14 Great Futurama Characters In Only One Episode

There’s no doubt that Leela has had an extremely difficult life. Growing up not knowing her parents, being bullied during her time at the orphanage for being a Cyclops and struggling to find a decent relationship without being blatantly used.

In the episode Cyber House Rules, she is invited to an orphanarium reunion in which she is first reluctant to attend since everyone picked on her but then decides to show off and be proud about her successful new lifestyle. Her fellow orphan chums still make fun of her but Adlai Atkins, who was also an orphan, has matured the most and defends Leela for her career and appearance. He’s a smart, polite, handsome eye surgeon who offers to change Leela’s appearance so that she can have two eyes.

After Leela’s surgery was a success, she and Adlai begin dating. Mr Atkins seems as though he could be the perfect match for her since he treats her well with a great level of intellect to match hers. They take their relationship to the next step as Adlai says he’s ready to settle down and have kids and they agree that they should adopt one.

But Atkins' true colours start to show when he is reluctant to adopt Sally, an orphan with an ear on her forehead. Leela defends the little girl for her abnormalities but Adlai still says she’ll only be “acceptable” with the third ear removed. It was at that moment Leela was reminded of who she truly was and decides to have her surgery reversed.

The episode is a good reminder of embracing your flaws and the importance of being yourself. And in hindsight, it’s a good thing Leela’s relationship with Atkins didn’t progress any further – even if he was voiced by Spongebob.