There they were.
The whole kit and kaboodle of’em, the entire Bob’s Burgers cast: H. Jon Benjamin (Bob), John Roberts (Linda), Dan Mintz (Tina), Eugene Mirman (Gene) and Kristen Schaal (Louise) along with creator / executive producer / writer Loren Bouchard and executive producer / writer Jim Dauterive.
In the mix of interviews and chicanery, Jon Benjamin yelled out something at the top of his lungs temporarily voiding the pressroom of chatter. Eugene Mirman couldn’t help but crack wise at every opportunity. John Roberts amused himself by pretending he was walking up and down staircases behind his fellow actors as they were being interviewed on camera. Kristin? She didn’t have to do anything — she’s cute as a bug’s ear, after all. You really wouldn’t expect anything less from this terrific ensemble of wiseacres.
I got the opportunity to pull both Loren Bouchard and Jim Dauterive aside for a few questions while waiting to nab a few minutes with the cast members. When asked about his reaction to Bob’s Burgers getting picked up for another season and where the show would go, Loren noted he was thrilled with the fact another 13 episode season was on the ledger (debuting in January, 2012) and that he could continue working with all the players in the game. He said he had some interesting plans and surprises for Season 2 with unexpected family dynamics. Regarding the Season 2 nod:
“Getting picked up isn’t something I necessarily expected. It wasn’t a slam dunk by any means. You don’t assume anything in this business and I certainly didn’t on getting another season. I mean … we had plenty of support, but the numbers were just there, on the border, you know? They were nothing fantastic, so it could’ve gone either way … getting picked up, not getting picked up. Now that that’s behind us, well … that’s why I’m wearing a big smile on my face.”
Jim was the quiet one of the group, rather content to let the limelight shine on the Belcher Family cast. He was introspective and soft-spoken about what’s come before:
“Working on Bob’s Burgers has certainly been a joy. This cast is not only easy to work with, but the writing of the show comes pretty easily. With everyone except Kristin having worked with Loren before, it’s a pretty cohesive group and they bounce off each other pretty nicely.”
The 45 minutes in the pressroom went whizzing by in no time flat. I realized there was going to be zero time to nab any of the actors for one-on-one questions. Instead, I got a wrap-up question in with Loren before a mob of 30 or so beclad friends and associates came barreling through the pressroom doors in pink bunny ears: “Are we going to find out about Louise’s ears in the upcoming season? Where she got them? Why she wears them?”
A sly, wry smile appeared on Loren’s face. I swore I saw a twinkle in his eye:
“I can’t really say. There may be hints. I haven’t quite fleshed that idea out completely.”
I saw that twinkle sparkle while he spoke and he smiled wider. Very telling as far as I was concerned.
In the chaos that ensued, I was at least able to request of the pressroom hostess a wrangling up of everyone for a cast photo. That was a chore in and of itself, but she made it happen.
And the last shot I snapped I’m rather proud of, the one below: Loren in ears, Dan in the background.
Satisfying times at Bob’s Burgers.
Sweet I did not know season 2 was assured!