Sibling relationships can be a complex thing. Even if you’re close, there are still the little family tics that can add some interesting layers to the dynamic. However, sibling-hood is, above all else, totally weird. Between the secrets and inside jokes, you and your siblings are bound to have some bizarre quirks that no one else would understand. While family dynamics are a topic that’s been mined many, many times, few shows have nailed what it’s like to have a brother or sister quite as well as Bob’s Burgers. Sure, they might be 2-D cartoons, but the Belchers are every bit as flesh and blood as any other family on television.
Whether you’re awkward like Tina, unique like Gene, or ambitious like Louise, you’ve probably related at least once to the sibling bonding seen on screen.
The Horror of Your First Crush
In the season three episode “Boyz 4 Now,” Louise accompanies Tina to see a One Direction-esque boy band, and her life is forever changed. She leaves dismissive of any sort of romantic feelings, but leaves in the throes of puberty and obsessed with the youngest band member, Boo Boo. Of course, Louise takes it to the maniac levels that fans know and love, only to be ushered into this new experience under the guidance of her older sister. First crushes, be they celebrity or otherwise, are always pretty hideous, and your siblings are probably there to experience it first-hand, whether they want to or not. There is a better than not possibility that they will torture you over it, but secretly they’ll understand your agony.
Uniting for the Common Good
For the most part, kids are pretty self-interested. They haven’t quite fine-tuned their people skills, and that usually translates into focusing on two things: “what will entertain me most” and “when is snack time?” However, there usually comes a time when you and your siblings team up to do something for the good of others. Whether it was making your mom breakfast in bed or having some sort of makeshift stand selling lemonade or cookies for charity, you usually grew your empathy alongside those who share your blood. This was certainly the case for the Belchers in “Bob Rest Ye Merry Gentle-Mannequins,” when the Belcher kids gave up their Christmas presents in order to get back squatter Chet’s beloved (literally) mannequin. It may have backfired because Chet was secretly super rich, but it was the thought that counted.
Supporting (Mocking) Each Other’s Hobbies
Childhood is the time to cultivate hobbies, and sometimes those hobbies tend towards the niche, which is a nice way to say weird. Trekkies, bug collectors, you name it, someone probably has that as their hobby. In the episode “The Equestranauts,” Gene and Louise don’t necessarily understand Tina’s love of cartoon horses, and even rib her about it early on. However, when she gets scammed by a brony, they unite to bring their own brand of Belcher justice.
Getting Into Trouble Together
Sure, you probably got into plenty of trouble on your own, but the real doozies were collaborative efforts between you and your siblings. The legendary stories that get retold at every holiday and family get-together are always the result of group actions. Bob’s Burgers excels at putting the Belcher kids into hilarious scrapes, but one of the best comes when they’re trespassing at the taffy factory in “The Belchies” After breaking and entering in pursuit of missing treasure, Tina proves herself to be a strong, smart, sensual woman, and the Belchers are left with a story for the ages.
Being Constantly Competitive
Siblings are naturally competitive. Whether it is with grades, athletic achievements, or winning over your parents (they’ll tell you they don’t, but they obviously have a favorite child), you’re always trying to claw your way to the top of the heap. Sometimes the competitions can even take a turn for the disgusting, like in “Dr. Yap.” What starts out as a competition between Gene and Louise over who can suck on a jawbreaker the longest eventually concludes with them sucking on their dad’s broken tooth. The desperation for dominance can lead to some pretty gross stuff, you guys.
Finding New Traditions (Or Deciding to Keep the Old Ones)
Holidays mean traditions, and every family is bound to have a few. While they usually evolve a bit when aging, changing locations, and other different situations kick in, the core values usually remain the same. When Tina, Gene, and Louise break with tradition in order to trick-or-treat in a neighborhood that gives out full-size candy bars in “Full Bars,” their quest turns into a horror film as they have to battle bullies and try to make it home before dark. Maybe it’s best to stick with what works instead of shaking things up, at least on the spookiest night of the year.
Always Having Each Other’s Backs
Despite all of the fights, competitions, and downright meanness that can come with having brothers and sisters, there is also the security in knowing that they have your back. This is truly the core of who the Belchers are, as well. Even though Tina, Gene, and Louise are all very different, there is a deep love there. Even if they try to brush it off with bravado or a quick retort, you know those three are going to stick it out to the bitter end.