Though this episode bares many similarities to "Unexpected", the two have much different themes. The plot develops as the alien Kif finds himself pregnant while feeling a deep sense of love for his girlfriend Amy (though Leela is really the biological parent by accidentally touching his ungloved hand). Here we see a reversal of traditional gender reactions, as Kif shows feelings of excitement for starting a family while Amy remains reluctant and frightened of the new responsibility. When the Planet Express crew throws a baby shower for Kif, he gives an emotional speech regarding the family he and Amy are building together. Amy's parents are particularly excited at the idea of having grandchildren, reconstructing her "party board" surfboard into an ironing board, harrowing the "wave of responsibility" that she is be about to face. Filled with fear and frustration Amy runs away, just as Kif begins to go into labour. This episode is a perfect portrayal of the types of personal fears that occur when becoming a parent for the first time. Though this is commonly regarded as a fear that resides mainly with the father, women are subject to it as well. I myself have worried about just how much freedom and fun will be taken away from my life when I become a parent, but just like Amy at the end of the episode, I always come back to reality and realize that love gives me all I need in the end. Can you relate to something on this list? Do you have an episode you would have liked to see here? Let us know in the comments!
Sarah is a twenty-something film school graduate and mother-to-be from Arizona. She loves to write and is currently working on a novel that may be finished sometime in the next fifty years. Doctor Who, Star Trek, Final Fantasy, and Supernatural are among her various obsessions.
