In its latest episode titled “How the West Was 101001,” the beloved animated series Futurama explores the world of cryptocurrencies and playfully mocks crypto miners. The episode, which aired on streaming platform Hulu on August 7th, offers a humorous glance into what the future of crypto might entail.
The storyline revolves around the characters’ quest to make money after facing financial ruin due to a bitcoin crash. In a futuristic setting where bitcoin mining remains prevalent, the crew embarks on a daring venture to sell thallium, a toxic metal used in crypto mining, to eager crypto miners residing in the lawless frontier town of Doge City.
Drawing inspiration from the legendary “Gold Rush” era, the episode cleverly parallels the pioneers’ pursuit of gold in the West with the characters’ pursuit of wealth through crypto mining. The number 101001, which translates to 81 in decimal, is a playful nod to the great bitcoin crash of 2018, during which the cryptocurrency’s value plummeted by as much as 81%.
Amidst the comedic storyline, Futurama also takes a lighthearted jab at the environmental concerns surrounding bitcoin mining. The inhabitants of Doge City, a tongue-in-cheek reference to the popular meme-based cryptocurrency Dogecoin, suffer from electricity scarcity as the mining computers drain the town’s power supply. This humorous portrayal may satirize both the excessive energy consumption associated with crypto mining and the lack of regulatory oversight in the crypto sector, which has led to various controversies, hacks, and financial mishaps in recent years.
Overall, the episode allows viewers to indulge in an entertaining yet thought-provoking take on the world of cryptocurrencies, serving as a reminder of the potential complexities and quirks that may accompany our continued exploration of this digital frontier.
