#bob's burgers season 13

[movies-tv-more]

BOB’S BURGERS 13x10 “The Plight Before Christmas” airs tonight at 9pm on FOX

[thereisacuriousparadox]

[ltwharfy]

"Bob's Burgers" Season 13 Episode Ranking Rewatch (Long Post)

So, I've been rewatching "Bob's Burgers" from the beginning and ranking the episodes using the spreadsheet that @babsvibes created! If you want to know why I'm doing this or how I view the 1-5 rating scale, you can check out my Season 1 post! If you want to check out any of the other seasons, I've been using the "bob's burgers episode ranking rewatch" tag for all of them.

Now on to Season 13:

Average (Mean) Score: 4.14

Mode (Most Common) Ranking: 5

Ranking Breakdown: 9 5s 8 4s 4 3s 1 2

Season as a whole thoughts:

This is the third lowest rated season (above only seasons 11 and 1) but please don't think that I dislike it. It's not my favorite, but I think it may be one of the most fascinating seasons of the show. (As I've oft said, I wish the show got real DVD releases with commentaries and special features after season 1. And I would especially love to hear more about about the making of Season 13!)

So, my first major observation about Season 13, which I made when it was airing but the rewatch confirmed to me is that I found it inconsistent, but in a very specific way. I'm a baseball fan, and "Bob's Burgers" season 13 reminded me of a great pitcher at the end of their career. Their fastball isn't as fast as it once was, and sometimes they seem completely out of gas. And then other times they experiment with new pitches or change their arm angle or windup and the results are amazing...but in a totally different way then they used to be. To translate the analogy back to what I'm actually talking about: "Crab-soultely Fabulous" was followed by "Radio No You Didn't". That gave me a little whiplash.

The other fascinating thing about Season 13, which I noticed more in the rewatch, is that it seems to hit the same recurring themes more often then other seasons, to the point where it seems intentional. While I would argue that the kids growing up has been an occasional theme of the show for a long time, they really seemed to hit it this season, and specifically in a way that's a bit more melancholy. There are a number of episodes about disappointment, embarrassment, making mistakes, sticking with things that are difficult, and some of the other less fun aspects of maturity. Sticking with the last paragraph, sometimes these episodes landed with me ("These Boots Are made for Stalking") and sometimes they didn't ("Ready Player Gene"). But going back to my DVD commentary comment, I'd love to know more about how conscious a choice this was, and, if it was a conscious one, why it was made.

Some thoughts on specific episodes (and feel free to ask if you want my thoughts on an episode I didn't comment on):

"To Bob or Not to Bob": Goofy fake plays and ghosts saying "Avenge me!" in a spoooky voice are both things that are pretty much always funny, so this episode amused me a lot. But I really love the way the "restaurant expansion" subplot ended- with Bob just realizing "nah, I don't really want to do that." I founded it pleasantly unexpected from a storytelling perspective, and also saw it as a bit of a critique of modern America's ultra capitalist "hustle" culture- like, no, expanding your business won't actually make you happier. (I may be reaching here.)

"What About Job?": If you asked me, "what's the 'Bob's Burgers' line that's in your head the most?" my answer might surprise you, because it's not a joke or a clever song lyric. It's Bob's line in his story in this episode: "just because you stop growing doesn't mean you stop growing". I'm a middle aged person whose contemplating a career change and has been working on personal growth in a number of ways in recent years, and this line- and the notion that Bob is telling it to his adolescent/pre-adolescent children-just fills my heart because it so different from the message I got growing up middle class in the USA ("you better have everything figured out by the time you graduate college!") This is one of at least two Molyneux sisters-penned episodes that means a ridiculous amount to me personally. (I'll share my writer ratings when I finish this project, but they are at the top of the list.)

"Show Mama From the Grave": I really loved learning a little more about Lily, her death, and Bob's relationship with it (ie- not going to her grave in decades.) It's not the funniest episode (although it has its moments- especially with Linda's cemetery fear), but it makes up for that in family lore and sweetness. Bob's little smile when watching the kids "boob" in the cemetery, and Linda's conversation with Lily are both such beautiful moments.

"The Plight Before Christmas": I'm a sap, but I love the Louise storyline and her poem, as well as Gene and his classmates affection for Ms. Merkin. And I really enjoyed some of the humor with Bob trying to get to the library and his encounters with the taxi driver and the dog owner. That said, I tend to prefer holiday episodes that are just a bit more jaded, so I would never vote for this as my favorite Christmas episode since there is one that talks about frickin' murder mannequins!

"Stop! Or My Mom Will Sleuth!": Man, I wish I enjoyed this episode more. Because it has three Roudise bits that I love: 1. the "attaboy, Rudes!" moment in the kickball game, 2. Rudy saying Louise is "complicated" when talking to Linda; 3. The notion of the Rudyville locker. But, I just find this episode kind of dull, and it specifically bugs me because some of the characters and their relationships seem a bit off. Why does Rudy tell Linda about the Rudyville locker? And why doesn't he know Louise isn't using it any more? And why does Mr. Frond falsely accuse Louise after there is a whole episode where he learns about how bad it feels to be falsely accused? And why do Linda and the other Belcher ever suspect Louise would steal a toy from a random kid in her class- that honestly doesn't seem like Louise behavior even in the earlier seasons (stealing from a bully or an adult or a multinational corporation? Sure! But just taking a toy from a rando, really?) Honestly, the best answers to these questions are "Doylist" ones: different writers write the characters differently in different episodes. But, I always find those explanations a bit unsatisfying, especially when they are in service of such a meh episode.

"These Boots Are Made for Stalking": Tina's plot in this episode is just so beautifully done and relatable- Tina reminds me so much of my sister here! I hope the "cool teens" reappear in the future. And I love that this beautiful, emotional Tina story is contrasted with Gene and Louise at their goofiest! Gene and Louise is one of my favorite dynamics because in the show because sometimes they work together on stuff and other times they compete, but either way they do it in the most ridiculous way possible. Their storyline here reminds me of the jawbreaker storyline in "Dr. Yap" in a good way (that might be the first episode that made me realize how much I enjoyed their dynamic.)

"Crows Encounters of the Bird Kind": This is very much a low-key, slice of life episode, but I enjoy it a ton. The whole bit about Bob buying the birdwatching book but never opening it is so relatable for trying to get in to new hobbies as an adult with a job that always makes you tired. I enjoyed the return of Ranger Matthew Danko. I think crows are fascinating. The "dares" subplot has a number of laugh out loud moments for me. And the "Mr. Jones" parody closing credit song is perfect!

"Gift Card or Buy Trying": "The Belchers go to a new place and each have their own separate adventures" is one of favorite "Bob's Burgers" episode formats, and this is another enjoyable example of it. This episode helped inspire one of my fics (Linda's comment about making one of the kids' wedding dresses inspired my wedding fic) and also helped inspire my headcanon-and potential fic idea- of Louise being a labor union organizer when she grows up (she literally says "we're doing collective bargaining!" in this episode.) The Gene and Mitchell storyline is another example of the season exploring some of the more melancholy aspects of growing up.

"Radio No You Didn't": I love this episode so much! I especially loved that they played the flashback to the 40s so straight. Gertie and Alice feel like such real characters- I love that they cast guest actors to voice them and gave them unique designs rather than just making them thinly-disguised versions of the regulars. (Also, I've adored Cristin Miloti, who voices Alice, since she was on "How I Met Your Mother") And the way they did the occasional interjections to Bob's storytelling from the rest of the Belchers was perfect- especially Louise's annoyance at the other's interruptions. This is a really special episode, and one I can't imagine them pulling off earlier in the shows run.

"Mother Author Laser Pointer": Hey, look, I AM capable of giving a rating lower then a 3! This joins "Moody Foodie" in the small ranks of "Bob's Burgers" episodes I'd rather not rewatch. Yes, the flashbacks to Bob and Lin reading to the kids are adorable, as is the end credits song. But Linda telling that tow-truck driver to go away (and generally, all her interactions related to Bea) is beyond cringe comedy to me. It's just painful with no payoff. I really hope there are no more "the Belchers hold someone hostage" episodes in the future- I'll pretty much rewatch anything else.

"Amelia": Much like "Radio No You Don't" or Season 14's "The Amazing Rudy", this is another really special episode that I can't imagine the show pulling off much earlier in its run. Everything that went into Louise's presentation- the shadow puppets, the music, her speech- was done beautifully. And the end credits song brings tears to my eyes in the way that an end credits song from an animated sitcom has no rights doing.

I can't think of any Random Thoughts, so I'll just answer the question that's on everybody's mind (Ha!) is this the last one of these ridiculously long posts?! Afterall, Babs' spread sheet only went through the end of Season 13.

Fear not, hypothetical person who actually reads these posts! I have expanded the spreadsheet to Season 14 on my own. Because I am apparently addicted to rewatching "Bob's Burgers" episodes and then rating them in a spreadsheet.

As far as addictions go, I guess there are worse ones.

[artichow]

so many one-ofs characters i'd love the writers to bring back in season 14 but omg the substitute teacher from a plight before christmas is up there

[bearlythere]

the first half of season 13 of bob's burgers is FINALLY on disney+ where i live!

i'm so happy to finally be able to watch all the new episodes.

best episode so far in season 13 is definitely the christmas episode "the plight before christmas". as a percussionist, gene's sixth grade xylophone christmas showcase (and how they just casually removed random notes from the glockenspiels and xylophones and marimbas) and the use of philip glass's string quartet 3 movement to showcase such an emotional moment of louise reading a poem about her family and tina & linda turning up JUST IN TIME to hear it.

close second is the episode where bob and his family goes to visit his mom's grave, and it really canonically acknowledges the movie as part of the series' events. love how linda gets over her fear to support her family, no matter what. i hope to see more flashbacks about bob's mom.

people often think of bob's burgers as "just another animated series" and sure, it might be just for laughs sometimes, but also, it definitely hits hard emotions and makes you feel thankful for the world around you. it's not surprising that the show has so many avid fans and supporters all over the globe. (i'm waiting for vol 3 of the soundtrack)

[laz-kay]

“And they were roommates”

“Oh my god, they were roommates”

Bob's Burgers, What about job? (S13: E3)

[pinkbumblebees]

Bob's little smile watching his kids slide down the hill is what makes this scene special

[stevetwisp]

lil reference to the episode "Crows Encounters of the Bird Kind" (s13e17) of Bob's Burgers

loved this episode between bob and tina, so cute and sweet.. c': 

[uncannybob]

While re-watching Radio No, You Didn't, I made a rather interesting observation. The badge on Billy's arm is a Navy Bakers badge, meaning that Bob's grandfather most likely served as a cook aboard some navy vessel during WWII.

Appears like Big Bob isn't the only predecessor of Bob who knew his way around a kitchen.

[duckmine]

i headcanon louise takes it the hardest once tina moves out for college. i always assumed tina would eventually get good enough grades and credit to get a scholarship to a good school and would plan to move into a dorm or her own apartment; meanwhile louise gets to take her old room, but she realizes it’s not worth the space if her older sister isn’t gonna be with her anymore.

[yahoo201027]

Day in Fandom History: January 9…

It’s Bob’s Burgers' grand re-re-re opening, but the festivities are delayed by the health inspector. Louise, wanting to “up the ante” at show & tell, tells the class her dad, Bob, uses human remains in the burgers at Bob’s Burgers. The first episode of Bob’s Burgers, “Human Flesh,” premiered on this day, 13 Years Ago.

[movies-tv-more]

BOB’S BURGERS 13x20 “Radio No You Didn't” airs tonight at 9pm on FOX

[dianadeadwing]

„She says it's about love and loss and online shopping and the end of innocence.“ (Gene about his school musical in 13.10 stating the theme of the whole season.)

Season 13 has:

-Louise worried about her future career and her family coming together to cheer her up in (13.3)

-Bob and Linda going to extreme measures to make Teddy hopeful for the future (13.4)

-Bob not wanting his children to suffer like he did when he was younger. (13.7)

-Louise thinking Tina is getting to old to play with her siblings. (13.8)

-Just all of Show Mama from the Grave, The Plight Before Christmas, and Amelia. (13.9, 13.10, 13.22)

-Several episodes of Bob realizing his dreams are not all they are cracked up to be.(13.1, 13.12)

-Louise’s entire last show and tell. (13.15)

-Gene dealing with not liking himself.(13.18)

-Linda not being okay with her children growing up. (13.21)

[tacosandtouchtanks]

Happy April Fools Day!

Also Happy Easter to those who celebrate it!

[ratguy-nico]

1# The Plight Before Christmas

This is not a surprise, I literally made a post back then in September-October when I first saw this episode. So I'm not going to elaborate as much as with others, also the thing that make this episode so special not something that I myself fully get, words elude me with this one. So let’s say I love it just because.

I think whe all know and love this scene, this moment when Tina reach to Louise when no one else could cause this is their big sister, and many can say that she don’t get most things but she get her siblings and she’s gonna be with them even if Louise said is not necessary even if they don't mention it, cause she wants to be there with them cause is important. All this while the most beautiful song interpreted by Genie Beanie plays in the back, wrapping everything together, cause yeah even if is mostly Tina and Louise, Gene is there, always there. They are the Belcher kids, the best siblings in the world.

And by the way I want a standing ovation for mah baby bean, cause they save that night for everyone in that auditorium. He is a real musical genius, he can think outside the box and find solutions and his heart is full of music, music that they know and understand despite what everyone says. when Bob look at Gene while they play, like he’s the most amazing person he has ever seen, is cause he is.

This episode is full of quite moments, silent and intimate moments that convey such strong warming and familiar emotions. Is a hug for the heart, like the serie itself.

And I don't want to forget Bob and Linda, they're just the greatest parents in the world, no one is doing it like them.

I truly love this episode deeply. This is the one that got me crying every time.

[babsvibes]

Rank your favorite seasons of Bob’s Burgers!

Here’s mine ☺️