12 Years Later, Bob’s Burgers’ Funniest Episode Still Has a Perfect Ending

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More than ten years ago, Gene Belcher stumbled upon a talking toilet while in the woods, an event that turned out to be surprisingly devastating for him. But strange occurrences are common for the Belcher family, who live in a quirky seaside town. What made this toilet particularly impactful for Gene was its clever nod to a beloved Steven Spielberg movie and the funny twist Bob’s Burgers gave to the story’s conclusion.

Bob’s Burgers frequently includes references to movies and TV shows. The Belcher family has playfully reimagined plots from everything like Game of Thrones to Jaws. Eventually, they might run out of source material, but their parodies are so funny you can watch them over and over again. A great example is Season 3, Episode 15, “O.T.: The Outside Toilet,” which cleverly transforms the classic film E.T. into a hilarious story about an unlikely friendship formed around an outhouse.

Bob’s Burgers Toilet-ifies E.T.

Gene, after struggling with a school project where he had to care for a flour baby, unexpectedly befriends a talking toilet that tumbled off a truck. This toilet, equipped with jokes and a heated seat but not much common sense, becomes an unlikely friend. When the toilet faces danger, Gene finally discovers the nurturing side he was trying to demonstrate with his original assignment.

Max Flush, a truck driver voiced by Neil Flynn from The Middle, aggressively pursues Gene to get back the $14,000 toilet he stole. The humor comes from the contrast between Max’s furious determination and Bob’s laid-back reaction to his son’s behavior. During a confrontation about the toilet, it’s hilariously revealed that Teddy doesn’t even know Bob’s last name – he wonders aloud, “Bob Burgers. Then who am I thinking of?” This is similar to a running gag from the first season where Gene didn’t know the name of his own family’s restaurant.

Okay, so in this episode, it’s total chaos as usual! Gene gets everyone involved in a ridiculous mission to save the toilet – seriously, a dying battery and Max are the villains this time! Meanwhile, Bob and Linda get into their own wacky situation. Bob, being Bob, decides to borrow a suit from the funeral home next door for a court appearance – a parking ticket, can you believe it? But the suit makes him look fancy, so he and Linda decide to go full-on pretend-rich and see what that life is like. It’s a really fun, silly adventure for them both.

Bob and Linda’s silly, alcohol-fueled misadventure is a stark contrast to the surprisingly intense situation Gene and the kids are facing. While Bob and Linda are too busy enjoying free drinks to even order food, their kids are caught up in a chase involving a toilet thief and a super expensive bathroom gadget. On top of that, Gene is grappling with some big life lessons as his favorite animatronic toy is about to run out of power. The difference in these storylines highlights how oblivious the parents are to what their kids are really doing.

The Ending of ‘O.T.: The Outside Toilet’ Is a Painfully Awkward Goodbye

In the episode’s climax, Bob and Linda, after having a bit too much to drink, attempt to assist the kids in concealing their unusual bathroom companion, despite being completely confused about the situation. While the person stealing toilets is apprehended, Gene becomes deeply upset when he discovers the toilet is destined for a new life on King Island. Things take a bizarre turn when Bob tries to comfort Gene, assuring him he’s a good son, but accidentally reveals that Gene nearly suffered a tragic accident as a baby by eating a fern.

Okay, so the episode gets really weird but also kind of touching. Gene has this whole goodbye scene with the toilet down at the pier, and it’s super awkward because the toilet thinks he’s saying he’s gonna throw up when he actually means ‘I love you’! It’s sweet, though. Meanwhile, the cop guarding the toilet notices Bob is wearing his dad’s old suit and totally makes him take it off. The episode ends with this really funny, sad image of the whole family watching the ferry sail away with the talking toilet and Bob… just in his underwear. It’s a classic!

Overall, “O.T.: The Outside Toilet” is a classic Bob’s Burgers episode, blending quirky humor with heartfelt moments. The ending is particularly strong – fans of E.T. will appreciate how it plays out – and it really emphasizes the Belcher family’s acceptance of the strange things that happen in their lives. Their willingness to embrace the unusual is what makes them special.

Bob’s Burgers is available to stream on Hulu.

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2025-12-12 01:37