This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
Futurama Season 11 Episode 2, “Children of a Lesser Bog,” is a genuinely funny and sometimes emotional episode. It’s a follow-up to Futurama Season 5 Episode 5, “Kif Gets Knocked Up a Notch.” That episode aired more than 20 years ago.
This latest outing was written by Matt Groening, David X. Cohen, and Eric Horsted. It smartly focuses on one of the show’s most interesting (and best) couples: Kif (Maurice LaMarche) and Amy (Lauren Tom).
As much of this plot is a direct follow-up to “Kif Gets Knocked Up a Notch,” the references are excellent for long-time fans. However, more casual fans may not appreciate the emotional heft of this story. Especially regarding Kif and Amy’s relationship and her reluctance to become a mother.
“Children of a Lesser Bog” is a prime example of one of Futurama‘s greatest strengths: its ability to tug at the heartstrings while providing laughs.
Amy’s difficulty in parenting while Kif is away can be relatable for those in similar situations, and so is Amy’s disappointment when it seems like her children prefer Leela (Katey Sagal).
This leads to some mild fighting between Amy and Leela, which we’ve seen before. Fortunately, it’s good the writers didn’t spend much time on that in this episode, instead focusing on other relationships.
Futurama has often created emotional moments for its characters. Past episodes such as “Jurassic Bark” and “The Luck of the Fryish” are two standout heartbreaking (yet still funny) episodes.
While “Children of a Lesser Bog” doesn’t quite reach those levels, it still manages to hold the viewer’s attention and make the heartfelt intentions of the story authentic.
Solid voice performances, particularly from Tom in this episode, undoubtedly contribute to this.
This episode makes sure to give airtime to other characters as well. John DiMaggio’s Bender is primarily here for laughs, including references regarding his past aspirations (and attempts) at being a chef.
There’s also an (unsurprisingly) hunger-crazy Zoidberg, whose humorous interruptions are expected yet entertaining. Professor Farnsworth and Fry are also given little to do, but this episode isn’t about them, so the choice is understandable.
We also see the Grand Midwife (Tress MacNeille), a quirky character who is always a welcome presence, and Scruffy (David Herman), whose seemingly random appearances are always delightful.
Then, there’s Zapp Brannigan, the kooky, vain space captain whose relationship with Kif remains perfectly bizarre.
Zapp is often the most fascinating character on Futurama. He is so goofy, inept, and narcissistic, yet remains loveable throughout “Children of a Lesser Bog.”
This episode also marks the first appearance of Amy’s father, Leo Wong, since the recasting, with Asian actor Feodor Chin replacing Billy West. Despite West’s obvious talent as a voice actor, replacing him with Chin is appropriate. Family Guy did the same thing, recasting the role of Cleveland Brown.
It is strange that the Wongs’ previous excitement at having grandchildren has essentially reverted to apathy during this episode. Hopefully, the exploration of that will occur later in the season.
Also, because it seems as though Kif and Amy will be fine with their three children, that implies they should show up in future episodes.
While Futurama is typically excellent at sustaining storylines throughout the series, sometimes characters appear and disappear without warning. This includes Zoidberg’s girlfriend Colleen, last seen on Futurama Season 10 Episode 12, “Stench & Stenchability.”
“Children of a Lesser Bog” also contains a surprising animal rights message. Kif lets the supposedly “dumb” bears being studied live and instead lets the Bear Biologist die. This is in line with previous episodes with its quasi-vegan messaging.
Stray Observations:
- Herman’s Bear Biologist being the same character as the Whale Biologist seen in a previous episode is a clever reference that only die-hard Futurama fans will get.
- Petunia as Amy’s would-be babysitter, is on point for that character.
- Perhaps the best part about Kif’s return is hearing his sighs, especially in reaction to a request from or action taken by Zapp.
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What to Watch on TV: Futurama, The Witcher, and Good Omens
Alyssa Christian
Experienced writer and editor passionate about movies, TV, and all other forms of entertainment. Also, a vegan and animal lover, actor, and musician.
