the apartment's television signal and Bender decides to move out, causing tension between he and Fry.

"I, Roommate" is possibly the episode that takes the least advantage of the Futurama universe; indeed, stories about roommate/friendship conflicts are legion throughout the sitcom universe. The episode does begin to establish Fry and Bender's relationship as best friends, and it's awfully hard not to feel pity for Bender's plight throughout. "I, Roommate" also fills out a lot of little cultural details about the Futurama setting ("All My Circuits", the fact that robots run on alcohol, and so on). Unfortunately, the episode loses points for employing a deus ex machina ending, but it's still an enjoyable look into the personal lives of our characters.