Does an 80's Guy have a future? Star Trek vs Futurama

In this video, we'll compare and contrast two of the most popular science fiction shows of all time, Star Trek and Futurama. We'll discuss the ways in which each show portrays capitalism from the point of view of someone in our own time.
So whether you're a Trekkie or a Fry fan, this video is a must-watch! It'll give you a better understanding of these two iconic shows and their unique takes on capitalism.
Star Trek and Futurama both use this plot premise, but who did it better?
Join this channel to get access to perks:
/ @gausssto570
#startrek #futurama

[@Robotrik1]

There's one vast difference between the two episodes (which in a way encapsulate the two universes) : The animation series has something of an understanding of how both political and financial elements work in it's universe . TNG has nether the understanding of it's political universe (how does the Federation work ? Do you have elections ? Who do you vote for ? Is there political independence & voting on Federation worlds ? Can you vote / run directly for a seat on the Federation Council ? How is the Head of said Council chosen ? ext ...) , or it's financial background . The same list of questions can be posted about the Federation's economy , both internal and the clear need of "exploration to gain resources" seen in multiple episodes of TOS . Instead of delving into any of that, we get the usually vauge "we work to better ourselves" shtick, reprised in DS9, Voy and the First Contact movie . So yeah, two different takes, but in two very different universes , which in turn offered context in one and no context in the other . Do better Christmas porn stash guy ! ;)

[@stephenkelly8312]

“You don’t worry about Planet Express. Let me work about blank!”

[@JohnDlugosz]

Offenhouse should go to live with the Ferengi. See if he really has the lobes for business!

[@ThexVaultxTech]

Pulling punches probably is because TNG hasn't really thought out its economy or why it's so much better except that circumstances allowed it

[@jessicacole5955]

What a fun breakdown! Since both characters were such comic buffoonery types, I do feel like the edge goes slightly to Futurama since that's more within their wheelhouse and in TNG it's just platform to have Picard to do a finger wag speech. There's an idea for another who does it better: Picard vs Janeway giving pontificating speeches LOL

[@telquel7843]

Honestly its less likely a coinicdence and far more likely the writers of Futurama took the idea from the TNG episode (being how sci-fi nerd the staff were). The world of Futurama is in many ways a perfect comedic foil to the utopian future of Star Trek. Futurama is a comedy and a good deal more self-aware than the preachy tone of TNG. TNG may suggest important ruminations on the tension between an individual's success and comfort vs a society's - but it never delivers. Futurama on the other hand brilliantly ends the episode on a complete subversion of expectation. The audience hates the self-absorbed, driven 80s guy and expect him to ruin everything. What is less expected is that the future is just as naive as the past, and his gimme generation schtick still works. Even less expected is that while he may have somewhat lost sight of the people in pursuit of the deal - he sets them all up to become wealthy (the future of Futurama being notably not utopic and so wealth disparity remains). In the end, Frye selfishly imposes his values on the group. While its heartwarming that he values his friends, there's irony in that he never consults them, and ends up making a decision they probably wouldn't agree with and financially harms them. This resolves nicely to the motif that starts the episode: the 80s guy and Frye are like mirror images. They are very different but also deeply related. Even in the future, 80s guy is a cold ambitious winner and Frye is a warm loser who despite his good intentions usually ends up holding those around him back. That's why he was drawn to 80s guy to begin with. Frye knows he'll disappoint everyone he cares about and that's part of what gives Futurama its bittersweet style of comedy. He is a deeply human and relatable character that you can't hate but also can't always cheer for. And he fits perfectly into a future of disappointed idealism.

[@joshuagbe]

Came for the nerd stuff, stayed for the moustache

[@bad-people6510]

Easily my least favorite episode of TNG. "How DARE you maintain any attachment to all you have ever known and cared about instead of instantly capitulating to my indignant moral superiority!? I have told you what is best and you WILL accept it without question and should have already embraced my way of life and adapted to it totally!"

[@stephenkelly8312]

“Once again, the conservative, sandwich-heavy portfolio pays off for the hungry investor!”