I haven't seen it yet, but apparently last night's episode of Futurama required a mathematical formula to explain a plot element. Producer David X. Cohen is noted for leaving real mathematical statements on screen during the show and had a staff mathematician compose an original theorem for that episode:
Link via Geekosystem | Image: Fox
In an APS News exclusive, Cohen reveals for the first time that in the 10th episode of the upcoming season, tentatively entitled “The Prisoner of Benda,” a theorem based on group theory was specifically written (and proven!) by staffer/PhD mathematician Ken Keeler to explain a plot twist. Cohen can’t help but chuckle at the irony: his television-writing rule is that entertainment trumps science, but in this special case, a mathematical theorem was penned for the sake of entertainment.
Link via Geekosystem | Image: Fox
Comments (12)
Best joke ever
"The Late Philip J. Fry" episode was one of the funniest 20 minutes of TV in a long time. Not just funny as hell, but moving also - without giving anything away .... anyone who hasn't seen the episode should do so!
MATH!" Dum da dummmmm
Most awesome.
Very confusing, but entertaining, episode. My favorite episode remains the Late Philip J Fry.