[7.1/10] Solid episode. Louise hunting down the class chinchilla with her crew isn’t especially funny in and of itself, but there’s amusing side gags. Teddy driving around, singing about how he wishes he had a radio, or realizing that pad thai isn’t a great car food, is good stuff. And Gene’s pizza delivery shtick is very funny. Otherwise though, the A-story is pleasant but a little light on laughs.
That said, there’s a good build to it as every stop Louise makes in the hunt for the chinchilla, there’s a new wrinkle to where it’s off to next, and her little band of searchers gets a little big. The climax at the roller rink is nice, with both Louise and Wayne sacrificing their well-being to try to protect the little puff ball, proving their loyalty and love to it.
The dynamic between Wayne and Louise wasn’t my favorite. I get that the chinchilla is Wayne’s life and he’s doubtful about Louise’s skills as a caregiver. But there’s just not a ton of depth or humor to the character. Still, I’m a sucker for Louise’s kind moments, and her returning the chinchilla to Wayne to take care of, because she realizes how much it matters to his self-esteem and mental health, is a nice note to end on.
That said, I loved the B-story. There’s something endearing and well-observed about Bob and Linda trying pub trivia for their half-baked but adorable date night, finding that they’re terrible at it, but having fun from turning the tables and heckling their host (and, you know, cheating), in a way that lets them have fun. Boosts this one considerably.
Overall, not a stand out episode by any means, but both stories have their charms.
“iiiiiii....wish my radio worked!” HAHA. Teddy’s couple of brief appearances cracked me up.
"Tammy, you can't fart at a high school party."
Shout by VWFringe the Pervy Sage from TVMuseBlockedParent2023-12-22T10:11:41Z
Opening Credits next door store-front: "Lady and the Clamp, hardware for her," (or him). hahaha