Ep 12. Where No Fan Has Gone Before

In the Futurama season 4 episode "Where No Fan Has Gone Before," the crew of the Planet Express is tasked with a mission to retrieve a set of classic Star Trek tapes that were deemed too valuable to be shown to the public. However, the tapes have been stolen by an obsessive group of Star Trek fans who have set up a hideout on a remote planet, where they worship the show's creator, Gene Roddenberry.

The crew, consisting of Fry, Bender, Leela, and Zoidberg, travel to the planet and soon find themselves at the mercy of the fanatical group. The leader of the group, Melllvar, has the power to bend reality to his will, and he uses this power to trap the crew in a never-ending Star Trek-themed adventure.

The crew is forced to act out various Star Trek scenarios in order to appease Melllvar, who has grown increasingly unhinged in his obsession with the show. They also encounter several iconic Star Trek characters, including William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, and George Takei. The crew must work with these fictional characters in order to escape from Melllvar's grasp and retrieve the stolen tapes.

Throughout the episode, the writers cleverly parody various elements of the Star Trek franchise, including the show's fanbase, its actors, and its storylines. The episode also manages to poke fun at the concept of obsessive fandom, and how it can lead individuals to lose touch with reality.

Despite the episode's overtly comedic tone, it also manages to explore some deeper themes, such as the power of nostalgia and the impact that fictional stories can have on our lives. By the end of the episode, the crew has learned a valuable lesson about the importance of living in the present, rather than dwelling on the past.

Overall, "Where No Fan Has Gone Before" is a hilarious and thought-provoking episode that will satisfy both fans of Futurama and Star Trek alike. Its clever writing, engaging storyline, and unique blend of humor and heart make it a standout episode in the show's fourth season.