Bob’s Burgers: Why are Bob and Gene so underutilized?

Of all the relationships on Bob’s Burgers, the relationship between Bob and Gene is used least yet one of the best including in Boys Just Wanna Have Fungus.

In terms of animated shows, there are a lot of things that Bob’s Burgers excel at. Some examples include creating well-developed side characters, not relying on lazy humor and finding unique ways to incorporate music into the show. One aspect that the series doesn’t get enough credit for is creating compelling and believable relationships between characters. Whether it be a romantic relationship, familial bonds or friendship, Bob’s Burgers has given us some of the best.

The show does a great job of developing these relationships, but sometimes shows some clear favoritism towards certain ones. Whether it be Bob and Teddy, Gene and Louise or Gayle and Linda, the series emphasizes some over others. One relationship that doesn’t get nearly enough attention is Bob and Gene but let’s dig deeper than that.

In honor of “Boys Just Wanna Have Fungus,” it’s time to look at the reason why Bob and Gene aren’t paired together more and talk about a few of the best Gene-Bob moments including the most recent episode. If you haven’t watched “Boys Just Wanna Have Fungus,” there will be spoilers from this week’s episode so be warned! 

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First, it’s important to look at Bob and Gene as characters. As far as personalities go, the two aren’t very similar. Gene’s personality is more like Linda’s while Bob is more up-tight and would rather deal with the restaurant than have fun. That’s not to say that Bob’s boring but it’s part of the reason why putting the two together doesn’t always work.

Another reason the two don’t get paired up often is that the episodes don’t usually lend themselves to a Bob and Gene team-up. Usually, the kids end up pairing off together while the adults are none the wise or Bob/Linda team up with one of the kids. Of course, part of it could be Bob’s relationship with his own father being rocky but that’s never been explicitly stated in the show. It’s definitely worth noting though as it’s a pretty big part of Bob’s character.

While we can talk about the reasons why Bob and Gene are underutilized, there isn’t really an underlying reason. Maybe the writers just don’t think Eugene Mirman and H. Jon Benjamin play off each other well. Whatever the reason, the show doesn’t focus as much on their relationship but that’s not to say that there’s a shortage of great Bob and Gene moments. There are including this week’s episode but let’s go back first.

One of the first Gene-Bob moments comes from “Spaghetti Western and Meatballs” in which Gene and Bob bond over Banjo, a movie that Bob loves. They also eventually bond over having farts that smell similar but nevertheless. It’s our first glimpse into Bob and Gene’s relationship and it shows us that the two don’t always see eye-to-eye on things. Keeping with that same thought, season 2 gave us “Beefsquatch” in which we watch Bob and Gene go head-to-head to compete for attention on a talk show.

Of all the episodes, “Beefsquatch” is the most uncharacteristic for both of them but it’s a major turning point for them. From then on, most of their interactions are less tension-filled and focus more on a loving father-son relationship. That’s not to say that the two don’t have tension at all as proven by season 5’s “Best Burger,” in which Gene has to save the day after ruining an ingredient that Bob needs.

Gene ends up saving the day even though Bob doesn’t win but the two share a moment in the episode so that’s something. Later in season 5, there’s “L’il Hard Dad” which features Bob and Gene working together to get Bob a refund and ultimately, Gene ends up saving the day for them. It’s an underrated episode in general, but especially in terms of Gene and Bob’s relationship.

Skipping ahead to season 7, there is “The Laser-inth,” in which Bob takes Gene to a laser show that scares him but eventually, Gene gets over it and the two sneaks back in to watch. It’s a rare bonding moment for the two and a throwback to season 1. Of course, season 8 gave us “V for Valentine-detta” in which Gene and Bob spend Valentine’s Day together which is equal parts hilarious and adorable.

All of these moments are leading up to this week’s episode of Bob’s Burgers, “Boys Just Wanna Have Fungus.” The episode follows Gene and Bob as they go hunting for the Wooly Neptune mushroom to use for a Burger of the Day. Eventually, the two find the Wooly Neptunes and evade their imposters who blackmail them to give up their mushrooms which end up ruined. However, the episode was a rare bonding moment for Bob and Gene.

Considering how few moments Bob and Gene have together, it’s nice to see the two of them working together. “Boys Just Wanna Have Fungus” was an awesome early start to season 10 and might be one of the few moments we see of Bob and Gene. Regardless, watching the two of them work together is always fun especially when Bob called Gene a capable boy.

Bob’s Burgers airs Sundays on Fox at 9/8c. 

Why do you think Bob and Gene are so underutilized on the show? What did you think of “Boys Just Wanna Have Fungus?” Be sure to let me know in the comments!