Skip to main content

Things We Saw Today: New Covid Mutation Is an Unlikely ‘Futurama’ Callback

Plus book delivery on horseback, Kathryn Hahn, and more!

Leela on Futurama

Whelp, a new COVID variant just dropped. The SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.1.529, aka the Omicron variant, was first reported in South Africa, and has since popped up in Botswana, Hong Kong and Belgium. The World Health Organization has designated Omicron as “a variant of concern”, citing the unusually high number of mutations which could make the variant more transmissible.

Recommended Videos

Dr. Anthony Fauci speculated that Omicron may already be in the United States, saying “I would not be surprised if it is,” in an appearance on Weekend Today. “We have not detected it yet [in the U.S.],” he added, “but when you have a virus that is showing this degree of transmissibility and you’re already having travel-related cases that they’ve noted in Israel and Belgium and in other places — when you have a virus like this, it almost invariably is ultimately going to go essentially all over.”

But while this is news is both A)predictable and B)disheartening, nerds are finding some levity in the name Omicron and its relation to the world of Futurama. Fans will remember the Omicronians of planet Omicron Persei 8, the large aliens frequently bent on world domination led by Emperor Lrrr.

As a result, Futurama started trending on Twitter, with everyone recalling their favorite moments from Matt Groening’s sci-fi series.

Well, I’m off to drown my sorrows in a hot bucket of Popplers, sigh.

(image: 20th Century Fox)

  • Surprising no one, the Gina Carano-led Rangers of the New Republic Star Wars series has been cancelled by Disney+. (via io9)
  • Here’s all the Easter eggs from episode one of Hawkeye. (via Nerdist)
  • Oscar Isaac talks all things Dune in new interview. (via Remezcla)

Calling all Philly area Mary Suevians! Harriett’s Bookshop is delivering books on horseback and we cannot handle it. #SmallBusinessSaturday

  • This week’s Legends of Tomorrow explores the legacy of the Black Rosies. (via Autostraddle)
  • Kathryn Hahn’s “Agatha All Along” just got nominated for a Grammy! (via Comicbook.com)
  • Nick Fury is the latest MCU character to join Fortnite. (via IGN)

How’s your Thanksgiving weekend going, Mary Suevians?

Want more stories like this? Become a subscriber and support the site!

The Mary Sue has a strict comment policy that forbids, but is not limited to, personal insults toward anyone, hate speech, and trolling.—

Have a tip we should know? [email protected]

Author
Chelsea Steiner
Chelsea was born and raised in New Orleans, which explains her affinity for cheesy grits and Britney Spears. An pop culture journalist since 2012, her work has appeared on Autostraddle, AfterEllen, and more. Her beats include queer popular culture, film, television, republican clownery, and the unwavering belief that 'The Long Kiss Goodnight' is the greatest movie ever made. She currently resides in sunny Los Angeles, with her husband, 2 sons, and one poorly behaved rescue dog. She is a former roller derby girl and a black belt in Judo, so she is not to be trifled with. She loves the word “Jewess” and wishes more people used it to describe her.

Filed Under:

Follow The Mary Sue: