On that note, I was genuinely surprised when Steve ends up mailing himself to the other side of the world rather than it being some ruthless act of Shark Fever. It’s still a decision that might not be the most logical one (employing Roger’s many services to disappear feels a lot more plausible, but Roger has other sorrows to keep him busy this episode), but it amounts to an interesting opening scene and doesn’t bury the wrap-up in a rushed conclusion. In fact, some of the most interesting material happens in the episode’s final moments. For one, several months go by, during which we see Steve become a basket weaver and longing for the simplicity of home life.

Shark Fever also sees Hayley finding herself in some hot water after making a bet on the game with Roger and quickly realizing that a “dime” is not actually a dime when it comes to gambling. Her debt to Roger sees him inexplicably forcing her into indentured servitude as a cab driver (a predicament which apparently fuels the industry). Hayley complies to Roger’s demands, but he basically abuses the sentence as a way to give his constant personas rides around town. And of course, with none of Roger’s other selves footing the bill, Hayley finds her debt refusing to budge.

Over the several months that Steve is away, Hayley really falls into her cab driving as dueling voiceovers hammer this point in. It’s also revealed that Hayley’s already repaid her gambling debt, yet stays behind the wheel because “the streets are her brother now.” None of Hayley’s storyline really goes anywhere in the end, but it still makes for a pleasant diversion from the chaos involving Steve. It’s also always a good thing whenever Jeff is in play, and while he might not be a crucial component of “Bazooka Steve,” it’s appreciated to see him bumming around with Hayley as she sinks into Roger’s quicksand.

The final stretch of this episode actually ended up touching me a little bit. “Bazooka Steve” does an effective job at showing Steve how sports or recreational activities can be the perfect distraction from the monotony of life, as well as why people need that. It eases into the point in a way that makes sense, but also manages to broaden Steve a little more as a character. He becomes a bit more three-dimensional in the process, which is certainly something that I wasn’t expecting from an installment like this one. “Bazooka Steve” might coast on goodwill through a bit of its mid-section, but a strong setup and conclusion help flesh it out.

Now excuse me, I’m on hold for some Lazer Rats tickets and it’s been far too long since I’ve been to the Rat Hive.