Tina Belcher Is Our Hero

Breathe easy, Tina Belcher superfans: Bob's Burgers is returning for Season 5, which means you won't have to let go of your favorite zombie friend fiction-writing animated preteen anytime soon. While FOX's Animation Domination can be a mixed bag of results, Bob's Burgers has been a consistent delight. Between stellar voice work from Archer's H. Jon Benjamin and comedians Kristen Schaal and Eugene Mirman, as well as surprisingly fleshed out female characters, the show has got our vote for some of the best ladies on television.

And what's not to love about Tina, specifically? She's the awkward oldest child in a family of lovable eccentrics who wants what any other young woman wants— cute boys, cool friends, and growing into her womanhood, (and figuring out what that's supposed to look like). TV junkies know that the boob tube is littered with some not-so-great influences for young ladies. That's why it's absolutely refreshing to see Tina as not just a kick-ass and sassy individual but also as an older sister, a daughter, and someone who seeks out female friendships.

Life just wouldn't be complete without Tina, so excuse us while we celebrate her continued presence on television with our list of the end all, beat all best things about Ms. Tina Belcher.

1. SHE LETS HER FREAK FLAG FLY

Tina Belcher is who I wish I could have been in high school. As many can attest, budding teenage sexuality gets super weird. Between the internet, media, and hair in strange places, it's nice to see Tina not go all bonkers and instead freely and fully lean into the weird stuff she's into.

2. SHE'S A SASSY SENSUAL FLOWER

...speaking of. Not only is TIna unashamed of what her private, saucy thoughts, she's fully invested in her sensual self in public, too. That confidence is going to make her a great partner some day. (And we hope she realizes she's way too good for Jimmy Jr. Even if he does have sweet, sweet dance moves.)

3. SHE'S NO STRANGER TO REBELLION

Like any teen, Tina isn't just a passive goodie two-shoes. Sure she'll try on the rebel side of life for a little bit, but she'll always return to the right side of the tracks. Don't have a crap attack, guys.

4. SHE KNOWS THE MOST ATTRACTIVE QUALITY IS CONFIDENCE

Come on, Bob. It's like having a free live-in life coach. Be your own hero; Tina certainly is.

5. BUTTS

Tina Belcher singlehandedly gave a voice to lady-butt-oggling.

6. RECOGNIZING THE INEXPLICABLE ALLURE OF ZOMBIES

Nerd girls and horror fans unite: Tina totally gets you. Next time you can't find friends to accompany you to a midnight zombie movie fest, just remember they're the ones who are wrong.

We beg to differ, Tina.

Image: FOX; Giphy (7)