[7.5/10] I really like the message in this one. It’s a little simplified, but the idea that Jimmy Junior’s dancing is unique and valuable even if it doesn’t fit into the strictures of some vaunted dance teacher is a really strong point to make. Art is subjective, and doing something that's special and individual to you is more important than anything tastemakers and gatekeepers can give or keep from you.
The A-story is also good for Tina and Zeke. I appreciate that Zeke wants to be supportive, but is worried about his friend because the same dance teacher drained his cousin’s love of the art by telling him he was no good. Tina being the voice of support, in an appropriately awkward way, but also one that vindicates the unique things Jimmy Junior does on his own is great. Not for nothing, Ken Marino is superb as always as the stuffy dance teacher who makes a big deal about his pupil being one of Gloria Estefan’s back-up dancers.
The B-story is a lot of fun too. The rest of the family and Teddy going to the body of water outside the minor league baseball stadium to try to nab home run balls is the sort of simple premise that has lots of comic potential you love to see from Bob’s Burgers. Teddy fretting over whether the family might have a bad time and take the lack of home run balls out on him is sweet. Louise hoping to make money off the home run balls is on brand. Gene fixating on getting a tan is low-key but amusing. And as always, I love Linda’s misadventures at the restaurant by herself, from spinning the stools to rearranging the menu board with lewd sayings. All good small scale humor.
Bob’s part in it is quality as well. The poor guy can’t catch a break, and his dream to nab a home run ball himself, which has apparently eluded him since childhood, is again, small scale but really relatable. His bad luck on the first day he goes out, only ending up with a sunburn and disappointment, makes the unlucky fella pitiable. His fomo when Linda’s day ot join the kids is a veritable hailstorm of homers, only for him to close the restaurant to realize his dream in characteristically clumsy and goofy fashion, ends things on a nice note.
Overall, a quality A-story that leads the Tina/Jimmy Jr./Zeke triumvirate in a heartening direction, and a good comic B-story which gives Bob a chuckle-worthy win.
