"The Farnsworth Parabox" does an excellent job right off the bat of making your desire to see inside the box a reality, as Farnsworth describes it with such terror and fear, that you almost want to jump inside your TV to look for yourself. The use of unlimited parallel universes is a classic science fiction trope, and this episode uses it in the funniest way possible. Watching our characters jump through a variety of different universes and worlds is an opportunity for some great entertainment, and it's something that the episode does perfectly. The two universes collide when the respective versions of Zoidberg act on their disgruntled feelings of inadequacy, starting off an action climax that is a flawless way to end a special half-hour of Futurama.
7. The Sting
In one of its darkest and most compelling episodes, Futurama explores some very adult themes in the form of death. Fry's sudden departure at the beginning of the episode kicks off a series of tremendously well written sequences, and all of them manage to keep you guessing until the final act. Inspired by the likes of the film Solaris and the book "Ubik" by Phillip K. Dick, "The Sting" takes you on an emotional journey of discovery that puts further emphasis on the relationship between Fry and Leela. It's almost tragic to watch Leela slip into the deepest parts of her own abyss, but it ends on a hopeful and positive note that leaves you with a smile.
