The popular animated science fiction series, Futurama, has taken a jovial swipe at the world of cryptocurrency miners in a recent episode titled “How the West Was 1010001”. The show, born well before the advent of digital currencies like Bitcoin, transports its main characters to a debt-fuelled excursion to the hilariously dubbed “Crypto Country”, where Bitcoin mining takes center stage in this exaggerated Wild West setting.
A parody on Bitcoin mining, the show peppers its narrative with comical elements such as the characters sourcing thallium for crypto mining chips and a reference to the Old West town “Doge City”. Furthermore, it pokes fun at the excessive electricity consumption associated with Bitcoin mining claiming it’s “ionizing the atmosphere”. Futurama also incorporated “danged Ethereum” into its narrative, subtly broadening its satirical coverage to other cryptocurrencies.
Despite its slapstick approach, the question did spring up as to why characters, even in a satirical futuristic setting, would still be mining Bitcoin in the year 3023. Based on current projections of the Bitcoin halving process, it is predicted that the last Bitcoin block will most likely be mined somewhere around 2140.
Of course, Futurama’s satire isn’t without its sense of reality, depicting the future of Bitcoin’s price as still volatile, a true reflection of present day events. The narrative includes a quest for “cheap, filthy electricity” to continually mine the digital blocks, highlighting environmental concerns associated with crypto mining.
Though the creators of Futurama conceived the show a decade prior to the first Bitcoin transaction, digital assets are now becoming mainstream elements within the entertainment sector, finding their way into popular TV series, Hollywood movies and animated shows alike.
While audiences may enjoy a good laugh over the exaggerated depiction of cryptocurrency mining in fictional narratives, the entertainment sphere’s growing inclination towards cryptocurrency themes is testament to digital currencies growing relevance in our everyday lives. To some, Futurama’s jest-filled portrayal of Bitcoin mining may just be a stark reminder of the realities, quirks, and controversies currently orbiting the world of digital currencies. Technology, like comedy, is continually evolving and it’s clear that cryptocurrencies are finding footing in our mainstream narratives, regardless of their rather satirical debut.
Source: Cointelegraph
