Ep 7. Teenage Mutant Leela's Hurdles

In season 5, episode 7 of Futurama, titled "Teenage Mutant Leela's Hurdles," Leela seemingly relives her teenage years when the crew comes across a planet with special radiation that causes everyone's mutations to resurface. As a result, Leela transforms into a teenager and must navigate the challenges of high school while the rest of the crew tries to find a cure for her mutation.

Leela, now a teenage mutant, is excited to relive her high school years and join a popular clique. She befriends the rich and popular cheerleader, Francis, who introduces her to the school's social hierarchy and teaches her how to fit in. But as she gets closer to Francis and her group of friends, she quickly realizes that their friendship comes with a price, and it may not be worth sacrificing her true self.

Meanwhile, Fry and Bender embark on a mission to find a cure for Leela's mutation. They encounter various obstacles, including being kidnapped by a group of aliens who want to use Bender's body to merge several different lifeforms. Later, they discover a scientist who has the ability to reverse mutations, but he is reluctant to help the crew. With persistence and a bit of luck, the crew is able to convince the scientist to help them find a cure for Leela.

As Leela struggles to navigate her way through high school, she becomes increasingly disillusioned with the popular crowd and starts to miss her old life. She longs for her friends and her job as a spaceship captain, and she realizes that fitting in is not as important as being true to oneself. With the help of her friends and the cure that Fry and Bender bring back, Leela is able to regain her original form and is grateful for the experience, despite its challenges.

Throughout the episode, there are numerous pop culture references, including nods to The Breakfast Club and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The episode also tackles themes of friendship, self-acceptance, and the pressures of conformity, while still maintaining the show's signature blend of humor and sci-fi.

Overall, "Teenage Mutant Leela's Hurdles" is a standout episode in the fifth season of Futurama, providing a unique twist on the teenage coming-of-age genre and showcasing the show's smart writing and irreverent humor. It's a must-watch for fans of the series and for anyone looking for a fun and engaging episode of television.