"Bob's Burgers" Bully-ieve It or Not (TV Episode 2023) Poster

(TV Series)

(2023)

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6/10
Decent-enough episode
alexanderelwood14 November 2023
"Bully-ieve It or Not" is an okay episode. Eric Bauza was a fine replacement as Jimmy Pesto. I could tell the difference, but it wasn't too distracting. I enjoyed Bob's subplot a little more than the main storyline with Zeke. Neither were bad, but I thought the resolution was handled better between Bob and Jimmy. Trev is also an underrated riot. The ending to the A story was a little too gross for me personally, but that didn't ruin much overall.

Favorite line: Jimmy Jr.: "We've all done things we're not proud of. I used to tell Andy and Ollie that there was actually only one of them. It messed with them for weeks."
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7/10
Poor zeke
Bmore-Hero14 September 2024
Warning: Spoilers
"Bully-ieve It or Not" is a solid Bob's Burgers episode that brings the quirky charm fans love, but it doesn't quite reach the heights of the show's best installments. The story centers on Louise discovering that her classmate, Millie, is being bullied-only to find out that Millie actually wants Louise to bully her too. This sets up an amusing, if slightly odd, dynamic where Louise has to balance her love of mischief with the moral dilemma of bullying.

As always, Louise shines as the star of the episode, and Kristen Schaal's voice work nails every sarcastic quip and sharp-witted retort. The episode plays well with her character's rebellious streak while still showcasing her underlying, often hidden, empathy. Millie, as a foil, is her usual bizarre and obsessive self, making for some funny, albeit repetitive, exchanges.

The subplot featuring Bob and Teddy trying to create a new burger for the restaurant provides a nice counterbalance to the main plot. It's a classic Bob and Teddy misadventure-endearing but not exactly groundbreaking.

What holds "Bully-ieve It or Not" back from being a top-tier Bob's Burgers episode is that it feels a little one-note at times. The comedy is there, but some of the jokes are recycled, and the story doesn't take as many risks as the series is capable of. That said, the episode still offers plenty of laughs and the heartwarming moments Bob's Burgers is known for.

All in all, it's a fun episode with great character moments, especially for Louise, but it doesn't quite hit the levels of creativity and zaniness that the best episodes of Bob's Burgers are known for. A solid 7/10 for its humor and warmth, even if it plays it a bit safe.
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10/10
Quintessentially Bob's
dizzy-dog10 November 2023
People like to complain that this show has changed. And while I'll admit that it has toned down its outrageousness a bit, I can't say that I don't love the deeper, more sincere storylines.

However, I believe this episode represents a perfect example of a classic Bob's. Not only do you get a lil baby Zeke backstory, but also the much anticipated return of Jimmy Pesto's (sans Johnston and his RAP sheet) continued rivalry with Bob.

As for the VA change for Jimmy, it wouldn't take a discerning ear to hear the difference- Johnston has a very unique voice and I never expected them to be able to capture it. But they did well in choosing Eric Bauza. He captures the d**chebag essence of Jimmy Pesto very well.

I do believe the storylines got a bit stale between seasons 11-13. However, since "Show Mama from the Grave" (s13e9), there's only been an upward improvement in writing. (s13e10- IMO, is honestly not only the best episode of the show, but my new favorite Christmas episode of any of shows I keep on loop)

This episode didn't have any spectacular moments, but it felt familiar while being new. It felt like all the old favorite Bob's episodes- comforting and classic.

I'm reinvigorated with the show because of how well the last few episodes were done and I truly hope to see them continue subverting my expectations while still being a 'just like home' comfort I know and love.
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