[8.3/10] This is an episode that doesn't have a very committed plot or even a particular strong point, but one that’s just filled to the brim with great comic hijinx. I like the premise for both the A-story and B-story. The kids and Gayle trying to keep Linda from being caught in a pyramid scheme to sell essential oils is a nice setup, and Teddy and Bob helping an old man move his mattress and get ready for his date is a comic notion with good mileage. I even like the contrast between the two stories, where Bob’s plot is about a guy worrying if someone will like him, and Linda’s plot is about a woman oblivious to how the fact that everyone likes her opens doors for her that other people don’t have access to.
But honestly, the best part of this is just the gags. Bob’s anxiousness to finish the hell up with his painful, neverending errand with old Mr. Huggins, while Teddy’s content to lift mattresses and kibbitz all day, is great. The relatable bed-moving nonsense and Mr. Huggins’s requests for dating advice just keep getting funnier.
Still, the comic insanity with Linda and co. is even better. Gayle’s resolve to save her sister while being stymied by the sweet aroma of peppermint oil is delightful. Tina’s fascination with solving a puzzle is outstanding. Louise wanting to take charge and extract Linda from the situation is great as always, but it’s even better how she too is her mother’s daughter and gets entirely distracted and entranced by an adorable puppy. And Gene leads the hilarious Greek chorus where everyone gets some good wisecracks and one-liners in.
Overall, the stories in this one are more sturdy than they are compelling, but the comedy is outstanding and keeps you laughing and smiling all the way to greatness.
Review by Andrew BloomVIP 9BlockedParent2019-01-08T03:39:14Z
[8.3/10] This is an episode that doesn't have a very committed plot or even a particular strong point, but one that’s just filled to the brim with great comic hijinx. I like the premise for both the A-story and B-story. The kids and Gayle trying to keep Linda from being caught in a pyramid scheme to sell essential oils is a nice setup, and Teddy and Bob helping an old man move his mattress and get ready for his date is a comic notion with good mileage. I even like the contrast between the two stories, where Bob’s plot is about a guy worrying if someone will like him, and Linda’s plot is about a woman oblivious to how the fact that everyone likes her opens doors for her that other people don’t have access to.
But honestly, the best part of this is just the gags. Bob’s anxiousness to finish the hell up with his painful, neverending errand with old Mr. Huggins, while Teddy’s content to lift mattresses and kibbitz all day, is great. The relatable bed-moving nonsense and Mr. Huggins’s requests for dating advice just keep getting funnier.
Still, the comic insanity with Linda and co. is even better. Gayle’s resolve to save her sister while being stymied by the sweet aroma of peppermint oil is delightful. Tina’s fascination with solving a puzzle is outstanding. Louise wanting to take charge and extract Linda from the situation is great as always, but it’s even better how she too is her mother’s daughter and gets entirely distracted and entranced by an adorable puppy. And Gene leads the hilarious Greek chorus where everyone gets some good wisecracks and one-liners in.
Overall, the stories in this one are more sturdy than they are compelling, but the comedy is outstanding and keeps you laughing and smiling all the way to greatness.