Now on DVD is The Complete 1st Season of the FOX animated series, Bob's Burgers. From the mind of Loren Bouchard (Home Movies) comes a series about an odd family that runs a hamburger joint called, appropriately enough, Bob's Burgers. All thirteen episodes from last spring's initial run are collected on this two disc set, along with bonus features.
Husband, Bob (H. Jon Benjamin, the star of Archer), is the boss and owner. He's a stubborn, ignorant, loving family man, who does the best that he can, which isn't always all that much. Benjamin plays this character wonderfully, getting to be both the butt of many a joke, and the guy who is as close to normal as this family gets. He keeps them grounded, and cares deeply about his loved ones.
Bob may struggle with moral dilemmas himself, but when it comes to his kids, Bob has a pretty strong moral compass. Not only is he willing to do anything to protect them and raise them correctly, he is also willing to let his business suffer because of it. Unlike other fathers in the Animation Domination block, Bob is genuine and sweet almost all the time, without being overbearing. He gives his kids good advice, but allows them room to make mistakes and their own decisions.
Wife, Linda (John Roberts, no, not the Supreme Court justice), falls into the traditional sitcom wife role, never really getting too mad at Bob for forgetting their anniversary, and being happy with her mediocre lot in life. As the episodes go on, Linda does get the chance to pursue some of her own interests, but they never last more than an episode. The impression is that, while Linda sometimes plays second fiddle to Bob, it's good that she has his steady presence in her life.
Eldest daughter, Tina (Dan Mintz - what's with the guys voicing the girls?) is in love with the boy across the street. The middle child, Gene (Eugene Mirman, The Flight of the Conchords), is as dumb and as in a world all his own as his father is, but still has that youthful, naive joy about it. He will certainly grow up to be just like his dad.
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