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    No. 6 - “The Late Philip J. Fry” (Season 6, Episode 7)

    Heavily influenced by H. G. Wells’ “The Time Machine,” this was the first episode to really illustrate just how much Leela also cares for Fry. After Fry, Bender and Professor Farnsworth get stuck in a time machine that only travels forward, not only does Fry miss taking Leela out for her birthday, but the three of them jump ahead all the way to the very end of the universe as they search for a backwards time machine that they never find. Leela is very upset that Fry ditched out on her and then assumingly died, until she eventually discovers a video birthday card he was recording before he skipped ahead in time, which shows that he didn’t ditch her on purpose, and in fact, really loved her and was looking forward to the date. At this point, 40 years has passed since Fry disappeared. To show how much she cared for him in a way that he would hopefully see, she shoots a message into the cavern they were supposed to meet at, telling him that even though their time together was short, it was the best of her life. He eventually goes to the cavern and receives the bittersweet message. He is content, knowing that she still loved him ‘til the end of the universe. The time travel aspect of the story then resolves itself in a very creative way that is best to be seen for yourself. But let’s just say, Fry makes it to dinner.