Occasionally, art appears precisely when you require it.
That was the case with “Hope N’ Mic Night” for me. The sixth episode of Bob’s Burgers Season 15 was broadcast on November 10, 2024. At first, it appeared to be a cheerful episode featuring the Belcher kids planning an open mic night at their family’s burger restaurant after their school’s talent show was canceled due to insufficient talent. Nevertheless, when the beloved Marshmallow (now voiced by Jari Jones) took to the stage and performed a mellow rendition of “Seabird” on her guitar, the episode elevated beyond musical humor and Tina’s admiration for butts. It transformed into a symbol of hope and a reminder of community strength when I needed both the most.
I chose this episode as one of the finest of 2024. Therefore, when Bob’s Burgers creator Loren Bouchard participated in a Say More interview with me, I aimed to explore this episode and its representation of the show’s evolution — as well as Marshmallow’s journey. During the virtual interview, Bouchard shared insights about the episode’s creation and its significance for Marshmallow.
How Marshmallow transitioned from a one-dimensional character to a beloved figure on Bob’s Burgers.
Initially voiced by David Herman, Marshmallow made her debut in Season 1’s “Sheesh! Cab, Bob?” as an unexpected visitor at Tina’s birthday celebration. She made a spectacular entrance and delivered an unforgettable punchline regarding her name. (“‘Cause if you show me a sweet potato pie, I am on top of it.”) Since that moment, Marshmallow has reappeared multiple times, cracking Bob’s back, aiding the children’s basement casino, and attending various celebrations, from Tina’s birthday to the Bog to Beach parade, and even the clandestine underground Christmas rave.
Fans were enamored with her but began to question the choice of a white cis man voicing a character who is a trans Black woman. Prior to Season 15, the role of Marshmallow was recast, introducing Jones, who made her debut in “Hope N’ Mic Night.”
Bouchard discussed Marshmallow’s growth over the seasons, stating, “I don’t want to make it sound simplistic, but we’re progressing. As somewhat oblivious cis white males, speaking for myself — we certainly have plenty of not-cis-white males working on the show — but we’re all advancing and learning. Marshmallow was never meant to be malicious [in terms of trans representation]…. It was never like, ‘Get it? That person is different and foolish’ or anything of the sort. It was always meant to be affectionate. But it was a brief, striking introduction of a character.”
“Whatever was alluded to about Marshmallow’s remarkable life,” Bouchard continued, “was not evident [initially]. It was merely a stunning entrance and a fantastic line regarding her name. And I adored that character. I cherished that voice [by Herman] because I’m a goofball, and I found it hilarious to hear a deep voice. And, you know, that has to evolve as we learn and gain a deeper understanding of trans individuals and the rich complexity of human life.”
Referring to fans’ concerns regarding Marshmallow’s original voice casting, he remarked, “I treasure that. When we became aware of representation in casting overall, particularly concerning race, we recast. And then I was thrilled that we discovered Jari. Jari was the perfect fit. It was so clear. And then I could engage in discussions with Jari [about Marshmallow and her voice]… It was such a sensible issue to bring to my awareness and to help me understand that [the deep voice is] not the essence of this character. And she will still be a humorous character.