In which the Smiths treasure hunt…

We had a quick one week break and we are back again, Dadders. And Mah Mah and Bah Bah are back too (they didn’t die). Written originally to show off Stan’s ignorance and show some gags about “Chinese culture” this week brings Bah Bah (although not Mah Mah) into a more prominent role in the story. Add in some Francine/Steve conflict (which has been strong) and this episode had the ingredients of a strong showing

The Smiths are meeting Mah Mah and Bah Bah at a Chinese Restaurant (Win Some, Lose Some, Dim Sum) due to developers (a returning Vic Mancuso, who first appeared in Yule, Tide, Repeat) renovating Langley Falls Chinatown. While eating, Bah Bah begins to tell Steve about a mysterious treasure that he spent his life researching but Francine cuts him off. After Steve pushes it further, Francine launches into a montage filled rant about the obsession with the treasure.

Steve runs off to meet Bah Bah in Chinatown and Francine follows. They make their way down to a hidden chamber where they have to decipher a riddle. After nearly drowning, Francine chooses to leave and tells Mancuso about the treasure hunt in an effort to stop Steve and Bah Bah. But it’s revealed the Mancuso is actually trying to get the treasure himself. He ties up Francine but she manages to escape and catch up with her family. She defeats Mancuso’s henchmen with Krav Maga (throat punch!) and then they track down the treasure. However, Mancuso manages to grab the treasure, which causes the building to start to collapse. It falls down on him but the family saves him (saving Mancuso as well). Francine and Bah Bah manage to bond a little and everyone goes home happy (especially Mancuso who still gets some treasure)

Over in the B-plot, Roger tries to become a food critic, Jake Eats. The quality of the Roger plot is directly proportional to the name of the persona and Jake Eats is not exactly the best. After a screw-up at the Chinese Restaurant, he, Klaus and Hayley attempt to review the Chili at the local chili place. A number of mishaps cause Roger to keep reordering the chili, ultimately culminating in him failing to destroy the restaurant. There were some decent gags here (Sky Crooner chili check) but this plot only served to distract from the A-plot.

Stray Observations

• “Forget it, Jake Eats, it’s Chinatown” It was a good line to walk out on.
• “We’ll finally be Crazy Richard Asians, just like in that movie Parasite.”
• Lewis still works at the pet store.

Final Thoughts: An extremely satisfying step up from the last episode, nice to see a Bah Bah focused episode.