The Futurama of Physics

MasaMuneCyrus writes "I was surprised to notice an article about Futurama in my latest American Physical Society news. Titled, 'Profiles in Versatility: The Futurama of Physics with David X. Cohen,' Cohen talks a little bit about his life and his love for physics, and he goes on to describe how he regularly injects graduate-level physics jokes into the script of Futurama. He also talks a little bit about the upcoming season of Futurama: 'In the 10th episode of the upcoming season, tentatively entitled "The Prisoner of Benda," a theorem based on group theory was specifically written (and proven!) by staffer/PhD mathematician Ken Keeler to explain a plot twist.'"

Comments

Re:that was impressive

[elrous0]

I love hypnotoad. I always have and always will.

Re:Futurama's still on?

[ZeroExistenZ]

I thought FOX (bastards!) canceled that show over 5 years ago

They cancelled it. Internet community cried out it never had a chance with its programming and how it was the next evolution of the simpsons (they were getting old, and futurama connected with the upcoming technological revolutions), so after a few years (7 or so) they brought out movies of Futurama on DVD only to test the success and keep it alive resulting in 4 Futurama movies.

The DVD success has given them enough momentum to restart the series; first new episode will be aired the 24th this month if I recall this alright.

So, to me it's not that strange to see Futurama more in the media again and get it more weight at relaunch by showing the intelligence in it in science magazines and other media to draw in attention of people who would enjoy the humor alike.

I for one, am rejoicing! 10 years ago I enjoyed this series and devoured it, but maybe the world wasn't ready for it yet.

Re:Cohen Should Abstain from Any Regret

[Protoslo]

I would agree that you have to design to be an engineer, but if you think that the Star Trek engineers don't design...you obviously haven't watched much Star Trek. Their skills are frequently called upon to design MacGuffins virtually from scratch that violate the laws of physics in innumerable ways. Not only are they engineers, they are cutting-edge theoretical (imaginary?) physicists.

And you want to call LaForge a technician? Ouch.

Re:Cohen Should Abstain from Any Regret

[Surt]

Because running into a critical design flaw that can only be fixed by a designer while a thousand light years from the nearest designer sucks? It's the same reason a space shuttle designer has flown on every mission.