After seeing the lackluster "Beast With A Billion Backs and "Bender's Big Score," I'm starting to think "Futurama" was better off canceled.

The story of “Beast With A Billion Backs” picks up where “Bender’s Big Score” left off. The rift in space is still clearly visible in the sky and scientists fear the worst from it. As it turns out, their fears were justified when a giant tentacle creature leaks out of the rift and begins controlling every being in the universe. The question is, why? There are also subplots involving Amy Wong and Kif as well as Fry trying to find love (again).

After the let down that was “Bender’s Big Score,” I was hoping the creative team would bounce back with a winner in “Beast With A Billion Backs.” Sadly, this new feature is not much better. Aside from a few memorable moments (such as the “Steamboat Willie” parody and the League of Robots), ‘Beast’ suffers from having an overlong and uninvolving story. The tentacle creature Yivo (voiced by David Cross) was simply not an engaging new character. Why didn’t the writers let fans see some returning favorites instead of churning out new faces that no one gives a hoot about?

The main problem with this and the previous film, however, is the length. I firmly believe “Futurama” is good in small 22 minute doses. When you stretch out a 22 minute story into 90 minutes, the show (and plot) overstay their welcome. I really wish the writers would just create stand alone stories and package them onto a DVD because these arcs are not cutting it.  Obviously, I’m not alone in thinking this as loyal fans are equally frustrated with the new “Futurama” films as well. Also, would it hurt to put Zoidberg in episodes more often? He has been the best part of the two films, but he’s always on the sidelines.