9x06 Bobby Driver

[7.7/10] I like the common theme of this one, of not judging a book by its cover, or at least appreciating depths in people that might be hard to glean at first glance.

The A-story, featuring Bob getting roped into helping Edith, the prickly art supply store owner, with her heist/revenge scheme against the people in her quilting club. Bob having to balance his general decency in wanting to help an old woman and his past experiences that prompt him to want to spite Edith makes for a good story for him. And it’s nice to get a little more shading for Edith.

Of course, this being Bob’s Burgers, things escalate and spin out of control nicely. There’s a superb progression of Edith hustling other quilters, and conning Bob vis-a-vis her “fits” until they reach her rival, who just so happens to be Sgt. Bosco’s mom. The comedy of the climax, with Bob’s nervousness, Edith’s constant insults, and the fun they have nonetheless is great. (And the “quiefs” joke is easy but amusing.)

But Bob changing his opinion on Edith, or at least going along with her plans, once he realizes why getting her patch on the quilt means so much is a really nice place to take things. Edith connection to the circus freaks at the wharf ties into the episode’s themes of seeing beyond the surface of people and provides a good emotional catharsis to go out on.

The other stories are good as well. Louise being convinced that her birthday party acquaintance is just in it for the presents, only to realize that he’s just frustrated with his parents for turning everything into a social media photo-op is paint-by-numbers but still enjoyable. The “parents trying to depict their family as having a perfect life online” seems like it’ll be dated quickly, but the Gatsby stuff is enjoyable at the margins.

And while it’s barely there, I also liked the C-plot of Linda trying to teach Teddy to like sushi. It’s just comic relief, but the little glimpses we have escalate beautifully. (Plus, another “ah, my face!” moment).

Overall, the A-story does the bulk of the work here, but all of the stories work, and the common theme of seeing past first impressions and trying to appreciate things on a deeper level is a commendable one.