Bob's Burgers Season 15: Repetitive Plots That Surprisingly Worked
Did you notice that Bob's Burgers Season 15 used the same plot twist not once, but twice? The show teased the Belcher family getting a new pet, only to snatch it away at the last minute. This repetitive approach might seem like a misstep, but it surprisingly worked, and here's why.
While other long-running animated sitcoms like The Simpsons have been criticized for recycling storylines, Bob's Burgers manages to handle repetition with a unique charm. How does the show sidestep the pitfalls of repetitive narratives and keep its stories fresh?
In "The Shell Game" (Season 15, Episode 16), Mr. Fischoeder holds a competition to decide who will inherit his ancient tortoise, Ulysses. Bob becomes the frontrunner, but ultimately, Ulysses is given to Inga, Mr. Fischoeder's housekeeper, who has secretly cared for him for years. This near-acquisition of a pet, only to have it taken away, feels like a classic sitcom trope.
But what makes it interesting is that the show already pulled this move once earlier in Bob's Burgers Season 15. Remember when the Belchers found a lost puppy in "Dog Christmas Day After Afternoon" (Episode 9)?
In that episode, it seemed certain that the Belchers would adopt the puppy, only for its owner to reclaim it at the last minute. To use the same narrative device twice in one season seems bold, if not repetitive. So, why didn't it backfire?
Why the Repetitive Plots Worked in Bob's Burgers Season 15
The success of these repetitive plots in Bob's Burgers Season 15 hinges on the show's core values. Instead of focusing on the disappointment of not getting a pet, the episodes highlight the strength and completeness of the Belcher family unit.
The Belchers are a quirky, loving family who don't need a pet to be happy. They already have plenty of chaos and affection in their lives. Do you think adding a pet would really enhance their dynamic, or would it just add more stress?
Furthermore, Bob's Burgers stands out by portraying a working-class family realistically. Unlike many sitcom families, the Belchers often struggle financially. The show acknowledges the costs associated with pet ownership, a reality for many viewers. Is it refreshing to see a show that doesn't shy away from financial limitations?
The Belchers live in a small apartment, and Bob and Linda have admitted they can't always afford extras. In this context, the decision to not add a pet feels authentic and relatable.
The Importance of Keeping the Belcher Home Pet-Free
Bob's Burgers Season 15 makes a statement by not giving the Belchers a pet. The show already has a rich cast of characters, and adding a new family member, even a furry one, could dilute the existing dynamics.
Season 15 has explored individual storylines for Tina and Louise, demonstrating the show's ability to on each family member. Introducing a pet might take away from these character-driven narratives. What do you think? Would a pet add to the stories, or would it detract from them?
It's also notable that the Belchers are one of the few cartoon sitcom families without a pet. This distinction sets them apart and reinforces their unique identity. The repetitive plot device ultimately serves to highlight the family's existing strengths and challenges.
While Bob's Burgers Season 15 might have seemed repetitive by teasing pet adoption twice, the show ultimately used this device to reinforce its core themes: the strength of the Belcher family and the realities of working-class life. The show acknowledges the realities of pet expenses.
This clever storytelling decision ultimately proves that sometimes, repetition can be a virtue.