I haven't seen it yet, but apparently last night's episode of Futurama required a mathematical formula to explain a plot element. Producer David X. Cohen is noted for leaving real mathematical statements on screen during the show and had a staff mathematician compose an original theorem for that episode:
Link via Geekosystem | Image: Fox
In an APS News exclusive, Cohen reveals for the first time that in the 10th episode of the upcoming season, tentatively entitled “The Prisoner of Benda,” a theorem based on group theory was specifically written (and proven!) by staffer/PhD mathematician Ken Keeler to explain a plot twist. Cohen can’t help but chuckle at the irony: his television-writing rule is that entertainment trumps science, but in this special case, a mathematical theorem was penned for the sake of entertainment.
Link via Geekosystem | Image: Fox
Very confusing, but entertaining, episode. My favorite episode remains the Late Philip J Fry.
Most awesome.
MATH!" Dum da dummmmm
"The Late Philip J. Fry" episode was one of the funniest 20 minutes of TV in a long time. Not just funny as hell, but moving also - without giving anything away .... anyone who hasn't seen the episode should do so!