Bob’s Burgers: 5 memorable Gene and Linda episodes
These final two episodes feature two different looks at Gene and Linda.
Moving onto the final two episodes, we’re looking at Season 10 and Season 11 respectively. If you haven’t watched “Mommy Boy,” then there will be spoilers from that episode. However, these episodes give conflicting views on how Gene and Linda’s relationship can be portrayed by the series.
Starting things off is Season 10’s “All That Gene” which features Gene finally getting his time in the spotlight but with a price. After finding out about a play at the community theater, Linda urges Gene to audition but things go awry when he bombs. Linda bribes the director by saying she’ll work for him if Gene gets the part until Gene finds out. He’s hurt but eventually, redeems himself by saving the play and Linda assuring him how great he is.
This is another episode where we see the cracks in Linda and Gene’s relationship. Similar to “The Unnatural” though, Linda’s belief in Gene is clear. Even though he’s hurt by the truth, Gene seems to understand why his mother did it for him and it ends up alright in the end. This is a great example of how Linda loves Gene and how much she’s willing to do for him to feel accepted and happy.
As for the last episode, it’s none other than Season 11’s “Mommy Boy” so let’s get into what happened in the episode. The episode begins with Linda and Gene getting excited for their mother and son spa time after Linda gets a package with their supplies. Things are going great until Linda finds out a business woman’s meeting she’s invited to interferes with their spa time for the next six weeks. Gene is understandably upset and Bob even offers to stand in for Linda.
Bob tries to comfort Gene but he doesn’t seem to understand or want to listen. Linda tries to cancel the rest of the meetings to make Gene feel better but Bob convinces her not to. The following week, Gene still isn’t feeling better and Linda takes him but he uses it to try and sabotage her including making a spa day in the rec center bathroom.
The two argue at the meeting with Linda admitting she loves spending time with him but she needs time for herself and isn’t always a mom. The episode ends with Gene finally understanding that his mom needs to be happy whether he’s around or not.
Of all the episodes on this list, it’s clear that “Mommy Boy” is one of the best. This episode does a great job of showing how important Gene and Linda’s relationship is but how they still have room to grow. It also shows some development for Gene and Linda as individuals as Gene learns to let go while Linda learns to be more independent outside of being a mother. It’s an incredibly realistic lesson that a lot of mothers and children deal with.
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Overall, “Mommy Boy” might be the best example of Gene and Linda’s relationship. It perfectly showcases their ups and downs while still ending on a happy note. Even though it might change by next week’s episode, “Mommy Boy” gives us a much bigger look at how Linda and Gene can thrive together and apart. In the end, Gene and Linda get what they both wanted and that’s all that matters.
Bob’s Burgers airs Sundays on Fox at 9/8c.
What did you think of “Mommy Boy?” Do you have a favorite episode that focuses on Gene and Linda’s relationship? Be sure to let us know in the comments!