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.
In a strange occurrence, Bob's Burgers has slowly become more and more like The Simpsons in their heyday. While not particularly plagiarizing any elements, the show has reveled in managing to subvert familiar tropes and mine them for new and interesting prospects. In the cast of "Speakeasy Rider," they have crossed a new landmark. In the grand scheme of things, this is their "Lisa on Ice": an episode that is full of sibling rivalry that ends with a heartwarming symbolism of something more unifying and sweet. Sure, it may not be nearly as sentimental as The Simpsons, but there's a strong case to make on this being one of their closest times to impersonating the show's emotional core.
The episode begins with the Belcher kids running into Mr. Fischoeder (Kevin Kline). After becoming disappointed that they cannot use the bumper cars, the adult decides to sell them one that they decide to turn into a running go-kart with the help of some stolen auto parts. The only issue is that when the time comes to race the go-kart, now named Team Belcher, they aren't able to decide. After pulling one of Gene's (Eugene Mirman) mole hairs, they decide to let Louise (Kristen Schaal) do it in a very clumsy and dangerous fashion. During this time, Gene befriends the flag waver and begins to learn the tricks of the trade.
In this time, Bob (Jon Benjamin) discovers that Teddy (Larry Murphy) has made his own beer and that it is pretty good. He decides to sell it at Bob's Burgers, which turns out to be a fruitful business. This gets the attention of Hugo (Sam Seder), who threatens to shut the business down. However, Bob manages to persuade them by suggesting that they taste good together. He solves the problem temporarily and in enough time to go to the final go-kart race of the episode.
Things have gotten pretty bad between Louise and Tina (Dan Mintz), who are racing on opposing teams. When both realize that they're in the same competition, they consider taunting each other. Louise's car breaks down, but she covers a gas leak with a towel. As it is discovered that either one could win, things turn bad for Louise, whose go-kart breaks down. Tina decides to push her across the finish line, winning for Team Belcher. Gene is expertly flying the racing flags simultaneously. They consider themselves to be co-winners.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Let's look at the correlations between "Lisa on Ice" and "Speakeasy Rider." In the former, the episode ends with the Simpson siblings playing hockey in a tied game. There's a chance for brother Bart's team to win. As he approaches the goalie, played by sister Lisa, he has flashbacks of happier times. They end by refusing to make the shot and instead skate off into the afternoon, accepting each other as equals. In "Speakeasy Rider," this becomes trickier with three siblings vying for attention. However, with Gene a great flag waver and Tina and Louise joining forces to win, it becomes the ultimate unity of characters coming to acceptance of each other. In this regards, this is basically Bob's Burgers' "Lisa On Ice."
And it isn't that bad of an episode either with all things considered. The idea of go-karts is something that hasn't been really that much explored. My initial reaction was to believe that this was a parody of Ron Howard's Rush. However, there are too many altered ideas to really be something even remotely coincidental. Yes, there's the idea of dueling forces, but with that film based around a major crash scene that would be too dark for an episode like this, I have trouble wanting to write it off. However, there's the sense of working together to make each other better that runs through the entire episode. In this sense, it is kind of like Rush.
Still, while the subplot is very unnecessary and servers very few laughs, it does manage to fill in some free time. I must admit that it seems like the subplots lately haven't exactly been able to keep up to snuff with the main story. Maybe it's just because Bob has to run a business and the conventional nature of it isn't all that interesting. However, watching him sell beer only to be shut down halfway through isn't exactly a very engaging or worthwhile plot. Sometimes I wonder if the show could do without it.
Still, with the siblings managing to find their calling in the world of go-kart racing, there's plenty to admire about this episode. It manages to have a twee subject while adding some credibility to it. There's dueling sisters who end up joining opposite forces only to realize it's not worth spiting the other. It is kind of beautiful in the symbolism when things begin to fall apart and Tina is forced to help her younger sister, and thus allowing Team Belcher to win. It may seem too sentimental for a show like this, but it is moments that are similar that bring out something more that the show could be. When the main plot is on, it's on and creating some of the zippiest and most interesting visuals of the batch.
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