Welcome to TV Recap, in which we look at modern shows and analyze them on an episode-to-episode basis. This one focuses on the cartoon sitcom Bob's Burgers, a very funny show that is capable of rivaling old school Simpsons in terms of irreverent humor and off the wall zaniness. With a cast of modern alternative comedian heroes, the story follows the Belchers as they run a burger joint. Join me as I take part in dissecting the show in its first full season. Check back on Tuesdays for the next exciting installment.
It has been awhile since Louise (Kristen Schaal) has had a main episode that packed a punch while exploring her stubbornness that all children face. In this episode, we get a sense of both who she is as well as Aunt Gayle (Megan Mullally). The universe of Bob's Burgers is particularly weird and one that is thankfully taking a break from expanding to focus on improving the characters it already has. As it stands, it does make for a highly enjoyable, weird episode that captures a fresh take on going to the dentist.
It is check-up day at the dentist for Gene (Eugene Mirman), Tina (Dan Mintz), and Louise. Everything is going fine as they deal with Dr. Yap (Ken Jeong), who rewards them for pain-free trips. When it comes to Louise, she throws a fit and decides to run away. This causes Bob (Jon Benjamin) and Linda (John Roberts) to panic, wondering where she disappeared to. She didn't get too far, as her fake I.D. written in pencil is easily an illegitimate document. Louise even has a runaway bag hidden in the lake as to prepare for this situation.
She eventually decides to go to Gayle's house, whom she convinces has been expecting her despite not having actually called. Gayle calls Bob and Linda, who prepare a plan to get her back. They send in Gene and Tina to infiltrate the room and try to coax her out. The goal is that Louise will not have to get the cavity taken out provided that she can spend the weekend with Gayle, who is reading bad cat poetry. Meanwhile, Teddy (Larry Murphy) insists on giving them a hand with the stake-out outside of her house by buying them pizza.
Things get into an elaborate game that Gayle has made called Gayle Force Winds that is complicated and often involves dumb things like squawking like a mystical chicken. Things slowly start to get all complicated and Gayle decides to take her into the doctor's office while pretending that it is an action game. Everyone participates and the episode ends with Bob and Linda realizing that Gayle was being the better parent in this situation.
Rating: 4 out of 5
It isn't a particularly extensive episode with high concept plotting or big payoffs. It is more of a moment to remind us why Louise is an endearing character. Even when she runs away and has to be independent, her naive control on the situation is a little strained. She thinks that a fake I.D. could get her into a prestigious hotel with her father's credit card. Besides that, there are many other omitted logical steps that as a child, she isn't prone to know. Her life is particularly simple and by running away, she has to realize that some of them aren't all that great.
Gayle is a particularly stranger other half for Linda. We are used to the weirdness that Linda can do, but Gayle has been a recurring character almost to a minimal account. We don't know much about her, but in this particular episode, we get a look into her personal life. A lot of cats, bad poetry, strange games, and even bras hanging from the wall. She is the recluse with a heart of gold. She is also an effective mother type when she wants to be, which may be the whole point of the episode.
In fact, the whole motivation of the episode may be the purest motivation in the season's episodes to date. Kids don't want to go to the dentist. In fact, they would rather play a really prolonged and stupid game to counterattack that. I love how this whole episode became an operation to get Louise to have a cavity taken out. It may have included her having to place a sponge on her head, but the stubbornness surrounding her is fascinating and universal. Where recent episodes have dealt with familiar kid tropes, they had a small hint of fantastical elements that defied logic. This feels like the most honest equivalent.
It is check-up day at the dentist for Gene (Eugene Mirman), Tina (Dan Mintz), and Louise. Everything is going fine as they deal with Dr. Yap (Ken Jeong), who rewards them for pain-free trips. When it comes to Louise, she throws a fit and decides to run away. This causes Bob (Jon Benjamin) and Linda (John Roberts) to panic, wondering where she disappeared to. She didn't get too far, as her fake I.D. written in pencil is easily an illegitimate document. Louise even has a runaway bag hidden in the lake as to prepare for this situation.She eventually decides to go to Gayle's house, whom she convinces has been expecting her despite not having actually called. Gayle calls Bob and Linda, who prepare a plan to get her back. They send in Gene and Tina to infiltrate the room and try to coax her out. The goal is that Louise will not have to get the cavity taken out provided that she can spend the weekend with Gayle, who is reading bad cat poetry. Meanwhile, Teddy (Larry Murphy) insists on giving them a hand with the stake-out outside of her house by buying them pizza.
Things get into an elaborate game that Gayle has made called Gayle Force Winds that is complicated and often involves dumb things like squawking like a mystical chicken. Things slowly start to get all complicated and Gayle decides to take her into the doctor's office while pretending that it is an action game. Everyone participates and the episode ends with Bob and Linda realizing that Gayle was being the better parent in this situation.
Rating: 4 out of 5
It isn't a particularly extensive episode with high concept plotting or big payoffs. It is more of a moment to remind us why Louise is an endearing character. Even when she runs away and has to be independent, her naive control on the situation is a little strained. She thinks that a fake I.D. could get her into a prestigious hotel with her father's credit card. Besides that, there are many other omitted logical steps that as a child, she isn't prone to know. Her life is particularly simple and by running away, she has to realize that some of them aren't all that great.
Gayle is a particularly stranger other half for Linda. We are used to the weirdness that Linda can do, but Gayle has been a recurring character almost to a minimal account. We don't know much about her, but in this particular episode, we get a look into her personal life. A lot of cats, bad poetry, strange games, and even bras hanging from the wall. She is the recluse with a heart of gold. She is also an effective mother type when she wants to be, which may be the whole point of the episode.
In fact, the whole motivation of the episode may be the purest motivation in the season's episodes to date. Kids don't want to go to the dentist. In fact, they would rather play a really prolonged and stupid game to counterattack that. I love how this whole episode became an operation to get Louise to have a cavity taken out. It may have included her having to place a sponge on her head, but the stubbornness surrounding her is fascinating and universal. Where recent episodes have dealt with familiar kid tropes, they had a small hint of fantastical elements that defied logic. This feels like the most honest equivalent.
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