Why Does Hermes Hate Zoidberg?

Have you ever wondered why Hermes Conrad, the bureaucrat from Futurama, hates Dr. John A. Zoidberg, the Decapodian alien who serves as the staff doctor for Planet Express? Well, it’s a long and complicated story that involves several factors.

The Origin of Their Rivalry

The rivalry between Hermes and Zoidberg began when the latter was hired by Planet Express as their staff doctor. As a bureaucrat, Hermes is obsessed with following rules and regulations, while Zoidberg is a free-spirited alien who doesn’t always play by the book. This fundamental difference in their approaches to work caused friction between them from the very beginning.

Professional Jealousy

Another factor that contributed to their rivalry is professional jealousy. Although Hermes is not a medical doctor, he fancies himself an expert in everything and hates it when anyone challenges his authority or knowledge. Zoidberg’s medical expertise often puts him at odds with Hermes, especially when it comes to making decisions about the health of the crew members.

Theft of Limbs

One of the most infamous incidents that fueled their animosity occurred when Zoidberg stole Hermes’ body parts to use in his cooking. In one episode, Zoidberg was caught stealing Hermes’ smell receptors to use in his aromatic dishes. This theft of body parts understandably made Hermes furious and further solidified his hatred for Zoidberg.

Personality Clashes

Finally, there are just some personality clashes between these two characters that cannot be ignored. While Hermes is uptight and obsessive about following rules, Zoidberg is carefree and often clueless about human customs. These differences make it difficult for them to work together or even tolerate each other’s presence.

In conclusion, while there may be no clear-cut answer as to why Hermes hates Zoidberg, it’s clear that their rivalry is based on a combination of professional differences, personality clashes, and personal grievances. Despite this, their interactions on the show are always entertaining and add to the overall charm of the series.