[7.4/10] We’ve done “Tina falls in love with imaginary boy” before, and other forms of parasocial relationships for her, but I like this rendition of it. It’s a nice choice to have Tina’s fascination with “Rodrigo” from her language learning tape not just be a product of her usual boy-craziness, but be something that emerges from her funk.
The lack of a “spring fling” being the source of her down mood is a little silly, but it nicely represents the idea of the expectations we put on ourselves at particular times in our lives, and how it can be tough when reality doesn’t measure up. Tina knowing that Rodrigo isn’t real, but chasing the feeling of joy that lifts her out of the dumps is cringey, but comes from a relatable place.
I also like the setup for what ultimately makes her choose the real world over the fantasy one: her brother and sister. The conceit of the “three dunkateers” striving to sop Mr. Frond in the dunk tank is a lot of fun. I particularly like how weirdly cocky and boastful Mr. Frond gets about the whole thing. Louise emphasizing how important doing things as a trio is to her, to where achieving their life-long dream of soaking Frond wouldn’t mean anything without Tina, is really sweet, even if she has to use Gene as a fig leaf for it. It makes it cathartic, not just funny, when Tina gives up her tape and comes to help her siblings finally send Frond under water.
I got a kick out of the B-story too. It’s a pure lark, but Linda trying so hard to make the Belchers’ water booth at the school carnival the “cool booth” is a hoot. Linda’s cheesy efforts to maintain an air of hipness -- from writing “skateboard” on paper cups, getting Bob to wear his hat backwards, and using words like “rad” -- are hilarious square. And I like the finish, where the booth becomes super popular because the cold water is an unexpected antidote to the too hot chili booth, allowing Linda to claim coolness, if only on a technicality.
Overall, this one hits some familiar beats for Bob’s Burgers, but does so in an endearing and amusing way.
Shout by lReigalBlockedParent2022-12-26T22:26:39Z
Another series that represents España as México