FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Bob’s Burgers

Another show recommended by, well, an ex-friend this time. I’m not very good at maintaining long-term acquaintances. In my defence, I do now warn people in advance.

Anyway…

It’s taken me awhile to try out Bob’s Burger’s, for a few reasons. These reasons are a) the animation style looked hideous to me b) a show about a burger bar was off-putting for some reason and c) the poor UK physical distribution industry meant/means there’s no nice, shiny boxset for me to buy.

I’m a nerd. Nerd’s like collecting stuff.

Well, regardless of the above reasons, I decided to purchase a digital copy of the first season and give it a whirl. I thought this would also help in my recovery from a particularly severe low-mood period. Laughter is the best medicine, after all!

Well, I’m already enchanted by the show’s kookiness and, most importantly, pinch of heart. While I respect comedies like Seinfeld and South Park, their lack of warmth means they rarely get a viewing in my home (although I do own them). Bob and family, however, are proving to have a bit of everything!

Possibly the driving force behind my inextinguishable intention to track down the show is the fabulous Kristen Schaal, who is absolutely on my list of all-time favourite people. Her character, funnily enough, is proving so far to be my favourite. I’d ask why she’s wearing a beanie with bunny ears, but I get that she’s just like that. I just start chuckling every time it cuts to her face.

I was also surprised and delighted to discover H Jon Benjamin voicing the titular character, as I love his work on the Seth MacFarlane shows. He also has a great little cameo in an episode of Parks & Recreation as the city’s nervous attorney.

 

It’s a shame the show features your bog-standard heterosexual-nuclear-family, complete with nagging wife, henpecked husband, and brood of anxiety-inducing children, but this at least has the unique twist of being set amidst a bustling urban environment. In this regard, it reminds me somewhat of the great Hey Arnold!, especially with one of Bob’s daughter’s being prematurely depressed and low-energy.

I’ve actually just forced myself to stop watching for a spell, as I actually want to savour it for as long as possible. Apparently there’s a movie too, so I’ll see if I can get my hands on that.

So, yes, while not quite as “late to the party” as I was with House M.D., I’m still kicking myself for not jumping on the Bob’s Burgers bandwagon sooner.

Do stay in touch, darlings.

Toodles!