[7.7/10] A lot to enjoy here! I liked all three (or at least two and a half) here, which makes for a good episode. What’s funny returning to the show’s comparatively early seasons is how, even by season 4, this show felt a little more like a raunchy/scraggly Adult Swim show than the more polished, wholesome series it would become. I like both modes, but the tonal shifts and simple differences in the rhythms and pacing of the show are noticeable.
I think my favorite part is Bob and Linda’s jaunt to the burger lover’s convention. There’s something a little sad about Bob thinking he’s going to see a bunch of his kindred spirits, only to discover that none of his colleagues like him. But I love that it’s because he has zero internet etiquette and was misunderstood because he doesn’t know basic things like including an “LOL” or emoji to signify humor or not using all caps on a web forum. His cold war with his fellow burger proprietors is amusing (which is nicely interspersed with Linda’s desire to use a fax machine and other mundane hotel amenities). And capping it off with a standoff over the jacuzzi, followed by Bob and Linda using the giant condiment jugs to ruin it for everyone is hilariously deranged.
The goings on back home are nearly as good though. As a fan of John Hughes’ Uncle Buck, it’s fun to see Teddy as the hapless but kind-hearted temporary guardian of the Belcher kids for a weekend. I can’t recall if this was the start of him becoming basically a part of the regular cast, but whatever the rationale, I dig it. Him having a great time with Gene and Louise over using his plumber’s tools for general fun and mayhem is a blast. The joy is infectious, and there’s some great one-liners to appreciate too. (Louise’s “We need our sleep. We’re so little!” is an all-timer.)
Tina’s part of this one is good too. She is, of course, enamored with a boy, this time the delivery driver from Reggie’s sandwich shop. Him taking advantage of her affections to get free burgers and a place for his “gathering” is dirty pool, but there’s good comedy in Tina trying to flirt, and good pathos in her being forced to take the rap when Jonas and his friends bail upon the arrival of the park rangers. (Not to mention some solid “melodicas are terrible” humor.)
That's where the two stories collide, as Teddy comes in and makes a terribly sweet plea to the ranger to let Tina go, and even exacts revenge on Jonas (via his minibike). In a slanted way, ti matches the beats of Uncle Buck nicely, and it’s especially heartening to see Teddy stand up for Tina in more ways than one, and prove that he’s a kind-hearted, if not exactly adept caretaker for the kids who earns their trust, even as Bob catches on to what happened.
Lots of great laughs here. Lots of great little character moments. And lots of fun all around. An early gem.
Review by Andrew BloomVIP 9BlockedParentSpoilers2022-12-26T21:28:05Z
[7.7/10] A lot to enjoy here! I liked all three (or at least two and a half) here, which makes for a good episode. What’s funny returning to the show’s comparatively early seasons is how, even by season 4, this show felt a little more like a raunchy/scraggly Adult Swim show than the more polished, wholesome series it would become. I like both modes, but the tonal shifts and simple differences in the rhythms and pacing of the show are noticeable.
I think my favorite part is Bob and Linda’s jaunt to the burger lover’s convention. There’s something a little sad about Bob thinking he’s going to see a bunch of his kindred spirits, only to discover that none of his colleagues like him. But I love that it’s because he has zero internet etiquette and was misunderstood because he doesn’t know basic things like including an “LOL” or emoji to signify humor or not using all caps on a web forum. His cold war with his fellow burger proprietors is amusing (which is nicely interspersed with Linda’s desire to use a fax machine and other mundane hotel amenities). And capping it off with a standoff over the jacuzzi, followed by Bob and Linda using the giant condiment jugs to ruin it for everyone is hilariously deranged.
The goings on back home are nearly as good though. As a fan of John Hughes’ Uncle Buck, it’s fun to see Teddy as the hapless but kind-hearted temporary guardian of the Belcher kids for a weekend. I can’t recall if this was the start of him becoming basically a part of the regular cast, but whatever the rationale, I dig it. Him having a great time with Gene and Louise over using his plumber’s tools for general fun and mayhem is a blast. The joy is infectious, and there’s some great one-liners to appreciate too. (Louise’s “We need our sleep. We’re so little!” is an all-timer.)
Tina’s part of this one is good too. She is, of course, enamored with a boy, this time the delivery driver from Reggie’s sandwich shop. Him taking advantage of her affections to get free burgers and a place for his “gathering” is dirty pool, but there’s good comedy in Tina trying to flirt, and good pathos in her being forced to take the rap when Jonas and his friends bail upon the arrival of the park rangers. (Not to mention some solid “melodicas are terrible” humor.)
That's where the two stories collide, as Teddy comes in and makes a terribly sweet plea to the ranger to let Tina go, and even exacts revenge on Jonas (via his minibike). In a slanted way, ti matches the beats of Uncle Buck nicely, and it’s especially heartening to see Teddy stand up for Tina in more ways than one, and prove that he’s a kind-hearted, if not exactly adept caretaker for the kids who earns their trust, even as Bob catches on to what happened.
Lots of great laughs here. Lots of great little character moments. And lots of fun all around. An early gem.