Review: Bob’s Burgers “Paraders of the Lost Float”

Turns out, this isn’t the last episode of the season.

Spoilers Below

If you give Bob Burgers (excuse me, Bob Belcher) a last resort argument, he maybe, just maybe, might agree to have fun. Suggest spending all afternoon at a parade to him? That is just not his scene. But guarantee him prize money that is more than what they would make during the lunch rush hour? Well, then, there is no other option at that point.

Bog to Beach is an annual event that attracts every hedonist in town. Its main attraction is a float parade for which the top five entrants receive a cash prize. Since the forecast calls for steady rain this year, only four floats are currently on the docket. So all the Belchers have to do is put together a float at the last minute, show up, finish in last, and then take their $500 (it’s the Belcher Way). How are they going to manage to make the float so quickly? Well, Teddy was already so enthusiastic before Bob was ever on board, so that is not really a problem. Bob does have to deal with the ever-crabby Cranwinkles during a quick trip to Reflections, though, but other than that, the path is clear, until…

Bob just cannot leave well enough when it comes to Jimmy Pesto. Sure, that slimy pizza slinger often eggs him on, but there is no need for Bob to mention the prize money to anyone outside the family. Of course, Jimmy is going to hear that and enter the parade himself. He likes making money, and he likes humiliating Bob even more. I guess there has to be something to set the plot in motion, but it is tough to see Bob continually giving in to this petty rivalry.

No surprise that Jimmy plays dirty, jumping the line and giving out pizzas after stealing Bob’s idea of free samples. I would warn the Belchers not to take the bait at this point, but they are in serious danger of missing out on fifth – no longer last – place. Turning off the parade route is not the best strategy to get back ahead, though. But who could have ever predicted that it would turn out as disastrous as it does? At this point, I am still on Bob’s side, as is his family, as getting back on the route does not appear to be impossible. But as the path back becomes less and less clear, the money becomes less and less important to everyone else, until only Teddy, the ultimate loyalist and float enthusiast remains with Bob.

This episode is a referendum on fun, and Bob’s family have long since given up on the idea that he will ever instinctively choose to enjoy himself. So when he turns on the disco hit “Hot Pants Rain Dance” and strips down to his underwear to start dancing, it is certainly worth remarking upon, even if this is not the first time he has ever let loose and kicked back. This is far from a landmark episode, as we have seen the Belcher Way (show up and reap the benefits of last place) plenty of times before, but “Paraders of the Lost Float” is worth watching for the bounteous, joyful design put into the parade.

Memorable Lines and Obs-burg-vations of the Day:

-Some adorable business signs this week: Gland Ho! Thyroid Exams, Me So Hornet Pest Control

-“It hasn’t really been a good month.” “For your b.o.?” “No, for the restaurant.” “Because of your b.o.?”

-“You had me at ‘pee everywhere.’ I’m in!”

-“Oh look, it’s a naked juggler!” “So many balls in the air.”

-“They’ll find another funeral.”

-“Is my ass on fire? Be honest.”

-“Shake what Grandpa gave you.”