Bob's Burgers: Cheaty Cheaty Bang Bang (13x11)

I started watching Bob's Burgers a couple of years ago, but per my own self-imposed rules about reviews, I am just now getting to write my very first review about the show, having caught up to current episodes airing! This is a fun show, a distraction for my brain, good vibes and calming colors. I might not have a ton to say week to week, but let's dive in!

Cons:

I think of all the stories happening here, Gene's was probably the least interesting to me this week. He has a song stuck in his head, a jingle about fish delivery, and he keeps singing it over and over. The only real "punchline" here is that by the end, Louise has the jingle stuck in her head too, which Gene thinks of as a victory. It's not bad, it's just a background gag that didn't really do much for me.

Pros:

I like the concept in the A-plot this week, where Tina is worried about being accused of cheating. It's the kind of scenario I totally remember happening to me in high school, where maybe it was a thing where you sat right next to your friend and you could easily see their answers, and it wasn't so much that you were copying off of them, but maybe you took reassurance from the fact that you both got the same answers... but then what if some other kid who doesn't really know you, saw you doing that? Tina in full-on anxiety mode is always so funny. One of the things this show does really well with the kids is immerse them in their fantastical scenarios very fully. So Tina thinks the "bad kid" who told on her is some sort of terrible criminal, including making a comment about not having the number to "whatever burner phone she's using right now", which I thought was great.

Louise and Gene got to play sort-of supportive little siblings this week, coaching Tina through what she should do about her dilemma, while hiding it from their parents. I like that they're engrossed in Tina's drama to some extent, but also caught up in making their blanket fort and drinking hot cocoa, really enjoying their break from school and the restaurant. Probably my biggest chuckle came from Gene, when he and Louise knock on Tina's door and announce their presence by saying "Tina, it's your brother and sister... you know, from childhood?"

Then meanwhile, the heater is broken in the apartment, and Bob is struggling to get it fixed, while Linda tries to keep warm through such methods as warming up crackers and putting them on her face. Another comedy highlight was Bob and Teddy's phone call, where Teddy tells Bob to stop razzing people so much, as he cheerfully announces that he's lost control of his truck driving on the icy road. Bob is, as always, bewildered by Teddy's conception of his personality being so out of line with what we see him to be. But then Bob keeps accidentally insulting the "sensitive" repairman that Teddy recommends in his stead, leading Bob to worry that he won't come, and his family will freeze to death in the apartment!

In all, this was a solid, typical outing for Bob's Burgers. I always have so much fun hanging out with this family, they put a smile on my face every time.

8/10