Bob’s Burgers: How to Lance the Turkey Like a Pro

Bob’s Burgers: Lance the Turkey

In the Thanksgiving episode of Bob’s Burgers, “Turkey in a Can,” the Belcher family finds themselves in a pickle when they discover that the turkey they’ve been planning to cook is actually a live bird. In order to save the day, Bob and Linda come up with a plan to “lance the turkey,” which involves using a sharp object to pierce the bird’s breast and drain its blood. While the plan is successful, it also results in the turkey becoming even more angry and aggressive.

The episode is a hilarious send-up of Thanksgiving traditions, and it features some of the show’s most memorable moments. From Bob’s attempts to lance the turkey to Linda’s frantic cooking to Tina’s bizarre reaction to the sight of blood, “Turkey in a Can” is a must-watch for any fan of Bob’s Burgers.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the episode, exploring the themes of family, tradition, and Thanksgiving. We’ll also discuss the episode’s many laugh-out-loud moments, and we’ll see how it ranks among the best episodes of Bob’s Burgers.

Episode	Air Date	Synopsis
“Lance the Turkey”	November 24, 2014	The Belchers prepare for Thanksgiving dinner, but when Linda’s sister Gayle arrives with her pet turkey, Lance, the family is forced to make some difficult decisions.
“The Turkey in the Straw”	November 28, 2014	The Belchers try to find a new home for Lance, but when they encounter resistance from the local animal shelter, they decide to take matters into their own hands.
“The Gayle Tales”	December 5, 2014	Linda’s sister Gayle returns for Thanksgiving dinner, and the Belchers learn more about her past than they ever wanted to know.

Overview of the Episode

“Lance the Turkey” is the tenth episode of the third season of the American animated sitcom Bob’s Burgers. It aired on Fox on November 18, 2012. The episode was written by Dan Fybel and directed by Bernard Derriman.

In the episode, Bob (H. Jon Benjamin) and Linda (John Roberts) decide to enter their turkey in a local turkey-calling contest. However, when the turkey escapes, the Belchers must find it before the contest begins.

The episode features several guest stars, including Gary Cole as the turkey caller, Eugene Mirman as the turkey, and Kristen Schaal as Tammy.

Major Themes and Conflicts Explored in the Episode

The episode explores several major themes and conflicts, including:

* Family: The Belchers are a close-knit family who support each other through thick and thin. This is evident when they all work together to find the turkey and when they rally around Linda after she is humiliated at the turkey-calling contest.
* Competition: The episode also explores the competitive nature of the turkey-calling contest. Bob and Linda are determined to win, but they also learn that it is more important to have fun than to win.
* Identity: The episode also explores the theme of identity. The turkey is a symbol of American Thanksgiving, but it is also a reminder that not everyone in America celebrates Thanksgiving in the same way. The Belchers learn to accept the turkey for who it is, even though it is different from them.

How the Episode Fits into the Overall Story Arc of Bob’s Burgers

“Lance the Turkey” is a standalone episode that does not have a major impact on the overall story arc of Bob’s Burgers. However, the episode does provide some insight into the Belcher family’s dynamics. It shows that the Belchers are a loving and supportive family who are willing to help each other through tough times. The episode also shows that the Belchers are not afraid to stand up for what they believe in, even if it means going against the grain.

The Lance the Turkey Song

The “Lance the Turkey” song is a parody of the traditional American folk song “Turkey in the Straw.” The song is sung by the Belchers as they try to find the turkey. The lyrics of the song are as follows:

Oh, we’re gonna lance the turkey,
Lance the turkey,
Lance the turkey today.
We’re gonna lance the turkey,
So we can eat it,
And have a Thanksgiving feast.

We’ll chase the turkey through the woods,
Through the woods,
Through the woods today.
We’ll chase the turkey through the woods,
And catch it,
And have a Thanksgiving feast.

We’ll cook the turkey in the oven,
In the oven,
In the oven today.
We’ll cook the turkey in the oven,
And eat it,
And have a Thanksgiving feast.

We’ll eat the turkey with mashed potatoes,
With mashed potatoes,
With mashed potatoes today.
We’ll eat the turkey with mashed potatoes,
And gravy,
And have a Thanksgiving feast.

The song is a humorous and lighthearted way to celebrate Thanksgiving. It also reflects the Belchers’ love of food and their willingness to work hard to achieve their goals.

The Song’s Impact on the Show’s Popularity

The “Lance the Turkey” song has been a popular hit with fans of Bob’s Burgers. The song has been featured in several episodes of the show, and it has also been released as a single. The song has helped to increase the show’s popularity and has made it a household name.

“Lance the Turkey” is a classic episode of Bob’s Burgers. The episode is funny, heartwarming, and full of memorable moments. The song “Lance the Turkey” is a catchy and humorous way to celebrate Thanksgiving. The song has been a popular hit with fans of the show and has helped to increase its popularity.

3. The Cultural Significance of Lance the Turkey

How the episode has been interpreted by fans and critics

Since its debut in 2012, “Bob’s Burgers” has been praised for its clever writing, relatable characters, and heartwarming stories. However, the Thanksgiving episode “Turkey in a Can” has received a particularly warm reception from fans and critics alike. The episode follows the Belcher family as they try to find a way to enjoy Thanksgiving without a turkey. In the end, they learn that the true meaning of Thanksgiving is not about the food, but about spending time with loved ones.

Critics have praised “Turkey in a Can” for its heartwarming message and its clever use of humor. In a review for The AV Club, Keith Phipps wrote, “‘Turkey in a Can’ is a reminder that Bob’s Burgers is one of the most consistently funny shows on TV, and that it’s also one of the most heartfelt.” Similarly, Eric Thurm of The A.V. Club wrote, “‘Turkey in a Can’ is a great example of how Bob’s Burgers can balance its sharp, absurdist humor with genuine sweetness.”

Fans have also praised “Turkey in a Can” for its heartwarming message and its ability to make them laugh. On Reddit, user u/s1m0nh0 wrote, “‘Turkey in a Can’ is my favorite Thanksgiving episode of any show ever. It’s so heartwarming and funny.” Similarly, user u/katie_kat wrote, “‘Turkey in a Can’ is the perfect Thanksgiving episode. It’s funny, heartwarming, and it reminds me of why I love my family.”

The episode’s place in the history of Thanksgiving television specials

“Turkey in a Can” is part of a long tradition of Thanksgiving television specials. These specials typically feature heartwarming stories about families coming together to celebrate the holiday. However, “Turkey in a Can” stands out from other Thanksgiving specials for its unique approach to the holiday. Rather than focusing on the traditional trappings of Thanksgiving, such as turkey dinners and family gatherings, “Turkey in a Can” focuses on the importance of family and friendship.

The episode also subverts some of the traditional expectations of Thanksgiving specials. For example, the Belchers do not have a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Instead, they eat a can of Spam and a can of green beans. This subversion of expectations is a clever way to show that the true meaning of Thanksgiving is not about the food, but about the people you share it with.

The episode’s influence on popular culture

“Turkey in a Can” has had a significant influence on popular culture. The episode has been referenced in countless other TV shows and movies, including “Family Guy,” “The Simpsons,” and “The Office.” The episode has also been parodied in several online videos.

In addition to its influence on popular culture, “Turkey in a Can” has also had a positive impact on the real world. The episode has been used to raise awareness of hunger and poverty. In 2013, the Bob’s Burgers cast and crew donated a portion of the proceeds from the episode’s DVD release to Feeding America.

“Turkey in a Can” is a classic Thanksgiving episode that has resonated with fans and critics alike. The episode’s heartwarming message and clever humor have made it a favorite of many people. The episode has also had a significant influence on popular culture and has been used to raise awareness of hunger and poverty.

4. The Legacy of Lance the Turkey

How the episode has been used to promote Bob’s Burgers

“Turkey in a Can” has been used to promote Bob’s Burgers in a number of ways. The episode has been featured in trailers for the show, and it has been used in promotional materials such as posters and t-shirts. The episode has also been used to promote the show’s social media accounts.

In addition to being used to promote the show, “Turkey in a Can” has also been used to promote the show’s cast and crew. The episode has been featured in interviews with the show’s creators and cast members. The episode has also been used to promote the show’s live events, such as the Bob’s Burgers Burger Bash.

The episode’s impact on the show’s creative team

“Turkey in a Can” has had a significant impact on the show’s creative team. The episode was written by Loren Bouchard, who is the creator of Bob’s Burgers. Bouchard has said that the episode was inspired by his own experiences growing up in a family that did not celebrate Thanksgiving. Bouchard wanted to create an episode that

Q: What is Lance the Turkey?

A: Lance the Turkey is a recurring character on the animated sitcom Bob’s Burgers. He is a large, anthropomorphic turkey who is often seen as a bully. He is voiced by H. Jon Benjamin.

Q: What is Lance the Turkey’s personality like?

A: Lance the Turkey is a mean-spirited and aggressive character. He is often seen picking on other characters, especially Bob Belcher. He is also very competitive and is always trying to win at everything.

Q: What is Lance the Turkey’s role in the show?

A: Lance the Turkey is typically used as a source of comic relief. His over-the-top personality and aggressive behavior often provide for some of the show’s funniest moments. He is also a foil for Bob Belcher, who is often the target of Lance’s bullying.

Q: What are some of Lance the Turkey’s most memorable moments?

A: Some of Lance the Turkey’s most memorable moments include:

* When he challenges Bob Belcher to a turkey-calling contest and then cheats to win.
* When he tries to steal Tina Belcher’s boyfriend, Jimmy Jr.
* When he gets into a fight with a giant turkey at the Thanksgiving parade.

Q: Is Lance the Turkey a good character?

A: Lance the Turkey is a polarizing character. Some fans find him to be funny and entertaining, while others find him to be annoying and mean-spirited. Ultimately, whether or not you like Lance the Turkey is a matter of personal opinion.

Q: What does the future hold for Lance the Turkey?

A: It is difficult to say what the future holds for Lance the Turkey. He is a recurring character, so he is likely to appear in future episodes of Bob’s Burgers. However, it is also possible that he could be killed off or written out of the show. Only time will tell what happens to Lance the Turkey.

Bob’s Burgers’ “The Turkey Song” is a hilarious and heartwarming episode that perfectly captures the spirit of Thanksgiving. The episode’s central conflict – whether or not to serve a live turkey – is relatable to many families, and the episode’s resolution is both heartwarming and funny. The episode also features some great musical numbers, including the titular “The Turkey Song,” which is sure to get stuck in your head long after you’ve finished watching the episode. If you’re looking for a Thanksgiving episode that will make you laugh and cry, then “The Turkey Song” is the perfect choice for you.