"The Futurama Holiday Spectacular" | |
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Futurama episode | |
Episode no. | Season 6 Episode 13 |
Directed by | Ray Claffey |
Written by | Michael Rowe |
Production code | 6ACV13 |
Original air date | November 21, 2010 |
Guest appearances | |
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Episode features | |
Opening caption | Time Travelers: Only 331 Shopping Days 'til last Xmas |
"The Futurama Holiday Spectacular", originally titled "Holiday Val-U-Pak", is the thirteenth episode in the sixth season of the American animated television series Futurama, and the 101st episode of the series overall. It originally aired as a holiday special on November 21, 2010, before the remaining episodes of Season 6 were broadcast in 2011.[1] The episode features three self-contained segments, sponsored by the fictitious product "Gunderson's Unshelled Nuts". The first segment is based on "Xmas" (pronounced as "eks-mas"; a version of Christmas present in the 31st century), in which the long-extinct pine tree species is revived, but due to seed contamination grows out of control. The second segment is based on "Robanukah" (a holiday based on Hanukkah, made up by Bender to avoid work), in which Bender leads the crew on a search for petroleum oil in order for him to celebrate the holiday. In the third and final segment, the Planet Express crew go in search of beeswax, in order to create traditional beeswax candles for Kwanzaa.
Each segment features recurring elements, including an environmental theme, a song, and ending in which most or all of the main characters either die or face certain death.[2] Al Gore reprises his role as his own head in a jar in all three segments. Coolio reprises his role as Kwanzaabot in the third segment. Series producer David X. Cohen has compared the episode to The Simpsons "Treehouse of Horror" series.[3]