We are now in the final stretch of four episodes of this year’s Futurama season and it’s time for the return of Bureaucrat Grade 35, Hermes Conrad. The story created by veteran series writer Bill Odenkirk, who also wrote Hermes’ first big outing 24 years ago, delves deep into the character’s previously unwritten family history and combines it with the love for coffee that has always been in the background of the Futurama universe. Three Hundred Big Boys once saw Fry drink 100 cups of coffee, but Planet Espresso goes much further than that, telling a story spanning millions of years.

A glimpse from the trailer and the somewhat uninspired title might suggest that this episode is about an alien planet made out of coffee, but the story is actually earthbound. There is still a very strong science-fiction element that starts right out of the gate with a brilliant homage to a certain Stanley Kubrick movie and picks up soon in the story in an unexpected twist. It’s also a story about Hermes’ estranged father, which could have easily gone into soap opera territory – but as in previous episodes about the Jamaican accountant it’s very nicely written and not too sappy. Also not missed is the opportunity of mocking the coffee shop industry, which doesn’t seem to have changed much in the future.

It is quite literally an epic story that has almost a little bit too much fun retconning the history of coffee, but as Futurama is not a documentary, that is entirely justified and a funny and brilliant idea. The only drawback is that the story seems to try too hard in the beginning and then meanders around in the third act looking for a closure of the plot. Part of the ending seems to come out of the blue in the form of Mom in her first appearance this season, but also has an unexpected twist that saves it a little. It’s not really a case of lazy writing, but the ending feels somewhat rushed and the story could have easily been spread over two episodes.

Planet Espresso might get slightly weak in the second half but it absolutely makes up for that in the animation and acting. As the story plays out on Earth, there is a lot of scenery especially in Hermes’ home country that we’ve never seen before. Of course there are some amazing science fiction designs of the ancient variety as well. What makes this episode look so nice is that the animation doesn’t overplay the opportunity and just holds back short of being too epic.

The Hermes-centered story gives voice actor Phil LaMarr his big moment in the spotlight. While he is not of Jamaican heritage himself, his accent has always been spot on and never felt forced or degoratory. He uses it less for comedic effect as for character building and he has really succeeded with this over the history of the series. Planet Espresso is another great example of Phil LaMarr’s versatility, but he is also helped a lot by his fellow voice actors – especially Billy West because Professor Farnsworth as Hermes’ friend plays a bigger role too.

With Planet Espresso Futurama continues strong in the 2024 season despite a minor weakness towards the end. The original and inventive story absolutely makes up for that and this entry will probably forever be known as The Coffee Episode.