In the world of science fiction, robots have always been a fascinating subject. From humanoid robots to robotic pets, the possibilities are endless. One of the most beloved fictional robots is Bender from “Futurama,” a foul-mouthed, beer-guzzling robot with a heart of gold.
But have you ever wondered who built Bender? Some fans speculate that it was Hermes Conrad, the Jamaican accountant and bureaucrat from Planet Express. Let’s take a closer look at this theory.
The Evidence:
There are several clues throughout the series that suggest Hermes might be responsible for building Bender. For starters, Hermes is often seen tinkering with machinery and seems to have a knack for inventing things.
In one episode, he creates a device that can predict the likelihood of employee accidents. Additionally, Hermes has access to Planet Express’ supply of spare robot parts, which would come in handy if he were building his own robot.
Another piece of evidence is Bender’s Jamaican accent. While it’s never explicitly stated in the show, some fans believe that Hermes programmed Bender to speak like him as an homage to his Jamaican heritage.
Finally, there’s the fact that Bender seems to have a soft spot for Hermes. Throughout the series, we see moments where Bender goes out of his way to help or defend Hermes. This could be interpreted as loyalty to his creator.
Counterarguments:
Of course, not everyone is convinced that Hermes built Bender. One argument against this theory is that it goes against established canon in the show.
In one episode, it’s revealed that MomCorp created Bender as part of a line of bending robots. This could suggest that there was no individual creator behind him.
Another argument is that while Hermes may be skilled with machinery and programming, he doesn’t seem particularly interested in building robots specifically. He focuses more on bureaucratic tasks and accounting.
The Verdict:
So, did Hermes build Bender? While there are hints and clues that suggest he might have, it’s ultimately unclear.
The evidence is circumstantial at best, and there are counterarguments to consider as well. It’s possible that the show’s creators intentionally left Bender’s origins a mystery to add to his enigmatic persona.
Regardless of who built him, Bender remains one of the most beloved and iconic robots in science fiction history. His irreverent personality and hilarious antics continue to captivate audiences years after “Futurama” ended its run. Whether or not Hermes had a hand in creating him, we can all agree that Bender is a masterpiece of robotic engineering.
Conclusion:
At the end of the day, the question of whether Hermes built Bender may never be fully answered. However, it’s fun to speculate and imagine what kind of mad scientist Hermes could be if he put his mind to it.
Perhaps someday, we’ll get a definitive answer from the show’s creators or a spin-off series. Until then, we can enjoy watching Bender in all his robotic glory.