Near-Death Wish

"Near-Death Wish" is the one hundred and twenty-fourth episode of Futurama, the tenth of the seventh production season and the ninth broadcast season.

Plot
When the Professor learns that his parents are coming out of virtual retirement from the Near-Death Star, he becomes upset.

Production
On 28 July 2011, it was revealed at the that, in an episode of the seventh production season, Professor Farnsworth's parents would be revealed to be still alive and living in the Near Death Star. On 29 February 2012, CGEF revealed the episode's title, its writer to be Eric Horsted and its director to be Lance Kramer. On 29 June, revealed the episode's air date.

On 12 July, following the broadcast of the episode "Zapp Dingbat", the public were given the opportunity to participate in a live chat with the Futurama cast and crew. Several clips of "Near-Death Wish" were shown during the live stream.

Allusions

 * The episode's title is a reference to the Near-Death Star and the term "".

Goofs

 * In "The Sting", when Fry is thought to be dead, the Professor claims to be the oldest living member left in his family. However, the events of this scene were all part of Leela's dream, so it is unknown if it is the truth or not. Plus the Professor has a terrible memory.
 * The question becomes a matter of "living" status for those in virtual retirement. As of right now (before the airing of this episode) those sent to the Near-Death Star never returned.

Characters

 * Bender
 * Fry
 * Professor Farnsworth
 * Debut: Farnsworth's father
 * Debut: Farnsworth's mother
 * Leela
 * Zoidberg