DVD Review: ‘Bob’s Burgers – The Complete Third Season’

Article first published as DVD Review: 'Bob's Burgers - The Complete Third Season' on Blogcritics.

FOX’s Bob Burgers has slowly made its mark in the Sunday night Animation Domination lineup. While it is neither created by Seth MacFarlane nor Matt Groenig, it does feature a familiar, five-member family unit and their wacky adventures, so in a way, it sticks to the tried-and-true formula. Yet, the humor in the series feels more edgy and current than its multi-decade peers, and it has become a beloved favorite. The Complete Third Season, featuring episodes from the 2012-2013 television season, has finally recently been released on DVD.

Season three is probably where Bob’s Burgers finds its stride. It had a good freshman run and a solid sophomore series, but by the third year, it knows what it is and can really start to pay off running gags. We know Linda (John Roberts) will break out into weird songs at inappropriate times. We know the kids will get into trouble based on hormones, curiosity, or selfishness. And we know Bob (H. Jon Benjamin) will serve as the anchor that keeps everyone grounded, ineptly managing to clean up the messes when necessary.

Which is not to say it has become completely predictable. Bob’s Burgers follows a certain pattern for most episodes, one that is different from The Simpsons or Family Guy stories, but it still manages to come up with situations that feel original and fresh. I love the varying end credits that call back to a great part of that week’s plot. Its zany, recurring cast are a different make up of people than those other shows, and its installments feel more realistic, rather than so cartoonish. Most importantly, the trademark brand of humor it has carefully cultivated frequently lands.

Yes, many of the female characters are voiced by men (and occasionally boys are voiced by women), which seems odd if you are first discovering the show. However, after spending many hours with the parts, it’s hard to even notice such things, so convincing is the talent.

There are some great episodes among season three’s 23 offerings. In “Ear-Sy Rider,” Louise’s (Kristen Schaal) signature bunny ears are stolen and a biker gang shows up in town. “Bob Fires the Kids,” features Bob’s attempt to give his children a normal childhood, which backfires when they begin working on a pot farm. “Mutiny on the Windbreaker” has Gene (Eugene Mirman) falling in love with a stuffed manatee. In “An Indecent Thanksgiving,”Mr. Fischoeder (Kevin Kline) hires Bob’s family to pose as his own, and in “The Deepening,”  the family must stop a haywire mechanical shark. “Lindapendent Woman,” finds Tina (Dan Mintz) thinking that an arm near the milk shelf must be her soul mate; and, “The Kids Run the Restaurant,” is exactly what it sounds like.

The release has no extras, which is a huge disappointment, especially given the very long wait for the DVD to come out. Although I’m not sure exactly what kind of bonus features I expect from a prime-time animated series, with such a funny creative team, I would imagine the writers and actors would have at least a few things to share.

But, even without extras, the episodes themselves provide enough great material for a worthy purchase. Looking over the episode list from The Complete Third Season, I still vividly remember a number of the installments. That should indicate what a terrific series it is if, more than a year later, the jokes are fondly recalled and one can be amused all over again, before it is even re-watched. I can’t emphasize enough how good the material here is, which slightly lessens the sting of the crappy, late, weak release. Slightly.

Bob’s Burgers – The Complete Third Season is available now.

Archer - "Sea Tunt: Part 2"

Article first published as TV Review: Archer - "Sea Tunt: Part 2" on Blogcritics.

FX's Archer completes its fourth season with "Sea Tunt: Part 2." Archer (H. Jon Benjamin) and the other ISIS agents journey to Sealab to stop crazy Captain Murphy (Jon Hamm, Mad Men) from firing weapons at the United States and other world powers.

How appropriate that Archer's fourth season, which begins with a major play on Bob's Burgers, ends with another cartoon spoof, this time of Sealab 2012. While the first three seasons didn't have winks at other shows this blatantly, this new element has slipped in effortlessly, especially as cartoons with a similar type of humor are single out as the targets. I hope next year sees more of the same kind of gag.

While the man who voiced Captain Murphy on Sealab 2012, Harry Goz, was not available to reprise the role, having died before Sealab ended, Hamm does a fine job. For those doubting Don Draper's comedy chops, have no fear. As he did in 30 Rock and Childrens Hospital, Hamm hangs with the actors more accustomed to getting laughs, and does so with skill and charisma.

Murphy is killed off in this episode. This may be a bit satisfying for fans of Sealab, as the character never got a proper send-off, and the series was considered inferior after that. Now, they finally get their closure.

"Sea Tunt: Part 2" actually corrects a slight from the first episode of this season. Kristen Schaal (The Daily Show) and Eugene Mirman (Delocated), both main characters in Bob's Burgers, did not lend the voices to the season premiere. Both get to guest star in "Sea Tunt: Part 2," as well as the first half of the two-part episode, making up for their previous absence. Now, if only a role can be found for Dan Mintz next year, the  crossover be complete.

As for the story of "Sea Tunt" itself, it's a pretty good one. Archer, Lana (Aisha Tyler), Cyril (Chris Parnell), and Ray (Adam Reed) go after Murphy. The half hour is full of their bickering and personality clashes. It's a pretty typical episode of the series, because of the way they interact, and how it gets in the way of doing their job. The mustache bit is funny, as is Archer's incessant alcoholism. Classic Archer.

In the end, Ray loses the use of his legs. Again. Will there be no end to his suffering? Actually, I hope not. The fact that this is something continually solved and then becoming an issue again, over and over, is very funny.

I am undecided over the twist of learning that Lana is pregnant. Sure, it will be interesting to watch someone who is the opposite of maternal take care of a child. But Archer thrives on the chemistry of the cast, and despite some character development prior to this, a baby may shake things up in unexpected and major ways, unprecedented for the series. I worry what it could do to the show.

At least neither Cyril nor Archer are the father. By using a donor, Lana does avoid much typical sitcom fodder as the guys try to guess who the baby daddy might be. Though, knowing Archer, the donor may still end up being someone we've seen before. Which could be fun, if done right. Since this is Archer, I'm relatively certain that it will be.

While the mission plays out, Malory (Jessica Walter) searches for booze, hanging out, though not really by choice with Pam (Amber Nash) and Cheryl (Judy Greer). Again, the interactions between the characters make this series, and while nothing major happens with these three, every moment they are on screen is joyous.

I like that Cheryl's family is worked into the episode, and we learn more about her. Any chance to uncover the backstory of any of the characters is welcome, and Cheryl's is done in a cool and clever way. And of course, her last name, teased in the episode title, makes for the punchline of many jokes, though Archer wisely avoids overdoing it.

I am glad that Cheryl's brother (Mirman) ends up getting his own money back, though, so he isn't a recurring villain. He works better as an amusing side character, rather than a bad guy.

The fourth season of Archer maintains the comedy's quality, and I will miss it until it returns for season five next winter.

Bob's Burgers gets "An Indecent Thanksgiving Proposal"

Unlike the Halloween special, which aired almost a month before the holiday, FOX let Bob's Burgers put out their Thanksgiving episode at an appropriate time, the Sunday before. Of all the animated comedies the network has on this night, Bob's Burgers is my current favorite. To see the family celebrate a holiday that is so much about family is heartwarming. And, this being Bob's Burgers, also funny.

The story, "An Indecent Thanksgiving Proposal," begins with the landlord, Mr. Fischoeder (Kevin Kline), bribing Bob (H. Jon Benjamin) to cook a meal for himself and a lady friend, and also hiring Bob's family to pose as his own. See, Mr. Fischoeder's love interest only goes for married guys, so he plans on using Linda (John Roberts) and the kids to hook her in.

Bob is very resistant. Thanksgiving is his favorite holiday, and he has traditions with each child. To him, preserving these rituals is more important than money. Unfortunately, the children don't feel the same, and are excited to escape their father's corniness to get involved in a scheme. This is not only a typical portrait of a clan, painting Bob as the family man he truly is at heart, but also illustrative of the generational divide, parents being more sentimental than their offspring.

This, in of itself, would be a good enough tale. Bob grows ever jealous in the kitchen, while his kids compete for Mr. Fischoeder's affections, and Linda horribly overdoes things, as she is wont to do. But "An Indecent Thanksgiving Proposal" adds in a twist when Bob finds a bottle of absinthe in the kitchen. Suddenly, he is hallucinating and talking to the turkey, whom he has named, which makes things spiral even quicker out of control, and in very humorous ways.

Bob's Burgers works because of so many elements. One, it has a unique sense of humor that isn't found in practically any other series I can think of. Two, the characters are incredibly well defined, and are always played to their strengths. A fine balance is walked between repeating already known character traits, and overusing the same jokes, and it is pulled off expertly. Third, the show and its vocal cast can really land a joke, over and over again. Like when the family is naming holidays in the order of importance and Gene (Eugene Mirman) says the season premiere of Game of Thrones, though quickly admits to never having seen the show. Fantastic!

Louise (Kristen Schaal) remains the best part of Bob's Burgers. The fiendish young girl with her pink bunny ears is as clever as she is ornery. She will do whatever she must to meet her goals, and her brain just thinks on a different wave length than everyone else. And yet, when combined with her siblings, Gene and Tina (Dan Mintz), as she so often is in many a story, she works well in the group, too, without stealing too much focus.

"An Indecent Thanksgiving Proposal" has a happy ending for the family, of course. Like The Simpsons, no matter what happens during the episode, they can all come together in the end, and there is deep love between them. Bob's Burgers may be a little quicker to show it than The Simpsons, though, and only three seasons in, it still feels fresh and original, definitely designed for the modern sensibility.

Bob's Burgers airs Sundays at 8:30 p.m. ET on FOX.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Check out my website, JeromeWetzel.com! First posted on TheTVKing

FOX serves up 'Bob's Burgers The Complete 1st Season'

Now on DVD is The Complete 1st Season of the FOX animated series, Bob's Burgers. From the mind of Loren Bouchard (Home Movies) comes a series about an odd family that runs a hamburger joint called, appropriately enough, Bob's Burgers. All thirteen episodes from last spring's initial run are collected on this two disc set, along with bonus features.

Husband, Bob (H. Jon Benjamin, the star of Archer), is the boss and owner. He's a stubborn, ignorant, loving family man, who does the best that he can, which isn't always all that much. Benjamin plays this character wonderfully, getting to be both the butt of many a joke, and the guy who is as close to normal as this family gets. He keeps them grounded, and cares deeply about his loved ones.

Bob may struggle with moral dilemmas himself, but when it comes to his kids, Bob has a pretty strong moral compass. Not only is he willing to do anything to protect them and raise them correctly, he is also willing to let his business suffer because of it. Unlike other fathers in the Animation Domination block, Bob is genuine and sweet almost all the time, without being overbearing. He gives his kids good advice, but allows them room to make mistakes and their own decisions.

Wife, Linda (John Roberts, no, not the Supreme Court justice), falls into the traditional sitcom wife role, never really getting too mad at Bob for forgetting their anniversary, and being happy with her mediocre lot in life. As the episodes go on, Linda does get the chance to pursue some of her own interests, but they never last more than an episode. The impression is that, while Linda sometimes plays second fiddle to Bob, it's good that she has his steady presence in her life.

Eldest daughter, Tina (Dan Mintz - what's with the guys voicing the girls?) is in love with the boy across the street. The middle child, Gene (Eugene Mirman, The Flight of the Conchords), is as dumb and as in a world all his own as his father is, but still has that youthful, naive joy about it. He will certainly grow up to be just like his dad.

Youngest daughter, Louise (Kristen Schaal, The Daily Show, 30 Rock), is definitely the funniest character. She makes up wild stories, would like to be a criminal mastermind, and just tries to keep life interesting. Louise seems to live in a world all her own, but unlike other characters in that vein, say Stewie from Family Guy, Louise is bound by reality. Still, if you need a lock picked, or an idea that no one else would think of in a million years, Louise is your girl. She is also the youngest of the clan, but not a toddler, which is refreshing.

The family dynamics are realistic. The show demonstrates humor in characters that are odd, but not as over the top as their peers on other FOX animated shows. They go through the typical tribulations of a sitcom, but don't let anything discourage them too much, and there is often a nice lesson, even if the characters don't always learn it. While not preachy, Bob's Burgers is certainly the most wholesome of the Sunday night cartoons, and definitely evokes the warm love of a close clan.

The series is not all about the heart, though. There are plenty of great jokes. The humor is smart and quick, and the characters are quirky and funny. For instance, when Gene wins a gold medal in the race, Linda wants to have it bronzed. This is just one example of the off-beat brand of humor that Bob's Burgers brings to a night full of the same type of show, setting it apart.

The recurring cast includes movie and stage legend Kevin Kline as Bob's landlord, Mr. Fischoeder. How many animated shows can boast that much gravitas? Also, Sarah and Laura Silverman play twins.

The animation is crude in the first episode, making it harder to enjoy than later installments. This is not unusually for a cartoon, so it can be forgiven. Bob's Burgers is created by Loren Bouchard (Dr. Katz, Lucy the Daughter of the Devil), and uses his style from Home Movies, which isn't for everyone. It's the weird torso-neck-head shapes that really seem off. It makes the characters look non-human, and not in a good way. But because of the writing and voice talent level, it's worth getting past.

Among the episodes worth mentioning in this set are "Human Flash," which finds Bob's Burgers being accused of serving human flesh because Louise tells her class this is so. In "Bed & Breakfast," the family turns their small living space into a retreat for guests. "Hamburger Dinner Theater" has some fun twists when the family tries to stage a murder mystery production in their restaurant. In "Torpedo," Bob gets to meet his hero, who does not live up to the image Bob has of him.

There are plenty of extras on Bob's Burgers The Complete 1st Season. There are more audio commentaries than episodes, with certain half hours having multiple options. Writers and actors contribute to these. There are seven minutes of audio outtakes. Steve Agee (The Sarah Silverman Program) and Samantha Shelton (Judging Amy) do one of the most bizarre music videos ever for "Lifting Up the Skirt of the Night." There is also a two minute short of Louise arguing with the restaurant's chalk board, and making up Burgers of the Week for each of her family members.

Best of all is the twenty-two minute look at the evolution of Bob's Burgers with series creator Loren Bouchard. He talks about putting together the cast, how the family were originally envisioned as cannibals, and shows a rough sketch scene. Also included is the full animated ten minute demo presented to FOX to see the show, which features a son named Daniel instead of Tina, though the voice and the personality of both characters are identical. The look of the series is also a little different. It's very cool to see a glimpse at the process from early work to making it on the air.


Bob's Burgers is a gem of a series, and I highly recommend buying The Complete 1st Season, on sale now.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! To buy streaming episodes of Bob's Burgers or pre-order the DVD, please click here. Click here to read every review of Bob's Burgers I've ever written. Article first published as DVD Review: Bob's Burgers - The Complete 1st Season on Blogcritics.

Grill up a new Bob's Burgers

FOX's Bob's Burgers returns for its second season last night with "Belchies." Hearing that there might be treasure in a taffy factory that will soon be torn down, Louise (Kristen Schaal, the true star of the show) convinces her siblings to accompany her on a late night search. Tina (Dan Mintz) invites along Jimmy Jr. (Jay Johnston, The Sarah Silverman Program), who brings his brothers and friend, to Louise's dismay. The kids don't actually find anything, but luckily parents Bob (H. Jon Benjamin) and Linda (John Roberts) come looking for them, because Louise gets stuck, and the demolition crew begins work without checking the structure first.

Bob's Burgers is great because it is not only funny, but unlike anything else in the Animation Domination programming block. It seems a wholly original family comedy, with a typical dumb father who cares, and a less typical loving, supportive wife who happens to be pretty weird. And the kids are weird, too. So here is this pretty normal guy trying to do right by his very odd family.

If one questions just how weird Linda is, one only needs to look at "Belchies." Bringing sex dice into their scheduled Sunday night romp is fine, though awkward, but secretly slipping Bob boner pills, causing him to try to hide an erection for the rest of the episode, isn't exactly normal behavior. She does it because she loves him and thinks she is helping, but as if often the case, her help isn't exactly wanted or needed. And Bob continues to love her anyway, because she is a good person, at heart. Even after she hints that she might slip him more pills next week. It's a great couple formula that just seems fresh.

The oddness continues behind the scenes. Both Linda and daughter Tina are voiced by men. Guest stars don't always stay along gender lines, either. While it is not unusual for an animated series to make some occasional change ups, the sheer number of times Bob's Burgers does it is astounding. It also fits very well with the offbeat tone, keeping the voices humorous and unexpected.

After a short first season, the recurring cast is just beginning to build. Three veterans of The Sarah Silverman Program give life to the Pesto kids, with Sarah Silverman and her sister, Laura, handling the twins, Ollie and Andy. These may not be the best known comedians working in showbiz (with the exception of Sarah), but they are some of the funniest, and fit right in with the cast.

The story of "Belchies" works because it involves the three kids getting into trouble. While the series is titled Bob's Burgers, and there is some fun to be had at the titular establishment, any story with the sibling trio off without supervision ends up soaring. This can be attributed to wonderful chemistry and well defined characters. "Belchies" is no exception in this arena, with bold, crazy Louise dragging lovesick Tina and idiot Gene (Eugene Mirman) along for the ride.

Even better, with the mystery of the taffy factory left unsolved at story's end, Cyndi Lauper sings a reveal over the ending credits. Cyndi Lauper! It's a totally out-of-left-field spot that works extremely well. This move caps a high quality return for the wonderful, under-watched series.

Don't miss another minute of Bob's Burgers, airing Sundays at 8:30 p.m. ET on FOX.

MORE: If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! To buy streaming episodes of Bob's Burgers or pre-order the DVD, please click here. Click here to read every review of Bob's Burgers I've ever written.

Bob's Burgers meets "Torpedo"

     Last night marks the first season finale for FOX's Bob's Burgers. In the episode, "Torpedo," Bob (H. Jon Benjamin) takes his family to the minor league ball park, where they meet Bob's idol, Torpedo (Robert Ben Garant, Reno 911!). Torpedo seems nice enough to the family, even praising Bob on his burgers and asking for one at the start of every game. But then Bob finds out that Torpedo is using the burger grease to cheat on his pitching, and becomes disillusioned. Worse, Bob's son Gene (Eugene Mirman) thinks that cheating is now OK, and does it himself in a mascot race. Bob tries to convince Gene to do the right thing. Meanwhile, Tina (Dan Mintz) becomes the team's ball girl, and falls in love with every single player while hanging out in the dugout and slapping their butts.

      The start of Bob's Burgers is mediocre, but the series has certainly earned its place among the other Sunday night, adult-oriented cartoons by now. The humor is smart and quick, and the characters are quirky and funny. Besides Benjamin, who also voices the title character on FX's Archer, the recurring cast includes movie and stage legend Kevin Kline as Bob's landlord, Mr. Fischoeder. How many animated shows can boast that much gravitas?

     Last night's episode is true to the series, demonstrating that Bob is a great parent. He struggles with moral dilemmas himself after seeing his idol exposed, but when it comes to his kids, Bob has a pretty strong moral compass. Not only is he willing to do anything to protect them and raise them correctly, he is also willing to let his business suffer because of it. Unlike other fathers in the Animation Domination block, Bob is genuine and sweet almost all the time, without being overbearing. He gives his kids good advice, but allows them room to make mistakes and their own decisions.

     The kids on Bob's Burgers really make the show. Each is bizarre, but in a very defined, consistent way. Tina is currently obsessed with boys, Louise (Kristen Schaal) dreams of being a criminal mastermind, and Gene is up for anything, and has simple, easily achievable dreams. Louis may be the best, but she gets little to do this week. Instead, the focus shifts to the other children, who usually are overshadowed by Louise. It is nice to see Tina interested in a boy other than Jimmy Jr., though the two do make a cute couple. Gene, despite still being dim, manages to learn a lesson. Somewhat.

     Sadly, doing right does not always pay off. While Gene does listen to his father and stops cheating, another mascot has no such qualms, and Gene loses. This is realistic, and the way the characters don't let it discourage them too much provides a nice lesson. While not preachy, Bob's Burgers is certainly the most wholesome of the Sunday night cartoons.

     The series is not all about the heart, though. There are plenty of great jokes. For instance, when Gene wins a gold medal in the race, his mother, Linda (John Roberts), wants to have it bronzed. This is just one example of the off-beat brand of humor that Bob's Burgers brings to a night full of the same type of show, setting it apart.

     Thankfully, Bob's Burgers is being given a second season, and will return next winter, mid-season, to FOX.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Click here for all of my Current Season Reviews.

     To buy streaming episodes of Bob's Burgers or pre-order the DVD, please click here.

Article first published as TV Review: Bob's Burgers - "Torpedo" on Blogcritics.

Bob's Burgers - "Human Flesh"

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     What to say about FOX's new animated sitcom, Bob's Burgers? Pushing American Dad to 7:30 starting next week because FOX Sunday is so stuffed with animation that it's spilling out of primetime, I'm not sure Bob's Burgers deserves that kind of clout. Putting it up against the other four series in Animation Domination, I'd put either Bob's Burgers or The Cleveland Show in that 7:30 slot, so I'm kind of disappointed. Bob's Burgers is funny, but not hilarious.

     The show revolves around the Belcher family, who run a restaurant called, appropriately enough, Bob's Burgers. Husband, Bob (H. Jon Benjamin, the star of Archer), is the boss and owner. He's a loud mouth, stubborn, ignorant jerk, who somehow happens to still be amusing. That could be thanks to Benjamin's not-small talent. Wife, Linda (John Roberts, no, not the Supreme Court justice), falls into the traditional sitcom wife role, never really getting too mad at Bob for forgetting their anniversary, and being happy with her mediocre lot in life. Bob doesn't deserve her. Eldest daughter, Tina (Dan Mintz - what's with the guys voicing the girls?) didn't have any distinguishing characteristics I picked up on in the first episode. The middle child, Gene (Eugene Mirman, The Flight of the Conchords), is as dumb and as in a world all his own as his father is, but still has that youthful, naive joy about it. Youngest daughter, Louise (Kristen Schaal, The Daily Show), was my favorite. She makes up wild stories, and just tries to keep life interesting. The kids and wife are also Bob's sole staff at the restaurant.

     In last night's first episode, "Human Flesh", Louise has told her class that Bob's Burgers uses human flesh in their patties. Unfortunately, that report gets back to health inspector, who used to date Linda, and he comes and posts a big, frightening investigation sticker on the front window of the store during their busiest weekend, driving away all customers, and stirring up a neighborhood revolt. Hugo's jealousy over Linda makes the situation worse that it need have been. The only person who will (secretly) continue to eat the food, is neighbor Mort the Mortician (Andy Kindler, Everybody Loves Raymond, Last Comic Standing), which doesn't help with the rumors. Also not helping, Louise changing the burger of the day board to The Pedophile, served with candy, with does attract one more patron. In the end, Bob embraces the lie to lure in The Adventurous Eaters Club, and overcharges them enough to make up for the slow sales.

     The humor was pretty good. Louise was the only one that elicited an out loud chuckle from me, but Mort and Bob earned smiles. I wish Linda were a bit more interesting, but with only one episode under the series's belt, there's plenty of time for that, as thirteen episodes are expected in the first season. Similarly, if the show is to be good, Tina needs more development. By contrast, I'd prefer that Gene stay just the way he is, played for comic relief, and never taking too much story for himself.

     The animation really bugged me, though, and made it hard to enjoy. Bob's Burgers is created by Loren Bouchard (Dr. Katz, Lucy the Daughter of the Devil), and uses his style from Home Movies, which I didn't care for. I think it's the weird torso-neck-head shapes that really throw me. It makes the characters look non-human, and not in a good way. I believe I can get past it, should the show at least maintain the writing and voice talent level of it's first episode.

     My review of "Human Flesh" is mixed, for the reasons listed above, so it's hard to give a recommendation. It's not a bad show, by any means, but on a night stacked with established, long running greats like The Simpsons and Family Guy, it doesn't measure up, at least not yet. The biggest thing Bob's Burgers has going for it is that it's different, and NOT created by Seth MacFarlane, whom I love, but have no desire for a fourth series from him until one of the others three end. Unless he departs from his formula, that is.

     Bob's Burgers currently airs Sunday nights at 8:30 p.m. on FOX. If you missed it, the first episode is currently available free from Amazon's Video on Demand service.

Article first published as TV Review: Bob's Burgers - "Human Flesh" on Blogcritics.