Bob’s Burgers: Battle of the Belchers Season 8 edition
In honor of Bob’s Burgers airing 2 episodes this week, it’s a Belcher battle: Season 8 between a Mother’s Day episode and a Louise-centric episode.
Ever since returning from their Olympic hiatus, Bob’s Burgers has been on-point. The show has been airing consistent and quality episodes. This week, they’re trying something a little bit different. Instead of airing their normal episode, the show is airing an episode at 7:30 and then again, at 9:30.
In honor of this change, it’s time to bring back an old idea from season 7. Season 7 aired two episodes in one night, resulting in Battle of the Belchers. Battle of the Belchers is exactly as it sounds. For each episode, I’ll include a brief overview of what happened including high and low points.
In the end, one episode will be declared the winner so without further ado, let’s get into the two episodes airing this week. With the season finale airing next week, the stakes are even higher so let’s hope these episodes help bring season 8 home.
Episode #1: “As I Walk Through the Alley of the Shadow of Ramps”
What Happened?: The episode begins with the kids playing a game until a food truck pushes them out of the way. The woman calls Louise “tricycle girl,” getting under her skin and resulting in the family trying to get her to ride a regular bike. The next day, she throws a smoothie at the kids and Louise exacts revenge by having a bike party.
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Alice gets back at Louise by putting the ramps out for trash and the two argue. She starts to leave but runs over Louise’s tricycle. The kids and Rudy go after her, catching up and the lady apologizes to Louise. The episode ends with Louise giving up her tricycle and Bob teaching her how to ride a two-wheeler.
The other plot starts with Linda getting a call from Gayle at her new job. Linda convinces her to stay and the next day, Gayle calls back. She hypes Gayle up, resulting in Gayle trying to interrogate the guy at the museum. Linda admits to Gayle that she lied and smooths the situation over, resulting in the guy asking Gayle out.
The Highs: This was a quintessential Louise episode. She started off stubborn but eventually, got over it and learned her lesson. As for Gene and Tina, he was the comic relief and her the voice of reason. It was the same formula the show has perfected and continues to feature week in and week out. Nothing wrong with keeping it simple!
The Lows: The main complaint I had was Gayle’s entire plot. I think it detracted too much from Louise’s plotline and made no sense. I would have liked to get more insight into Louise and her fear versus Gayle’s plotline. Either way, Louise’s plot was the stronger of the two.
Episode #2: “Mo Mommy Mo Problems”
What Happened?: “Mo Mommy Mo Problems” begins with the Belcher kids and Bob surprising Linda. Instead of going with their idea, Linda explains they must all say yes to her. For Mother’s Day, she decides they should go to open house, tour them and eat their food. At the final house, the realtor charms Linda and invites them to a private showing of another house.
They try to bail but Linda feels bad for the realtor so they go on the tour. Bob meets up with the guy from the dock and agrees to go along so the other couple will make an offer. On the third floor, the kids meet up with the seller’s mother, telling Bob and Linda until the other couple shows up. Linda is torn but ultimately decides to side with Ethel, Spencer’s mother.
The episode ends with Ethel trying to scare everyone, Linda saving the day and the other couple making an offer.
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The Highs: As a Mother’s Day episode, this was everything I wanted and more. Linda was the central focus, she saved the day and she got everything she asked for. It was fun watching her struggle between the mom but eventually, going with her gut. It’s only the second Mother’s Day episode but it set the bar high.
The Lows: Considering how good this episode was, there weren’t a lot of lows. One low was definitely the squirrels. They were terrifying and I could’ve done without them. The other low was the plot with Ethel and the kids as I think it wasn’t given the right amount of attention. It either needed a bit more or to be removed completely.
And The Winner Is… “Mo Mommy Mo Problems”
Even though I adored both episodes, I thought “Mo Mommy Mo Problems” was a lot stronger and more timely since it is Mother’s Day. Linda was the focus, but everyone in the family has their own moments sprinkled throughout. I think “As I Walk Through the Alley of the Shadow of Ramps” suffered because of the two plots instead of focusing on one. “Mo Mommy Mo Problems” was the perfect blend of heartfelt, creepy and sweet that only Bob’s Burgers could manage.
Bob’s Burgers airs Sundays on Fox at 7:30/6:30c.
Which episode did you think was stronger in this week’s Bob’s Burgers? With another two-part episode airing next week, are you enjoying this format or do you prefer single episodes?