Bob's Burgers

[Vestige]

I want to open this thread with an exchange from the Ra Contact regarding television:

34.13 Questioner: What is the general overall effect of television on our society with respect to this catalyst?
Ra: I am Ra. Without ignoring the green-ray attempts of many to communicate via this medium such information, truth, and beauty as may be helpful, we must suggest that the sum effect of this gadget is that of distraction and sleep.

I have two lines of interpretation I feel I could travel with this comment:

1. Ra's appraisal of the sum effect of television refers to the content only as an aggregate: among the quantity and character of programs available, the programs which promote distraction and sleep (and, those which promote disharmony and strife) outnumber and outweigh those programs which promote seeking along the positive path.  That is to say, the programs which promote seeking along the positive path will be encountered rarely or not at all unless they are themselves sought out, and ideally these programs would be enjoyed with family and friends (although watching them alone and then sharing them when appropriate might be OK too).  
   
2. Ra's appraisal of the sum effect of television refers to the content as an aggregate and applies to each and every example: even where there is a program which promotes seeking along the positive path, there will be some element inherent to the medium which frustrates or stifles this intent.
   

I am operating under the premise of line one.
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Bob's Burgers is an American animated sitcom created by Loren Bouchard for the Fox Broadcasting Company.

The show centers on a family [the Belchers] that runs a hamburger restaurant. Loren Bouchard stated Bob's Burgers came out because of Fox's animation brand centers mostly on family, but that he also wanted to dabble in workplace comedy. The show is said to fill the void created by the cancellation of King of the Hill, which former Bob's Burgers executive producer Jim Dauterive worked on for nearly its entire run.

I myself enjoy watching Bob's Burgers, which I usually do to pass a half hour or so when I'm baking or cooking.  I have sometimes watched the show with my sibling, but usually I watch it alone--well, not quite always alone, but while adjacent to other family members, who are also doing their own thing. 
I find the show to be, overall, quite wholesome and positive.  As what might be true for any sitcom centered around human people, the show does include some 'bathroom humor,' mild violence and gore, mild profanity, and frequent but mildly-to-moderately lewd references.  It's decidedly more of an adult audience show, although if I had children I might allow teenagers to watch with some supervision... as I would say it is also a family-oriented show.  All of the characters are given significant development, and the episodes often center around themes of acceptance, forgiveness, patience, collaboration, responsibility, and other virtues.  Notably, one of the main characters, Bob (the titular restaurant owner and father in the Belcher family) has a rivalry with a restaurant owner across the street, Jimmy Pesto.  They often exchange insults, but the later seasons show the two genuinely bonding, admiring each other, helping each other, forgiving each other--I was surprised, pleasantly, to see it. 
Several episodes also reference specific metaphysical practices or experiences: "Sexy Dance Healing" centers around healing and has some subtle references to the chakras (the scrunchy colors); "Three Girls and a Little Wharfy" has Bob experience the 'everything of food'; "Bridge Over Troubled Rudy" has the Belcher children embark on a quest to cheer up their friend (Rudy) and includes a sub-plot where the mother (Linda) and father Bob are taught to meditate by their friend; "Crystal Mess" playfully explores the energetics of crystals... I could go on, as there are other examples, but I see those as the most significant, as they were the ones that encouraged me to make this thread!  

The show is also genuinely funny:

[LeiwoUnion]

I must say that when I experienced this show for the amount of one episode, I concluded its constituents to be quite in mismatch with my own vibrations. I was even unable to find an ironic twist in its content so I had to deem it utter garbage. I sometimes watch other kind of garbage, though, so my opinion shouldn't mean much, if you find something of substance, here; honestly, I'm happy if you do. Actually, interestingly most of my reactions to almost any tv shows these days seem to be of the class 'wtf am I watching' at the approximate half point of an episode.. this is why we can't have nice things..

[tadeus]

I just want to remember that Merloo has analyzed the use of the main stream media perfect. (as video)

[Vestige]

I must say that when I experienced this show for the amount of one episode, I concluded its constituents to be quite in mismatch with my own vibrations. I was even unable to find an ironic twist in its content so I had to deem it utter garbage. I sometimes watch other kind of garbage, though, so my opinion shouldn't mean much, if you find something of substance, here; honestly, I'm happy if you do. Actually, interestingly most of my reactions to almost any tv shows these days seem to be of the class 'wtf am I watching' at the approximate half point of an episode.. this is why we can't have nice things..

I would agree that in the earlier seasons, the emphasis on family and the positive dynamics of family are not as present.
I appreciate also that you mentioned that most television programs do not resonate with you.  I have (other) friends who are much the same way, and I wouldn't say that I am too dissimilar either.  I mentioned the show, Bob's Burgers, because it was one program which surprised me with how wholesome it was--or, became, anyways.  

tadeus

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I just want to remember that Merloo has analyzed the use of the main stream media perfect. (as video)

I wouldn't deny the possibility that there are subliminal--or, not so subliminal--messages in Bob's Burgers.  As I mentioned (as Ra mentioned), the majority of programs contain distortions intended to distract or to inculcate more deleterious patterns of thought.   I have been able to reliably pick up on the intended distortions of mind built into other programs, and when I saw similar patterns in particular episodes of Bob's Burgers, I have skipped those episodes.  No worries.

Quincunx

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There are upsides to watching television or in this case a movie

And, certainly, I could recommend programs that are perhaps more inspiring, like your example (and Don's example) of Battle Beyond the Stars.  Recently, upon a recommendation by my father, I watched The 12th Man.  This program focuses on the German occupation of Norway during World War II, although the main narrative is of a freedom fighter, Jan Baalsrud, who escapes and is assisted by many kind souls as he flees persecution.  Again, the program contains images of violence, bellicosity, elitism--but these are well-balanced, I feel, by the positive images represented by Jan and his Good Samaritans.  
I realize that I'm writing a lot in response to the replies here.  I'll admit that I felt a little embarrassed for bringing up some TV show, but I'm not intending to be defensive--I simply want to elucidate why I made the post and affirm that it was with good intentions.  I also feel that good can be found in many places.  Eventually, and, perhaps, very soon, I'll have little desire or need to watch television.  I used to play videogames, now, I play none.  Do I regret the time spent?  Not at all.  Every single experience I have had is, in some sense or another, a blessing.  Some experiences I draw upon frequently; others, not frequently at all.  Each of us is free in a different way.

[LeiwoUnion]

And, certainly, I could recommend programs that are perhaps more inspiring, like your example (and Don's example) of Battle Beyond the Stars.  Recently, upon a recommendation by my father, I watched The 12th Man.  This program focuses on the German occupation of Norway during World War II, although the main narrative is of a freedom fighter, Jan Baalsrud, who escapes and is assisted by many kind souls as he flees persecution.  Again, the program contains images of violence, bellicosity, elitism--but these are well-balanced, I feel, by the positive images represented by Jan and his Good Samaritans.  
I realize that I'm writing a lot in response to the replies here.  I'll admit that I felt a little embarrassed for bringing up some TV show, but I'm not intending to be defensive--I simply want to elucidate why I made the post and affirm that it was with good intentions.  I also feel that good can be found in many places.  Eventually, and, perhaps, very soon, I'll have little desire or need to watch television.  I used to play videogames, now, I play none.  Do I regret the time spent?  Not at all.  Every single experience I have had is, in some sense or another, a blessing.  Some experiences I draw upon frequently; others, not frequently at all.  Each of us is free in a different way.

No need to feel embarrassed. We all have our quirks in our usage of time. When I was awakened to a wider Truth I stopped playing games for almost 1.5 years. These days I continue playing some, because I understood the value of many 3D based activities which are capable of leading to true joy experiences. However, it is a fine line between a habitual activity pattern and a balanced joy experience, discerning of which requires constant awareness and contemplation. I drop joyless actions much quicker these days. Still, we are here to experience 3D in its fullest, so whatever you do, no need to feel embarrassed, frustrated, angry etc. because of the usage of time here. Rather, try to find the joy and Love in these actions and thus begin living the now purified, distilled experiences.

Regarding the topic of movies and series': I recently saw the movie 'Solaris' for the first time, and thought it pretty high in concept and also enjoyed it much. Off the top of my head the movie 'Arrival' was also very good; Interestingly I've seen it before awakening and after awakening and I must say the wider perspective truly gives much capabilities for spotting the fine details in these workings.

[flofrog]

so agree LeiwoUnion , Arrival is really very good too. Beautiful visually,...

[Diana]

  I realize that I'm writing a lot in response to the replies here.  I'll admit that I felt a little embarrassed for bringing up some TV show, but I'm not intending to be defensive--I simply want to elucidate why I made the post and affirm that it was with good intentions.  I also feel that good can be found in many places.  Eventually, and, perhaps, very soon, I'll have little desire or need to watch television.  I used to play videogames, now, I play none.  Do I regret the time spent?  Not at all.  Every single experience I have had is, in some sense or another, a blessing.  Some experiences I draw upon frequently; others, not frequently at all.

We can learn from anything, and it doesn't have to be something that appears outwardly inspiring or obviously "spiritual" in nature. Anything we might see or experience is catalyst and what we do with it is our journey. We have all had an experience where we see a homeless person, or someone dies, and our perspective palpably shifts. 

I remember thinking once about movies that depict perfect family scenarios, where everything is cozy, happy, and unrealistic, and how that must seem to children who are in really bad situations. At first the obvious reaction might be that the unrealistic depiction would be harmful inducing sad, resentful, or defeated feelings in children, and that's possible—like that sort of family is not possible for them and they must live in the daily traumas they experience. But I realized that watching something like that can also supply a child with the feelings that don't exist in their world, that watching and feeling the feelings in that cozy show gives them the experiences of love and family through feelings, and to show what is possible, and even just be a small respite from the daily trauma they live in. 

I am also a fan of laughter. I think it is vitally important to express the emotions through laughter. I watch a comedian, Sebastian Manascalco when I get down, and it doesn't matter how many times I watch his routines, they make me laugh. There is nothing spiritual about what he riffs on, it's just funny. But built-up frustrations with work or whatever can be released through laughter, and assist in bringing about balance.

[flofrog]

Laughter is essentially who we are