Commentary:Obsoletely Fabulous

Topics of Discussion

 * The episode had not yet aired at the time of recording, causing some confusion at the start of the commentary.
 * Wernstrom was intended to be a one time character, but was too good to leave out.
 * Robot 1-X's design is based on an iMac.
 * Satellite technology and the speed of light.
 * Bender falling over in the trash can.
 * Bender is the only major character in act 2.
 * There had been a scene with a rock that was in reference to Tom Hanks' volleyball in Cast Away.
 * Maurice had recently acted in some anti-smoking ads for radio.
 * Bender's line the the pig "now turn around" was contributed by Matt.
 * Sinclair 2K is based on the Timex Sinclair computer from the 1970s, which had 2KB of memory.
 * His design is based on Robby the Robot from Forbidden Planet.
 * They didn't think Lisa would be easy to animate.
 * The Lisa was predecessor to the Macintosh.
 * John (as Bender) hummed along to his memory of the music for the recording. When they added the music later in matched up correctly.
 * Dan did the initial design of wooden Bender. A slight change was made to remove the steam engine that was on his back.
 * Wooden submarines.
 * The music during the robots' attack on modern technology is by Christopher Tyng, not something that was licensed.
 * There had been brief moments showing what each of the characters had been doing when the power went out; Amy had been on a treadmill and fell off onto Scruffy's lap.
 * The sound of Bender's arms falling off had been temporary, but the good sounds weren't funny.
 * They were concerned because both this episode and The Sting both feature long plots that aren't really happening.

Highlights / Quotes

 * Dan Vebber: It was named after Steve Jobs' daughter right? David X. Cohen: Sure, why not? Billy West: He should have named it after his son, Shemp. Dan Vebber: His son, Computer.
 * Unknown This was... You actually drew this in the storyboards, didn't you? The way that he walks on his eyeballs? David? Cohen: Me. That's all... That's pure Cohen. [pause] I didn't draw it but I thunk of it.

Related DVD Features

 * Some of the deleted scenes mentioned are on the disc, including scenes at the convention and in the upgrade facility.

Commentators

 * Matt Groening
 * Executive Producer
 * David X. Cohen
 * Executive Producer
 * Rich Moore
 * Supervising Director
 * Dan Vebber
 * Writer
 * Dwayne Carey-Hill
 * Director
 * Billy West
 * Actor (Fry, Professor Farnsworth, miscellaneous)
 * Maurice LaMarche
 * Actor (Cartridge Unit, miscellaneous)