Born from a soap opera star, a military drone, and a car factory robot, Calculon – the star of ‘All My Circuits’ – is a one-of-a-kind character in the wacky universe of Futurama.
With his melodramatic performances and ever-inflating ego, Calculon is a character who perpetually teeters on the edge of comedy and tragedy – his two acting specialties.
Yet, this robot of all seasons has a charm that even Dr. Zoidberg can’t dissect. Amid his exaggerated death scenes and less-than-Oscar-worthy performances, Calculon holds an undeniable appeal.
The Calculated Charisma of Calculon
Could his charismatic delivery leave us spellbound, or maybe those delightfully unconvincing tears keep us hooked? Or does his appeal lie hidden within the depths of his well-oiled acting gears? The allure of Calculon remains as enigmatic as Bender’s insatiable affinity for beer.
A conundrum wrapped in metal, this overly-dramatic robot intrigues us with each on-screen appearance. Interestingly, it’s not in spite of his exaggerated theatrics that we find him captivating, but rather, because of it.
This paradox that is Calculon, with his overacting and affectations, reels us in, creating a sense of attachment and anticipation every time he graces the scene.
Son: Antonio Calculon, Jr.
Half Brother: Boxy
Ex fiancé: Coilette
Quick Backstory
Born before 1960 as Antonio Calculon, Sr, the robot actor widely recognized as Calculon (1960-3012) and Calculon 2.0 (circa 3013), played a recurring role in Futurama. Initially known as David Duchovny, he later assumed the role of Calculon 1.0, a car-manufacturing robot enlisted in the sinister military project, Project Satan, to construct an evil car using malignant auto parts. The completed Project Satan retaliated, transforming Calculon into a Were-car.
Over the ensuing centuries, Calculon concealed his were-car existence by periodically updating his appearance and assuming different aliases such as Acting Unit 0.8, Thespo-mat, and reverting back to David Duchovny.
He also derived his so-called “Un-holy acting talent” from the Robot Devil, though it remains unclear what, if anything, he traded for this ability.
A Mechanical Maestro of Melodrama
What truly sets Calculon apart, however, is his commitment to his craft. Always seen in character, he stands as a paragon of theatrical dedication, a Shakespearean robot in a world of slapstick and satire. His incredible knack for melodrama, both on and off the set, adds a layer of unexpected depth to this otherwise comic character.
In every dramatic pause, in every grandiose gesture, Calculon transcends the limits of his circuits and code, channeling emotions that make us forget he’s a mechanical entity.
When you find yourself moved by his impassioned pleas or tears – don’t worry, it’s not a malfunction. It’s just the Calculon Effect.
Calculon Acting Career
In his current incarnation, Calculon enjoys widespread acclaim as an actor, boasting appearances on the popular talk show ‘Late Night With Humorbot 5.0’. Moreover, he served as a judge at the glamorous Miss Universe Pageant, further solidifying his celebrity status.
Television
As the leading actor in ‘All My Circuits’, Calculon takes center stage in a soap opera predominantly featuring robots, although humans occasionally grace the screen. On this show, his character navigates life married to a fembot named Monique and is the father of a son, Antonio Calculon.
Film
An Oscar nomination came Calculon’s way for his stellar performance in ‘The Magnificent Three’, a screenplay crafted by Harold Zoid, but the win eluded him. He also lent his acting prowess to the silver screen adaptation of his breakout television show, headlining ‘All My Circuits: The Movie’. His cinematic portfolio also boasts a film dedicated to his fiancée, Coilette, showcasing his versatile acting chops.
The Immortal Dramaturg
Calculon died during the acting world championship, drinking real poison for authenticity in Romeo & Juliet’s death scene. Despite consuming food coloring, fatal to robots, he lost to Langdon Cobb, passing away before knowing his defeat.
The Planet Express crew resurrected him in “Calculon 2.0” to feature in All My Circuits again. But his outdated style and a failed one-man play left him in the shadows. Eventually, they secured him a minor role in All My Circuits. His second attempt was convincing, earning applause.
Despite reluctance, he bowed at Leela’s insistence. Tragically, a misplaced noose and falling lights nearly killed him before a falling walkway ended his life once again. His star was restored on the Walk of Fame to honor him, and his spirit returned to Robot Hell.
Relationships
After Bender transformed into Coilette by changing his gender and identity to compete in the Female Robot Olympics, he entered into a romantic relationship with Calculon. The relationship escalated to an engagement, but took a tragic turn when Coilette “died” during the wedding ceremony, marking a sorrowful end to their romance.
Bender not only serves as Calculon’s hot water heater, but also doubles as his official stalker. In the episode “Calculon 2.0,” a hidden sentiment is unveiled when a photo of Coilette is discovered in Calculon’s suitcase, indicating his enduring love for her.
Quick Facts About Calculon
- Calculon takes great offense at the notion of second takes during filming, given his conviction of his impeccable acting. As such, he adamantly declines any do-overs on his television show, All My Circuits. This probably explains the apparent unfinished nature of many scenes.
- In “The Devil’s Hands Are Idle Playthings”, it was hinted at that Calculon got his acting skills from a deal with the robot devil.
- He has his own sauce, “Calculon’s BBQ Grease.” (“I Second That Emotion“)
Appearances
- “I, Roommate”
- “Fry & the Slurm Factory”
- “The Honking”
- “That’s Lobstertainment!”
- “Crimes Of The Hot”
- “Bender Should Not Be Allowed on Television”
- “Bend Her”
- “Mother’s Day”
- “The Devil’s Hands Are Idle Playthings”
- “The Silence of the Clamps”
- “Yo Leela Leela“
- “Decision 3012”
- “The Thief of Baghead” (Death)
- “Calculon 2.0” (Rebirth and Death)
Films
- “Bender’s Big Score”
- “The Beast with a Billion Backs”
- “Bender’s Game”
- “Into The Wild Green Yonder”
