Futurama Season 12 Episode 3 Recap: Spoilers Ahead

Futurama is back with new episodes on Hulu this summer, and Season 12 is already diving into new sci-fi escapades with its third episode! Season 12 will continue airing new episodes through Hulu this summer, completing the second half of the previously ordered revival. Last year’s episodes reintroduced viewers to the beloved characters after a decade-long hiatus, setting the stage for the new season’s fresh adventures. As the first few episodes show, changes are already underway in the Futurama universe.

The new season began by showcasing familiar faces like Bender and Fry, but Episode 3 has taken a surprising turn by introducing an enigmatic new version of Fry. While the Planet Express crew carries on with their duties, seemingly oblivious, there’s a hint of something sinister beneath the surface. Here’s a detailed look at what unfolds in Futurama Season 12, Episode 3, titled “The Temp.”

In Episode 3, the Planet Express crew is tasked with catering Lrrr and Nd-Nd’s vow renewal ceremony on Omicron Persei 8. Leela senses something amiss despite everything appearing normal, and encounters a new character who reassures her that all is well. Strangely, this new addition is integrated into the crew without much fanfare, and is even referred to as Fry. During the ceremony, this new Fry expresses an unusual enthusiasm for his job, which goes unnoticed by the rest of the crew, who genuinely believe he is Fry.

A flashback reveals that 23 years prior, after Fry suffered injuries on Amazonia, he took a vacation. During his absence, the Professor and Hermes hired a temp named Frank, lacking in notable skills and thus, was perfect for the job as he wouldn’t garner much appreciation. Frank quickly blends into the crew, going unnoticed due to his unremarkable characteristics.

Frank is fascinated by Planet Express’s operations and enjoys several successful missions. At the end of his two-week stint, Frank joyfully shares that it was the best time of his life. However, the rest of the crew grows weary of his constant positivity. On his final job, the team is assigned to dispose of water-damaged books on a desolate planet. They inadvertently leave Frank behind, not realizing it as Fry returns from vacation at the same time.

Back in the present, just before the Omicronian event, Fry is exhausted and seeks another break after 23 years. Upon discussing the temp, they remember Frank and head back to the book dump planet. Upon their arrival, Frank greets them, revealing he survived by consuming books. After cleaning up, Frank dons Fry’s spare clothes and exhibits a devious demeanor.

Frank then hypnotizes the crew into believing he is Fry by spinning his eyes. The real Fry remains stranded on the planet. Six weeks pass, and Leela, sensing something is off, has been avoiding “Fry” and staying with her parents. The crew also starts noticing peculiar changes, especially the rise in productivity and soap usage. Piecing these clues together, they decide to revisit the book dumping planet.

Upon reuniting, Fry attempts to make the crew recognize him, but Frank’s hypnotic power keeps them under his spell. Fry finally proves his identity by showing photos of past moments with the crew. Frank then reveals that over the years, he read “The Art of Klang Foo” and partially “The Return of the King”—mastering an ancient mind-control technique from the former.

Frank confesses that out of all the temp jobs he’s had, Fry’s role made him the happiest, prompting him to usurp Fry’s life. When his plan is foiled, Frank tries to hijack the ship to leave everyone stranded. He fails spectacularly, crashing immediately. Seizing the moment, the crew sneaks back onto the ship, leaving Frank on the dump planet once more. Balance is restored as they return to Earth, where everything feels right again.

Source: Hulu