Bob's Burgers: The Amazing Rudy (14x02)

Aww, a Rudy episode! This was sweet.

Cons:

I really can't think of much I would change? Maybe as a nitpick, it was a little silly that the episode made the purpose of the dinner a "reveal" after an opening scene where Rudy and his dad don't directly mention where they're going and why. I'm not sure holding that card close to the chest added much of anything.

Pros:

I would love to see more episodes like this, filling out details of the rest of this community, where the Belcher family plays side characters who come into the story in a couple of pivotal moments! It was so effective to start with Rudy and then hear the kids' voices at the mall. And then when Rudy runs out of the restaurant, I knew he'd end up at Bob's Burgers and that he'd find safety and kindness there. I really felt the family as a refuge, somewhere you could go to feel better.

I also liked that Rudy and his dad seem to have a good relationship. It's a little awkward and there are things about it that aren't ideal, but the care and attention between them goes both ways, and you can see how Rudy's dad is trying to do the right thing by him the whole way through. I also liked that while the dinner was super awkward to start, we get that ending shot where Rudy has the emotional support of Louise, and everybody is able to settle down and have an okay time.

As a Louise stan, I adored this episode. I love that she's such a little weirdo and always ready with the insults, but she calmly and without making a big deal of it offers to walk Rudy back to the restaurant and hang out with him in his awkward family situation. She might tell you she's just doing it to get another chance at food, since Gene's dinner choice of loaded baked potato lasagna really didn't hit the spot. But she cares about Rudy, and wants to help out a friend in a tough moment. Gotta love her!

I also love that Bob and Linda recognize all the fun dichotomies in their daughter. That she owns dangerous weapons but also knows how to be kind and considerate when the moment calls for it.

This episode really hit me in the feels, I felt so bad for Rudy when his magic trick didn't work as planned, and how much he stressed over the dinner before it happened. He's going through a time where he's going to have to adjust to the new normal with his divorced parents and their new partners, and that's never easy!

Onward to next episode, I do hope we get to see some school scenes so we can catch up with some of the other kid characters!

9/10