As the Futurama co-anchor of Channel √2 News and Good Morning, Earth, Linda van Schoonhoven lights up the screen along with Morbo. She joined the ranks of the Feministas in the episode “Into the Wild Green Yonder.” Her surname, van Schoonhoven, suggests a likely Dutch origin. In the episode “Benderama,” her obsession with alcoholic drinks becomes evident.
When all the alcohol disappears, she appears to lose her sanity, screaming that she can’t face her children.
Linda – An Unexpected Symbol of Joy
Linda consistently delivers recurring entertainment in the Futurama universe.
Alongside her often overly-dramatic co-anchor Morbo, she sails through the ridiculousness of the 31st-century events, brandishing her contagious cheeriness and the flawless hair flip that’s become her signature.
Her typical day includes reporting outrageous incidents, from a man walking down the aisle with a robot to the floating head in a jar that governs New New York.
No catastrophe shakes Linda. She handles Morbo’s intimidating tantrums and random threats of human enslavement with nothing more than a giggle, proving she’s far more resilient than we often acknowledge.
Behind the Scenes – The Voice of Linda
Linda’s vibrant personality wouldn’t be the same without the comedic genius of Tress MacNeille. Her ability to capture Linda’s energetic enthusiasm and carefree nature brings the character to life. MacNeille, who voices several other characters on the show, like Mom and Hattie McDoogal, truly shines in her portrayal of Linda.
The nuance she brings to the role, expertly juggling between nonchalance and surprise, anchors Linda as a beloved character in the Futurama universe.
One cannot help but giggle with her infectious laughter or marvel at her incredible ability to remain unphased by even the most alarming news reports.
The Unique Friendship: Linda and Morbo
If ever there were an unlikely pair, it would be Linda and her co-anchor Morbo. Their friendship, or work-based tolerance, is one of the most humorously bizarre relationships on the show. Linda’s cheerful obliviousness pairs hilariously with Morbo’s constant threats to enslave the human race.
While Morbo seethes and growls, Linda giggles and brushes off his comments like they’re no more threatening than a drizzle.
The hilarious banter and stark contrast between these two make their moments some of the most entertaining in the series. It’s a beautiful disaster that we can’t help but adore.
Background
In 3008, Linda van Schoonhoven accidentally found herself in a romantic liaison with a planet-sized monster. Two years later, she joined forces with Leela and Amy, becoming a part of the Feministas, marking her first interaction with the main characters.
Fast forward to 3010, Linda appeared in a recorded video shown in the V-GINY. She actively reported on the passing of Proposition ∞, leading to the legalization of robosexual marriage, and covered Emperor Nikolai of Robo-Hungary’s visit to New New York.
By 3011, Linda’s hidden struggles came to light as it was revealed that she was not only a mother but also struggled with alcoholism. This became clear when the multitude of tiny Benders absconded with all the alcohol, leaving her unable to cope with her newscasting duties without a drink in hand.
A Quintessential Futurama Character
Linda embodies the perfect Futurama character. She’s funny, quirky, and distinctly disinterested in the imminent disasters that frequently occur. She flawlessly navigates the absurdity that is the 31st-century, with its eclectic mix of characters and absurd situations.
Yet, despite her small role, her contribution to the humor and charm of the show is undeniable. Linda’s quintessential Futurama characteristics – her nonchalance, optimism, fashion sense, and cheery demeanor – contribute significantly to the show’s endearing wackiness.
Linda, with her giggle that laughs in the face of danger, truly embodies the spirit of Futurama. It’s a spirit of laughter, adventure, and not taking life (or the end of the world) too seriously.
Appearances
- “A Big Piece of Garbage”
- “When Aliens Attack”
- “I Second That Emotion”
- “A Head in the Polls”
- “Xmas Story”
- “A Tale of Two Santas”
- “The Birdbot of Ice-Catraz”
- “The Day the Earth Stood Stupid”
- “The Cyber House Rules”
- “Time Keeps on Slippin'”
- “A Pharaoh to Remember”
- “The 30% Iron Chef”
- “The Problem with Popplers”
- “A Taste Of Freedom”
- “Crimes of the Hot”
- “Three Hundred Big Boys”
- “The Devil’s Hands Are Idle Playthings”
- “Spanish Fry”
- “In-A-Gadda-Da-Leela”
- “Proposition Infinity”
- “The Prisoner of Benda”
- “The Mutants Are Revolting”
- “Benderama”
- “Cold Warriors”
- “Naturama”
- “The Salmon” (as a salmon)
- “Murder On The Planet Express”
- “Simpsorama”
Films
- “Bender’s Big Score”
- “The Beast with a Billion Backs”
- “Bender’s Game“
- “Into the Wild Green Yonder”
