Smellbound

This was a great community episode for Bob’s Burgers. We see the town coming together and despite not liking the adults cough Edith cough, there is a unity that Tina, Gene, and Louise share in order to save the burning of the lighthouse event that they are excited to do.

Most of the time, the kids only get involved in something if it will benefit them, however, in this case they were trying to save something that not only they would enjoy but there peers as well. It was refreshing to see and hope for season 17 we see more of that camaraderie among the belcher kids and they’re friends down the road.

The main highlight for me was seeing Bob, despite his sensitive nose sacrifice his senses in order to make his kids happy. No matter how much his kids and the people in Seymour’s Bay make fun of him for his shortcomings, however when it really matters, he comes through. He’s willing to be on the ride with the fish and launch them in an attempt to get rid of them in order to save his kids’ favorite activity was beautiful to see. Despite the fact he tries to back out of it (which I didn’t like as I felt it was a cop out), that moment where he volunteers to do it was beautiful and I hope we see the town gives Bob the love and respect that he deserves (with the exception of Teddy, Mort, Marshmallow, and his family). The minute he was out of the ocean, there’s a small glimpse where the entire family and Teddy hug him, despite the fish smell. Personally, I think they should’ve swapped the scene with Edith, and Fischoeder and replace it with the aftermath of him doing what he did and the kids show the appreciation of Bob’s sacrifice. There reactions, I believe could’ve added a heartwarming layer to this show rather than have the deal of letting Fischoeder back into the town’s club. While funny, wasn’t necessary and I think we could’ve had the ending focus on the family and how Louise reacts to seeing the lighthouse being torched. That was a missed opportunity in my opinion.

I also like how we get to see the town’s history being explored. In the past, there was hardly any focus on the world these characters live in and to see Louise so passionate about the history of how the torching of the lighthouse started was a nice change of pace compared to the kids’ lack of enthusiasm about learning. It speaks to her chaotic energy, specifically the first season. While we don’t see the impulsive nature that she used to have and is toned down, I like that we got that side of her back for a bit. It never left, but is hardly explored in recent episodes and I love how the writers incorporated that into this episode.

Finally, I love the ending song and everyone dancing around the fire. I was dancing in my seat and love seeing the characters getting pumped up and the setting change from the restaurant to the beach. We need more of this energy in the upcoming season.

Overall, the humor, despite having its moments doesn’t come through. However the story is executed well and the ending works. A great season finale in my opinion!