Matt Groening’s sci-fi adventure/comedy seriesFuturamacomes to a typically absurd close withIn the Wild Green Yonder, the fourth in a series of direct-to-DVD series that followed in the wake of the animated series’ cancellation in 2003.Yonderkeeps in the kitchen-sink tradition of the show and features by cramming as many pop culture references as possible into its already convoluted plotline, from cameos byFamily Guy’s Seth MacFarlane and Snoop Dogg to riffs on eco-terrorism,The Viewand television poker tournaments. All are interwoven into the feature’s main storylines, which concern Fry’s sudden ability to read minds, a massive, environmentally unfriendly rebuild of Mars Vegas by Amy’s parents, and Leela’s admission into a group of radical eco-minded protestors who aim to bring that project to a halt. And if that’s not enough, there’s a threat to the universe as a whole from the Dark Ones, and the summation of various character arcs, including the long-simmering relationship between Fry and Leela. Obviously,In the Wild Green Yonderisn’t the place to start for first-timeFuturamavisitors; its immense cast of characters--which in one scene, swell to over 250 from the show’s entire network run and all of the features--and elaborate (if ridiculous) mythology will most likely leave most newcomers scratching their heads. Longtime fans, however, will appreciate the return of so many favorite personalities, including ...
