Tuca & Bertie Review: Bird Mechanics (Season 2 Episode 1)

Tuca & Bertie is back, and this time it’s all about the ways in which we process our feelings.

Considering this show is the brainchild of the producers behind BoJack Horseman, it’s unsurprising Tuca & Bertie Season 2 Episode 1, “Bird Mechanics,” chooses to tackle mental health in new and innovative ways, especially for an animated comedy. 

Bertie is tired of suffering from panic attacks, and her boyfriend Speckles is hosting a swanky dinner for their anniversary. In her eyes, this is a breeding ground for anxiety. She compares herself to a haunted house, one that’s rife with ghouls and monsters.

It’s such a creative metaphor for anxiety — those that succumb to it often feel like a dilapidated building riddled with unwelcome spirits and terrifying creatures that lurk around every corner. Bertie’s anxiety makes her feel isolated and unwilling to open up to the people she loves most: Tuca and Speckles. 

Thus, Bertie embarks on her journey to mental wellness by trying out different therapists. She needs a “quick fix” for her panic attack issue before her dinner with Speckles. Tuca & Bertie addresses a seldom-broached subject here with finesse and humor.

We never really see TV characters go through the process of selecting the right therapist for them. Instead, it’s as if said process is overlooked. News flash: the first therapist may not be the best fit for someone, and that’s okay. Tuca & Bertie showcases this with Bertie’s experimentation. 

However, Bertie learns the valuable lesson that often stigmatizes therapy — there is no “quick fix.” She refuses to delve into her childhood and trauma, but that’s part of the therapeutic process.

This episode digs deep to acknowledge the root of the problem and formulate healthy ways in which we can adjust our approach going forward.

While Bertie looks to slap a band-aid on her mental health struggles, Tuca sidesteps hers altogether by claiming she doesn’t need a therapist. She simply “speaks” her problems into a cup that she labels and shoves behind the toilet.

Of course, suppressing or not addressing your mental health issues can ultimately lead to a breakdown of epic proportions, and perhaps we’ll see that on this season of Tuca & Bertie.

This season premiere deftly handles mental health and the frequently overlooked, “mundane” details with aplomb and sincerity.

Not only that, but it seeks to dismantle the preconceived notions surrounding therapy. Bettering one’s mental health is a deep, oftentimes dark, and exhausting process. It’s not a cure-all after one session. 

In addition, Tuca & Bertie‘s Season 2 debut tackles codependency, especially between women. Multiple times throughout the episode, Tuca and Bertie’s friendship is called into question. One therapist suggests to Bertie that she ought to sever ties with Tuca — the latter is too “needy.”

Then, Tuca’s sexy mechanic date wonders why she’s willing to drop everything and rush to Bertie’s side when that dreaded panic attack takes form. Bertie’s her best friend, so of course, she’s going to lend a helping hand when it’s necessary.

By the episode’s end, Tuca writes this on her toilet cup: “Bertie is keeping me alone.” 

There’s a fear of commitment there, and Bertie is serving as Tuca’s safety net. It’s easier to cling to our friendships, to stay cozily ensconced in our comfort zone than to be vulnerable with a romantic partner. 

Overall, the Season 2 premiere of Tuca & Bertie artfully navigates the uncharted waters of securing the right therapist, and addressing just how isolating panic attacks can feel.

It’s a humorous and heartfelt approach to mental health that reminds audiences of just how important it is to hold tight to your circle of companions. Find the ones that’ll boldly enter your haunted house and help you ward off the ghouls. 

Stray Observations:

• Tuca’s “Sex Bus” reality show wherein she tries to find a romantic partner is hysterical. 
• Speckles being the most supportive boyfriend is what dreams are made of. 
• Where’s the plant teenagers spin-off?
• The different tools that Bertie learns to help her wade through her panic attacks are nice details that, again, are seldom explored on TV.

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What did you think of this episode of Tuca & Bertie? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Tuca & Bertie airs Sundays at 11:30/10:30c on Adult Swim.

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