Freakin’ Sweet Family Guy

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Family Guy: Ryan’s Ultimate Freakin’ Sweet Review of Every Episode Part 8

Season 3, Episode 19 “Stuck Together, Torn Apart”

Lois has had it with Peter’s jealousy, that he’s even jealous of her gynecologist. Worried that it will only get worse, Lois forces Peter to go to marriage counselor. He recommends that they see different people. Lois goes out with Quagmire, Peter is set up by Mort with Jennifer Love Hewitt.

Elsewhere, Brian and Stewie glue their hands together and are stuck with each other for two weeks while they wait for the solvent to set them free.

A fine episode, and delivering some good laughs. Stewie and Brian being stuck together works great, the A-Story of Peter and Lois is funny and a nice reminder why they love each other. The flashbacks of Peter’s jealousy hits the comedic charm, especially when he yells at Hugh Grant at a movie theater and Chris shouts, “Don’t do it dad! He’s bigger than you!”

Grade: B

Season 3, Episode 20 “Road to Europe”

Obsessed with the British TV show, “Jolly Time Revue” and wishing to leave Quahog, Stewie makes his way to the airport. Brian tries to stop Stewie but they both end up as stowaways on a plane, that lands not in England but the Middle East.

After a musical number to distract while they steal a camel, Stewie and Brian make their way across Europe by hot air balloon and train.

Stewie finally makes it to Jolly Time Farm and is heartbroken that its all fake and the actors on the show are not the characters he loves.

While Stewie and Brian are on their adventure, Peter and Lois attend a KISS concert. Peter is heartbroken when he learns that Lois isn’t a fan and embarrasses him at the concert by singing the wrong lyric to a song. Peter still upset decides to go to Denny’s. When he gets there KISS is also there. Peter is shocked to learn that Lois dated Gene SImmons and earned the nickname “Loose Lois”.

The Road to…, episodes are all winners. Hats off to the writers and Seth MacFarlane for crushing a parody of “You and I Are So Awfully Different”. Any chance the writers of Family Guy try and offend a culture or a person they usually succeed without being overly offensive, and no one is safe in this episode. From the Pope to the English, the writing is sharp in this episode.

Grade: A-

Season 3, Episode 21, “Family Guy Viewer Mail #1”

Introduced by Ron MacFarlane (Seth’s dad) “Family Guy Viewer Mail #1” is three short episodes that play as what if’s. Peter finds a genie and gets three wishes, The Griffins get super powers and a Family Guy version of Little Rascals.

Each short has nothing to do with the last or the show for that matter but they are really funny. One of Peter’s wishes to have his own theme music is great (and catchy). So too is the introduction of the super powers that they all get, except Meg. And it is really cute to see the Griffins with really big heads and cute in The Little Rascals parody.

Grade: B+

Season 3, unaired “When You Wish Upon a Weinstein”

After losing their “rainy-day” money to a scam artist for Volcano Insurance, Lois demands Peter get the money back for new glasses for Meg. Peter who is at a loss of what to do turns to his friends. He learns from Quagmire and Cleveland that their finances are handled by men with Jewish-sounding names.

Peter lucks into Max Weinstein after he sings the song, “I Need a Jew” who after Peter chases down in a foot chase agrees to help him get his money back.

“When You Wish Upon a Weinstein” was originally supposed to air in 2000. But fearing that it was too anti-Semitic Fox scrapped it. It made it’s debut on Adult Swim and on the Special Features of Volume 2 of the DVDs.

I am not sure how offensive it is, but the episode isn’t the best Family Guy has to offer. There is fun to be had, but the premise doesn’t sustain itself for the whole episode. Mark Hamill appearing as a laser eye surgeon with his light saber is a highlight.

Grade: C

Season 4, Episode 1 “North by North Quahog”

Family Guy returns after being off the air for over 2 years. Peter runs through all the shows Fox cancelled in the cold opening in the time Family Guy has been gone.

The episode really starts after that with Lois yelling out George Clooney’s name during sex. Lois believes that they need to rekindle the fire in their marriage and she and Peter decide to go on a second honeymoon.

While they are gone, Brian is put in charge of the kids. Brian struggles with it and enlists Stewie for help. They end up chaperoning at the middle school where they bust Jake and his upside down face with alcohol.

Peter wrecks his car on the way to their honeymoon because he is distracted by reading a Jughead comic (it’s a great use of animation) and the Griffins get tangled up with the Catholic Church and Mel Gibson’s sequel to The Passion of the Christ.

Although it was off the air for two years, Family Guy did not miss a beat. In fact, the pressure was all on them to deliver and for the most part they do. I had to look it up, Peter names 29 shows that were cancelled on Fox since Family Guy last aired and watching this episode again recently, I couldn’t even remember 80% of them. It also has clever lines like when the news cuts to Tricia Takanowa who says “I’m standing outside Manhattan’s new Park Barrington Hotel because they don’t allow Asians inside.”

Family Guy did not lose its bite.

Grade: A-

Articles, Freakin' Sweet Family Guy, Review

Family Guy: Ryan’s Ultimate Freakin’ Sweet Review of Every Episode Part 7

My wife often accuses me of getting movies on Blu-Ray/DVD, and watching them once and then leaving them on a shelf to collect dust. In an effort to prove her wrong and to also at the same time annoy her, I’ve decided to watch every episode of Family Guy I own. And I own all of them on DVD. All 16 seasons. Plus the Stewie movie and the Star Wars Parodies. I will also review each episode and share my thoughts here. Each article will most likely be a different length due to not knowing how many I will watch at any given time. I will be watching them in order as well so this should be really fun for me, not my wife.

Season 3, Episode 9 “Mr. Saturday Night”

Peter having lost his job at the Toy Factory, Peter decides to follow his dream of being a knight at the Renaissance Fair. At the Renaissance Fair Peter angers the famous Black Knight, due to him flirting with his “wench”, setting up a joust match between Peter and the Black Knight.

A pretty solid episode that starts with Mr. Weed, Peter’s boss coming over for dinner and choking to death. I like the idea of Peter changing jobs which will happen regularly in Family Guy, setting up the family for more and different types of adventures.

Another stand out is Will Ferrell guest starring as The Black Knight. Fun visual gags also pepper the episode, the best is The Black Knight never removes his helmet, so when he shaves, he shaves his helmet.

Grade: B

Season 3, Episode 10 “A Fish Out of Water”

Peter decides that his new dream job is to become a fisherman. He buys a boat and learns that fishing isn’t that easy. He soon finds himself in debt and to get out of debt he attempts to catch an infamous fish, Daggermouth who allegedly eats men!

Lois decides to take Meg to spring break in Florida after Meg complains she never does anything fun. At spring break Lois has more fun than Meg and is soon drinking and partying while Meg is the responsible one.

Seamus the wooden-legged and wooden-armed fisherman makes his debut here, so too does Tom Tucker’s son with an upside-down face. Another good episode that yet again delivers on the visual gags. Also some pretty great writing like this,

Lois: See you in a few days.

Meg: Not if I strangle myself with seaweed wrap and die.

Peter: Ho, ho you are dark!

Grade: B

Season 3, Episode 11 “Emission Impossible”

Lois’ sister is pregnant, and Peter helps deliver the baby. By doing this, Peter tells Lois he wants another child. Lois agrees and they soon begin that quest.

Stewie however is not on board. Stewie starts to wonder what would happen if he was no longer the baby of the Griffin clan and devises a plan to squash Peter’s mojo. Stewie soon learns however that his new brother, Bertram might be an ally he’s always wanted.

Family Guy returns to fine form with “Emission Imposible”. Everything in this episode works. Family Guy seems at its best when the episode is really focused and builds its jokes around the premise. Here the “A” story about Peter and Lois trying to have a baby is hilarious. Stewie’s attempt to thwart their plans is brilliant until he realizes that maybe his unborn brother shares his desire to kill Lois. Bertram is voiced by Wallace Shawn and that makes his deeds even better.

Grade: A

Season 3, Episode 12 “To Love and Die in Dixie”

Chris the witness to a robbery and identifies the robber. This puts the whole Griffin household in danger. The family is sent to the south as part of the Witness Relocation Program.

The Griffins fit right in. Meg becomes the most popular girl in school. Peter and Brian become police officers. And Chris falls in love with Sam, who at first he believes is a boy, but learns that Sam is a girl.

Another gem from Family Guy. The relocation to the South sets up some pretty easy jokes, but they are really funny.

A somewhat throw away character soon becomes a fan favorite, Herbert the creepy old guy who loves Chris. And while some of his jokes and future appearances are a little cringe worthy, he is fun in small doses.

The cutaway jokes are really starting to be a truly fun part of the show. Like this one when Brian tells Peter he needs to get a job and we flashback to one of Peter’s job interviews.

Interviewer: Okay, Peter, where do you see yourself in five years?

Peter(inner monologue): Don’t say doing your wife, don’t say doing your wife, don’t say doing your wife.

Peter(out loud): Doing your…(sees a picture of interviewers son) son?

Grade: B+

Season 3, Episode 13 “Screwed the Pooch”

Brian is horny. Lois suggests he comes with the family to her father’s home to take his mind off of sex.  Peter also wants to prove to Lois’ father Carter Pewterschmidt that he can be classy. His efforts fail, until he plays poker with Carter’s friends, Bill Gates, Michael Eisner and Ted Turner. Peter tells Carter each of their “tells” that helps him win the poker game.

At the Pewterschmidt’s, Brian’s urges are only exacerbated because Carter has a champion bred race dog Brian, um tackles during a race.

An average episode with some funny bits. Like when Brian and Seabreeze are caught in a hotel room and the still is a parody of the Elian Gonzalez raid. (I’m old, does anyone else remember when that was a big news story?) The courtroom scene has some great moments too.

Grade: B-

Season 3, Episode 14 “Peter Griffin: Husband, Father…Brother?

Peter learns that one of his ancestors is a black slave, who was once owned by his father in laws’ family The Pewterschmidts. Carter doesn’t want his family’s sordid history revealed, so he secretly pays Peter reparations. Peter, instead of sharing his money or donating to an African American charity squanders it on things you don’t need, like turning his den into “PeeWee’s Playhouse.”

Stewie in the meantime discovers the power cheerleaders have over crowds and soon joins.

Funny and also a little dated now, but like most sitcoms it pushes boundaries for comedic effect. Family Guy is really good at going for broke in the non-PC department before bringing it all back and making Peter look like a buffoon.

I think that’s one of the best trademarks of Family Guy, pushing the envelope just enough for a character to learn the error of their ways.

 Grade: B+

Season 3, Episode 15 “Ready, Willing and Disabled”

Joe is depressed after a thief steals money and Joe is unable to capture him. Feeling bad for his friend, Peter encourages Joe at the Special Olympics and when Joe makes it to the final event unsure if he can compete, Peter spikes his drink with steroids.

Chris, Meg and Stewie fight over $26 and a hilarious no-holds barred fight breaks out between the kids.

Solid, and funny episode with the biggest laughs coming from Peter’s jealousy about Joe’s recent popularity with the media. Peter’s “movie” on how he got crippled is laugh out load funny.

Grade: B+

Season 3, Episode 16 “A Very Special Family Guy Freakin’ Christmas”

It’s Christmas time in Quahog. Lois is trying to keep the holiday special, but Peter gave all the presents to charity, Brian sets the house on fire and Stewie is obsessed with a gift from Santa.

Alex Borstein is an amazing voice actress. I love the episodes where she gets to shine, and she is the episodes MVP. She delivers manic, funny lines throughout and her timing is impeccable.

The KISS Christmas Special that Peter really wants to see is hilarious and I want a whole special released.

Grade: A-

Season 3, Episode 17 “Brian Wallows and Peter’s Swallows”

Brian is sentenced to community service and meets a woman who hasn’t left her home in years.

Peter grows a beard and has a nest of baby swallows living in it.

This is an episode only Family Guy can pull off. The “A” story with Brian is heartwarming as Brian discovers who Pearl really is and why she is a recluse. Brian has a show stopping tune to help convince Pearl out of her home, only to be immediately killed in the street by a car.

And Peter’s “bird beard” is so ridiculous its funny.

Grade: B+

Season 3, Episode 18 “From Method to Madness”

Lois convinces Brian to audition for a play, when the judges aren’t impressed with Brian, Stewie gets on stage and steals their hearts. Stewie is placed in the junior acting class and meets Olivia. Olivia is a diva and so too is Stewis, soon the toddlers are clashing and fighting with one another.

Stewie learns that their teacher is going to kick them out if they don’t work together. Stewie and Olivia put aside their differences and become a hit.

Meanwhile, Peter saves a boy from drowning in the ocean and is invited over for dinner. The boy, Jeff and his family are nudists, which Peter did not know until they were at the dinner. Meg falls for Jeff much to the chagrin of her parents.

Any episode that focuses on Stewie being a diva is a winner. Seth MacFarlane is crushing it in this episode. From Stewie’s long winded rebuttal to Olivia dissing him to his singing performance, make this a great episode.

And anytime naked Peter is on screen, I will laugh. The image is too funny.

Grade: A

Freakin' Sweet Family Guy

Family Guy: Ryan’s Ultimate Freakin’ Sweet Review of Every Episode Part 6

My wife often accuses me of getting movies on Blu-Ray/DVD, and watching them once and then leaving them on a shelf to collect dust. In an effort to prove her wrong and to also at the same time annoy her, I’ve decided to watch every episode of Family Guy I own. And I own all of them on DVD. All 16 seasons. Plus the Stewie movie and the Star Wars Parodies. I will also review watch episode and share my thoughts here. Each article will most likely be a different length due to not knowing how many I will watch at any given time. I will be watching them in order as well so this should be really fun for me, not my wife.

Season 2 Episode 17 “He’s Too Sexy for His Fat”

In an effort to help Chris become healthy and lose weight, Peter decides to have liposuction and plastic surgery, transforming the former slob into a sexy jerk.

Stewie also gets in on the action. He teases Chris about not being able to eat anything but healthy food and soon Stewie becomes overweight.

Lois meanwhile, has become disgusted with Peter’s behavior but finds herself more attracted to him than ever. When Lois asks Brian if this makes her a bad person, Brian replies, “Yes. Yes it does.”

Peter soon finds himself a member of Quahog’s Beautiful People’s Club. Peter takes Chris there and when Chris is denied admission to the club, instead of standing up for his son Peter leaves him outside, causing a rift between Lois and him.

A really funny episode that deals with being a shallow person and the consequences of those actions. Peter learns his lesson in this episode not by the pain he causes his family but only after he stares at himself in the rearview mirror of his car, causing him to crash and be ejected from his vehicle. Peter rolls down a hill crashes into a factory and lands into a vat of lard, which he drinks himself out of, restoring Peter to his former self.

Grade: A

Season 2 Episode 18 “E. Peterbus Unum”

Peter wants to build a swimming pool in his backyard, but soon learns that he can’t. Peter takes his issue to City Hall where Mayor Adam West informs him that Peter’s home is not a part of Quahog, in fact it’s not even a part of The United States.

Peter decides to start his own country named Petoria. After being humiliated at the United Nations, Peter receives advice that he should invade another country. Peter does this by invading his neighbor Joe’s back yard and taking his pool. President Bill Clinton imposes sanctions and threatens military force against Petoria. Peter refuses to surrender, and the standoff only ends after Lois defects to the United States and Peter realizes he can’t live without Lois.

Another really good Family Guy episode. Peter abusing his diplomatic immunity is a riot.

Grade: A

Season 2, Episode 19 “The Story on Page One”

Meg is attempting to get into college and at a college admission interview at Brown University Meg is told she is not “Brown material” because she lacks any extracurricular activities.

Meg decides to become a reporter and soon gets an exclusive interview with Mayor Adam West, where she learns that Mayor West is wasting taxpayer money on trying to figure out where water goes after he pours it into plants. Meg writes the story and plans to turn it in the next morning. Peter thinks the story isn’t sexy enough and changes it to “Luke Perry is Gay.” When Meg unknowingly turns in Peter’s made up story she is devasted, but even more devastated when she learns Luke Perry is suing her for libel.

Peter feeling guilty tries to catch Perry doing “gay” stuff. This doesn’t work and Peter confesses to Perry that he wrote the article and not Meg. Perry agrees to drop the lawsuit if Meg interviews him for real.

All this and Stewie is using Chris with a mind control device to get cookies and kill Lois.

Overall a really funny episode. Perry is game and has some really funny moments like reading every high school newspaper in America to see if he is mentioned. Some of the “gay” jokes are a little dated now, but they are still funny and since they come from Peter it gives the jokes no credibility at all.

Grade: A

Season 2, Episode 20 “Wasted Talent”

Lois as a piano teacher is constantly losing to her rival Alexis Radcliffe. She is desperate to find a student that will beat one of Alexis’.

Peter in the meantime is trying to find a golden ticket in a bottle of Pawtucket Pat beer. The winner gets a tour of the Pawtucket Pat Brewery. Peter does find the last one and is given a tour.

When Peter returns home drunk, he finds Meg chained to the piano, being forced to play it for Lois. Annoyed Peter sits down and plays the piano beautifully. Lois can’t believe it, she is even more stunned to find that Peter can only play the piano when he is drunk.

Lois decides that the only way to beat Alexis is to constantly have Peter intoxicated to play the piano.

A classic episode. Everything in this episode works. Lois jealousy is played for laughs when she and Alexis go to their OBGYN. The spot on parody of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and of course drunk Peter playing the piano with his “talent juice”. I laugh just thinking about this episode.

Grade: A+

Season 2, Episode 21 “Fore, Father”

After Peter ruins the Griffins home with a fire hose to get out of spring cleaning, he takes Chris on a camping trip. On the camping trip Peter believes he has been a bad father to Chris and offers any of his friends to become Chris’ new father, none take him up on the offer.

Chris eventually gets a job at a golf course where Peter sees that Cleveland Jr. is a great golfer. Seeing this as a chance to be a good father to someone Peter offers to coach Cleveland Jr. Cleveland agrees but tells Peter that he will not be able to control Cleveland Jr. because he is too hyper.

“Fore, Father” is an ok episode. It’s not a laugh a second like “Wasted Talent” so after watching them back to back it is a letdown. Laughs are to be had in this episode, just not as strong as other Family Guy episodes.

Grade: C+

Season 3, Episode 1 “The Thin White Line Pt. 1”

At a company picnic for employees of the Happy-Go lucky toys, the boss Mr. Weed offers a week paid vacation to the last person standing in a “hunt”. Mr. Weed starts shooting his employees with tranquilizer gun. Peter and another employee are the last ones standing, Peter however has numerous darts in his back and when the other employee expresses his concern to Mr. Weed he is shot, making Peter the winner.

The Griffins settle on a cruise, but before they go Brian is recognized by Joe for his incredible sniffing ability and offers Brian the job of a drug sniffing dog. Brian soon uses his ability to bust a guy carrying cocaine at the airport. After the cocaine spills on the floor Brian accidently sniffs it, becoming addicted.

Brian’s addiction spirals out of control, soon costing him his job. The Griffins stage an intervention for Brian who agrees to go to rehab. Peter now unable to go on a cruise decides to fake an addiction and joins Brian at the rehab facility.

When Brian leaves rehab he decides to go to Hollywood to start a career as a screenwriter.

A classic in every sense of the word. “The Thin White Line Pt. 1”, is a non-stop laugh out loud episode. We meet the Greased Up Deaf Guy, Peter steals the episode with his moronic behavior and the scenes in the rehab clinic are comedy gold.

Grade: A+

Season 3, Episode 2 “Brian Does Hollywood”

After setting out on his own in Hollywood, Brian learns that making it as screenwriter is not easy. Brian is rejected numerous times and reluctantly takes a job as an adult film director.

The Griffin’s get an opportunity to see Brian when Stewie wins an audition on Kids Say the Darndest Things, (this episode aired in 2001, and “Bill Cosby” is in the episode. It will definitely make you cringe seeing it, but of course a TV show is susceptible to its time it was released…but it still takes you out of the episode). So the Griffin’s head to Hollywood!

Brian worried about how the family will feel about his career hides it from them. Brian learns that he is up for an Adult Film award and is shocked to find Peter and Lois at the awards ceremony offering support.

Brian learns that he had everything he needed and returns to Quahog.

A good episode with the greatest cold opening in Family Guy history, “Brian Does Hollywood” is good not great. There are some really funny moments, but not quite as sharp as “The Thin White Line”.

Grade: B-

Season 3, Episode 3 “Mr. Griffin Goes to Washington”

Peter calls into work so he can go to the Boston Red Sox game. At the game Peter is busted by his boss Mr. Weed.

The next day Peter enters Mr. Weed’s office to explain himself and finds Mr. Weed crying. Peter is shocked to learn that not only will he not be fired for lying but that the toy factory has been purchased by El Dorado Cigarette Company.

The new bosses are shocked to learn that there is a new cigarette bill before congress and they choose Peter as their new President. Being president of the El Dorado Cigarette Company came with perks but, Stewie soon starts smoking causing Peter to reevaluate how great being the president of the company is.

After a slight miss with “Brian Does Hollywood” Family Guy delivers another classic episode. Instant quotable moments from the evil tobacco company and spot on parodies make this episode a winner. My favorite is when Peter calls into work and explains to Mr. Weed why he can’t make it in;

Peter: Mr. Weed, I can’t come to work today because I was in a terrible plane crash. My family is dead and I am a vegetable. See you tomorrow.

Grade: A

Season 3 Episode 4 “One If by Clam, Two If by Sea”

Peter, Joe, Cleveland and Quagmire are shocked to learn that after a hurricane, Horace the owner of their favorite bar, The Drunken Clam has sold it. Not only has it been sold but it is now run by an English chap named Nigel Pinchley. Not taking the sale of their pub lying down the boys decide to start a new American Revolution. At first they try to infiltrate and harass the patrons at the pub, but are thwarted by the English’s amazing ability to speak.

They next hatch a plan to throw the beer being delivered to the pub into the sea, a la the Boston Tea Party. They boys wake up the next morning and learn the pub has burned down. Accused of the arson, Peter, Joe, Cleveland and Quagmire are thrown in jail.

Stewie meanwhile takes on a challenge of his own, that’s teaching Nigel’s daughter Eliza proper English.

Funny from start to finish, “One if by Clam, Two if by Sea” is a stellar episode. Family Guy is starting to move Stewie away from world domination and matricide and flesh out his character. Stewie is the strongest character in the episode even though he is not the A-story. Bonus points to the writers for squeezing in a “My Fair Lady” parody with Stewie and Eliza.

Grade: A

Season 3 Episode 5 ‘And The Wiener is…”

Peter loves beating his son Chris in all activities. After playing basketball in which Peter beats Chris, they take a sauna together. Peter is shocked to learn that Chris has a big penis and feels inadequate.

Peter soon enters a mid-life crisis, buys a sports car and joins the NRA.

Meg meanwhile joins the color guard after she isn’t allowed to join the cheerleaders because she’s not a cool kid like Connie D’Amico. Meg gets advice from Lois that she should just be nice to the cool kids and they will soon become her friends. It works. Meg is invited to Connie’s 16th birthday party. At the party she gets picked to go into a closet and make out with Connie’s friend Doug. In the closet, Meg is tricked into kissing a pig. Embarrassed she runs away crying. Lois has a backup plan; enter Quagmire.

Another wiener, I mean winner from Family Guy. Jokes come fast and hard in this episode and most hit the mark. My favorite moment is Peter’s new sports car is a long phallic shaped car. He approaches a tunnel and drives in and out simulating sex. Peter, however does it one to many times and crashes it into another car, making it smaller. As he sits on the side of the road a bus full of bikini models drives by. To which Peter responds, “Ouch. My pride.”

Grade: A

Season 3 Episode 6 “Death Lives”

Peter is about to celebrate his anniversary with Lois when he is invited by Quagmire to play at an exclusive golf course. Instead of telling Lois about the golf, he sends her on a fake, time consuming scavenger hunt.

On the golf course Peter is struck by lightning and is visited by Death. Although Peter isn’t going to die, Death takes Peter back to his courtship of Lois to remind him of his love for his wife and not take it for granted.

Death returning is always fun as Adam Corolla is great. A great episode that shows the dynamics of Lois and Peter’s relationship and their “origin story” was really welcome. Death’s mother makes an appearance and she is voiced by the talented and funny Estelle Harris, perfectly capturing Death’s overbearing mother.

Grade: A

Season 3 Episode 7 “Lethal Weapons”

It’s nearly fall in Quahog and that means the “leafers” from New York are about to visit the city to see the leaves change. On the ride home from church Meg and Chris get into an argument. Lois says that if they don’t stop, then they will not go to McDonald’s. Which Peter says not to worry they are still going. But when they get their apple pies, they can’t blow on them.

Lois frustrated that Peter contradicts everything she says, goes with Bonnie to a Taijutsu class. Lois is a natural and becomes a black belt.

At home Peter gets into a fight with a “leafer”. Lois comes outside and knocks the “leafer” out in one punch, naturally Peter tries to exploit this.

Lois soon beats her teacher in combat but is horrified to learn that Stewie is learning violence from after he hits Peter in the head with a baseball bat.

A really solid episode, with a few minor snags. Lois is given an episode to shine and Alex Bornstein does not disappoint, giving a funny and winning vocal performance. My favorite joke is when Stewie believes he catches Lois on tape referring to herself as a bad parent. When he plays it back it’s just him doing a radio show.

Grade: B+

Season 3 Episode 8 “The Kiss Seen Around the World”

Meg has a crush on local newsman Tom Tucker. She is delighted to learn that Channel 5 Quahog is looking for interns. She applies. She is chosen after the female anchor, Diane Simmons thinks all the other girls are too pretty and feels threatened.

To Meg’s dismay, Tom Tucker has chosen her secret admirer, Neil Goldman.

Meg and Neil are sent on assignment when the Mass Media Murderer is at City Hall threatening to kill Hugh Downs. After the Mass Media Murderer disposes of Hugh Downs, he sets he sights on Neil and Meg. Fearing she will die, Meg kisses Neil. Hugh Downs returns and takes care of the Mass Media Murderer. But Meg is horrified when her kiss to Neil is broadcasted on the news.

Stewie is given a tricycle and has it stolen from a bully. When the police don’t help, he takes matters into his own hands.

After a string of really good episodes, “The Kiss Seen Around the World” doesn’t quite deliver. Mila Kunis as Meg is solid but the episode is just ok. Faring better is Stewie’s small but funny and dark subplot involving the bully. Maybe the biggest misstep is the running joke of some random dude showing up and calling Peter a phony, it’s just obnoxious.

Grade: C

Articles, Freakin' Sweet Family Guy

Family Guy: Ryan’s Ultimate Freakin’ Sweet Review of Every Episode Part 5

My wife often accuses me of getting movies on Blu-Ray/DVD, and watching them once and then leaving them on a shelf to collect dust. In an effort to prove her wrong and to also at the same time annoy her, I’ve decided to watch every episode of Family Guy I own. And I own all of them on DVD. All 16 seasons. Plus the Stewie movie and the Star Wars Parodies. I will also review watch episode and share my thoughts here. Each article will most likely be a different length due to not knowing how many I will watch at any given time. I will be watching them in order as well so this should be really fun for me, not my wife.

Season 2, Episode 10 “Running Mates”

Lois is running for school board president but Chris is caught in voyeurism. Peter tries to help Chris by giving him a bunch of porn mags, which he sells to his friends.

One night while Lois is holding a campaign meeting at Chris’ school, Peter runs into his favorite high school teacher, Mr. Fargus. Peter is horrified to learn the crazy fun teacher he had in middle school is no longer. Fargus has been put on medication and is calm and boring. Peter convinces Fargus to stop taking his medication which he does. Lois in the meantime wins the election by default and when she decides not to re-hire Fargus, Peter decides that he is going to run against Lois.

During the campaign Peter releases a provocative photo of Lois, which makes him win the election in landslide. Peter makes some outlandish changes to the middle school, which soon land him in hot water.

Pretty solid episode with Peter getting the best of the jokes. His appearance on the local news station with all the changes he has made is a standout moment. Chris is given a little more to do and Seth Green is really starting to find the character. His delivery has changed significantly from the first few episodes and Green’s added innocence to Chris made him a much stronger character.

Grade: B

Season 2, Episode 11 “A Picture Is Worth a 1,000 Bucks”

Peter is taken to Bob’s Funland and Putt Putt Golf for his birthday. At Funland Peter and his friends get into trouble and are soon asked to leave by the owner, Bob Funland, whom Peter, Quagmire and Cleveland all teased in high school.

Peter depressed that he doesn’t have an amusement park, is not impressed with a painting that Chris gave him for his birthday and uses it to cover up a hole in his cars window. The painting is noticed by an art dealer named Monatti and offers Peter $5,000 for it. Monatti offers Chirs the chance to display his art and work in Manhattan, which Chris reluctantly accepts. Soon Chris is rebranded as “Christobel” and given a makeover to set the New York City art scene on fire.

Lots of funny stuff in this episode, from the show stopping song in the middle to outlandish cut-away gags featuring a Walt Disney and Minnie Mouse. And an amazing exchange involving Meg, Peter and Big Bird and Meg’s “talent” for bird calling. Not everything works in this episode, but it’s solid nonetheless.

Grade: B

Season 2, Episode 12 “Fifteen Minutes of Shame”

Meg, constantly embarrassed by her family, decides to get even with them by having them on a trashy day time talk show, The Diane Simmons Show, where everyone will see how embarrassing her family is.

The plan backfires as the family gets offered a reality TV show where cameras follow them around 24/7. Meg leaves the family and is replaced with a sexy new version of Meg.

This is a classic episode. From the parody of the early 2000 reality TV shows to instantly quotable moments from the whole cast, “Fifteen Minutes of Shame” is Family Guy at its best. One scene always makes me laugh and it is when Peter and Meg are on the Diane Simmons Show:

Peter: I can’t believe you would do this Meg. I guess now I won’t be giving you the antidote.

Meg: To what?

Peter: To the poison you just drank!

Or when Stewie explains to the camera why he got mad at Lois for the eggs she made:

Stewie: The Breakfast thing. Yes. It wasn’t even about the eggs, really. Frankly, I like the yolks. I don’t… I have no problem… it’s just there’s always been a lot of tension between Lois and me. And it’s not so much that I want to “kill” her. It’s just I want her not to be alive anymore. Uh… I sometimes wonder if all women are this difficult. And I think to myself, “My God! Wouldn’t be marvelous if I turned out to be a homosexual?”

Plus naked Peter is just a funny sight gag and he’s naked a lot in this episode.

Grade: A+

Season 2, Episode 13 “Road to Rhode Island”

Brian learns that he was born in a puppy mill and taken from his mother. He explains his feelings to his psychiatrist, where he discovers he needs closure from his past.

Stewie is staying with his grandparents in Palm Springs, and when he needs to be picked up, Brian volunteers. Brian picks up Stewie and they head to the airport. Brian gets drunk and causes them to miss their plane.

Stewie and Brian embark on an adventure across America, learning about Brian’s past and the two soon become good friends.

Back in Quahog Lois wants Peter and her to communicate better,so she orders a videotape for them to watch together. After Lois is told to leave the room Peter is seduced by the doctor in the video.

Maybe the single best episode of Family Guy, “Road to Rhode Island” is a winner throughout its 23 minute runtime. The episode is a real turning point for the series. As it seems every character that is explored in this episode still carries the baggage of this episode with them 20 years later. It is especially a breakout episode for Stewie and Brian as they turn a corner in their character development.

Funny and heartfelt, “Road to Rhode Island” is an episode I would show to someone who has never seen Family Guy.

Grade: A+

Season 2, Episode 14 “Let’s Go to the Hop”

A drug cartel plane carrying toads that if licked cause hallucinations crashes near Quahog. Soon the toads are being used by the cool kids at the High School.

When Lois finds a toad in Chris’ pants she’s horrified, but she soon learns that it belongs to Meg, who was hiding it for the Connie D’Amico.

Peter comes up with a plan to go undercover at the school as “Lando Griffin” a cool kid who breaks out into a song about the dangers of toad licking. Lando becomes ultra popular and agrees to go to the Winter Snow Ball with Meg. However, Meg soon learns that “Lando” is ditching her for Connie D’Amico.

Another winning episode, “Let’s Go to the Hop” features Peter at his stupid best. And yet another episode where a character has a break out and that is Meg. Best jokes involve Peter as “Lando” and his new found popularity. And of course another amazing song in the episode.

Grade: A

Season 2, Episode 15 “Dammit Janet”

Lois decides that Stewie needs to go to daycare because he doesn’t seem to get along with the other kids at the park. Stewie is enrolled in daycare where he soon is smitten with a girl named Janet. Stewie dreams of a life together with Janet and does whatever he can to earn her affection.

Lois decides that with Stewie no longer in the house wants a job. Peter tells his friends about this and Quagmire suggests that she become a flight attendant. Peter is sold on the idea when he learns that significant others get to fly anywhere they want for free.

Family Guy was on a roll. “Dammit Janet” is another really funny, really sweet episode. What makes the sweet especially nice is that it comes from Stewie’s love for Janet and the heartbreak he experiences when he learns that Janet was using him for his cookies.

Peter, once again has the best jokes, like this exchange between him and Tinkerbell:

Peter: Fly for free. Sorry Tink. Looks like I don’t need you anymore.

Tinkerbell: So what? You’re just going to dump me? Just like that?

Peter: You knew what this was.

Also Peter’s one man show “Winston Churchill We Hardly Knew Thee” is comedy gold.

Grade: A

Season 2, Episode 16 “There’s Something About Paulie”

When Peter and Lois need a new car, Peter does not include Lois in the decision. Peter buys a lemon and needs a way to get out from under the car.

Peter makes a deal with the mob for a new car, and must return the favor. The favor that the mob chooses is for Peter to go to the movies with The Don’s obnoxious nephew, Big Fat Paulie. Paulie soon hangs out with the Griffins and Peter is told to make him go away. When Peter tells Paulie that he doesn’t want Paulie to leave but it was Lois who did.

Paulie puts a hit out on Lois and is killed himself in drive-by shooting before he can call off the hit.

Peter gets an invitation to The Don’s daughter’s wedding where he able to ask for a favor, which Lois hopes will be to call of the hit of her.

It was bound to happen, “There’s Something About Paulie” is a bug step back after a string of awesome episodes. Reading IMDB this episode was originally supposed to air in season 1, and the tell-tale signs are there. Voices are not as sharply defined and the animation is not up to par from the standout two previous episodes. Forgettable episode.

Grade: C-

Articles, Freakin' Sweet Family Guy

Family Guy: Ryan’s Ultimate Freakin’ Sweet Review of Every Episode Part 4

My wife often accuses me of getting movies on Blu-Ray/DVD, and watching them once and then leaving them on a shelf to collect dust. In an effort to prove her wrong and to also at the same time annoy her, I’ve decided to watch every episode of Family Guy I own. And I own all of them on DVD. All 16 seasons. Plus the Stewie movie and the Star Wars Parodies. I will also review watch episode and share my thoughts here. Each article will most likely be a different length due to not knowing how many I will watch at any given time. I will be watching them in order as well so this should be really fun for me, not my wife.

Season 2, Episode 5 “Love Thy Trophy”

The guys on Spooner Street are making a float for the Harvest Day Parade, the theme is the one Peter suggested, the episode of “Who’s The Boss?” where Tony walks in on Angela in the shower.

After they win the Golden Clam, the neighbors get into a fight about who gets the trophy. They decide to place it on the hands of the statues of Tony and Angela. The next morning the trophy is missing and everyone blames each other for the theft.

“Love Thy Trophy” was produced during season one and held over for season two. Right away it’s jarring that Meg is played by Lacy Chabert, who actually has a pretty meaty part in this episode as she takes a job as a waitress to pay for a Prada purse.

Stewie is pretty funny in this episode as he pretends he’s a crack addicted baby so Meg can get bigger tips.

The jokes are fast and the episode is really solid. I love watching these early episodes to see how characters are developed. In this episode there is a really quick shot of Peter looking in Quagmire’s closet reveals a bunch of photos of Lois setting up his long running infatuation with her.

Grade: B

Season 2, Episode 6 “Death is a Bitch”

Peter finds a lump on his chest and is concerned that he is going to die. After his results comeback negative, Peter is shocked at the price of his doctor’s visit, so he writes that he is dead on his exam form thinking he won’t have to pay.

By doing this Peter sets into motion a visit from Death. Death tells Peter that he has to come with him. As they leave the Griffin’s home Peter attempts to run away from Death. Death chases him and sprains his ankle. The Griffin’s agree to take care of Death if he doesn’t kill Peter. Death agrees, but warns Peter that no one can know that Death can’t kill anyone. Peter of course doesn’t listen and does whatever he wants knowing he can’t die.

This is a classic episode. Everything works. Norm MacDonald guest stars as Death and is a riot. Peter going to a bar drinking tons of beer and getting into a gun fight is laugh out loud awesome. I love this episode.

Grade: A+

Season 2, Episode 7 “The King is Dead”

Lois is named the new theater director of the Quahog Players Theatre and chooses The King and I as her first production.  After a horrible audition, Peter is heartbroken. Lois decides to give Peter the job of producer. Peter soon uses his position as producer to cast newswoman Diane Simmons in the lead, and after Peter continuously makes changes, Lois quits. Lois is shocked to learn that not only do the cast members like all the changes Peter made but the show also sells out.

Another really great episode. Lois is establishing herself as quite the comedienne, hats off to Alex Borstein for always bringing the goods. Also this is the first episode that really explores Brian as a pretentious character.

Grade: A-

Season 2, Episode 8 “I Am Peter, Hear Me Roar”

Everyone on Spooner Street receives a letter for a free boat, the only catch is they have to sit through a time share seminar. After the seminar, Peter is offered the boat and a mystery box. Peter seduced by the mystery box chooses it. Which turns out to be tickets to a comedy club. Everyone else picked the boat and they let Peter know about it at the comedy show. Peter drunk gets up on stage after he heckles the comedian. He turns out to be a hit, only because he puts a beer bottle is his pants that makes him look like he peed his pants.

Peter with new found confidence as a comedian starts telling more and more jokes. One joke lands Peter in hot water at his job. Peter is forced to complete sensitivity training. When the standard class doesn’t work, Peter is sent to a retreat.

Peter not only embraces the camp but when he returns home he also now embraces his feminine side, much to the chagrin of Lois and the family.

This episode has everything. Awesome cut away gags. Funny inappropriate humor. Jokes on the side of a bus for the “Woman on Woman Retreat”. Also some truly brilliant writing like this exchange from Lois and Peter:

Peter: Oh God! Oh God! I’m Late!

Lois: Well, if you spent less time fixing your hair…

Peter: No, I mean I am “late” late! Do we still have that pregnancy test?

Lois: Are you insane? You can’t have a baby!

Peter: Well, I don’t have a lot of options, I’m Catholic! God, I thought you’d be happy for me!

Grade A+

Season 2, Episode 9 “If I’m Dyin’, I’m Lyin’”

After not doing well in school, Lois forbids Chris from watching TV until his grades improve. Peter lies to Lois about Chris watching TV so they can watch their favorite show together, Gumbel 2 Gumbel: Beach Justice.

When Peter learns Gumbel 2 Gumbel is being cancelled, he has Chris lie about a disease he has to make NBC stop the show from being cancelled. When Peter is about to be outed for defrauding a charity, he claims Chris is suddenly cured. This leads to people worshiping Peter, not happy with his the Griffin’s are soon bombarded with biblical plagues.

This is a huge step back after three solid episodes. I think I chuckled once. All in all a forgettable episode.

Grade: D

 

 

Articles, Freakin' Sweet Family Guy

Family Guy: Ryan’s Ultimate Freakin’ Sweet Review of Every Episode Part 3

My wife often accuses me of getting movies on Blu-Ray/DVD, and watching them once and then leaving them on a shelf to collect dust. In an effort to prove her wrong and to also at the same time annoy her, I’ve decided to watch every episode of Family Guy I own. And I own all of them on DVD. All 16 seasons. Plus the Stewie movie and the Star Wars Parodies. I will also review watch episode and share my thoughts here. Each article will most likely be a different length due to not knowing how many I will watch at any given time. I will be watching them in order as well so this should be really fun for me, not my wife.

Season 1, Episode 6 “The Son Also Draws”

Chris is in the Boy Scouts but has no interest in their activities, he would rather be an artist. After a disastrous soap box derby race, Chris is kicked out of the Scouts. Chris doesn’t care but Peter does and takes the family on a trip to New York City.

Along the way Peter need to use the bathroom and stops at a Native American casino. Lois who at first is against gambling soon becomes addicted. Lois losses the family car and the family is forced to figure out how to get their back. Peter eventually listens to Chris not wanting to be in Scouts with a little help from The Fonz.

“The Son Also Draws” has its moments but most of the episode just hums along. Peter having to use the bathroom and seeing a bunch of signs that remind him is funny, but the stuff with the Fonz is only mildly amusing. Plus, Stewie isn’t given much to do except see Carrot Top and make fun of him.

Grade: B-

Season 1 Episode 7 “Brian: Portrait of a Dog”

With Quahog in the midst of a heatwave, Peter enlists Brains help by entering him in a dog show so they can win $500 to buy a new air conditioner.

At the dog show Brian completes the obstacle course, but at the end Peter tries to force him to do a trick for a treat, Brian refuses causing a rift between Peter and him.

Later as Brian is walking home a Police Officer notices Brian doesn’t have a collar. The officer takes Brian home and gives Peter a $10 ticket. After another argument, Brian leaves the Griffins and becomes a drunk hobo.

Brian bites a person and is taken into custody as a crazed dog. Brian is sentenced to death and it’s up to Peter to save him.

It’s nice that Brian is given a chance to have an episode that features him. There are several great moments, from learning Brian’s “origin”, to his amazing rendition of a barbershop quartet. All in all a funny, solid episode.

Grade: B+

Season 2, Episode 1 “Peter, Peter Caviar Eater”

Lois comes from a wealthy family in Newport. Before she met Peter, she was a rich girl and Peter was a lowly towel boy. Lois was also the favorite of her Aunt Marguerite. When Marguerite visits the Griffins she immediately drops dead.

Marguerite leaves Lois her mansion Cherrywood Manor in Newport. Once there Lois learns Peter sold their house in Quahog and now plans to live in Newport.

Lois is against the idea and Peter at first doesn’t fit in. But with the help of Brian, Peter soon learns to be rich and snobby. Peter soon gets the hang of being in Newport and bids $100 million dollars on a vase, with no way to pay for it, Peter freaks out and must solve how to pay for his debt.

A truly great episode, with laugh out moments from almost all the cast, plus a great all out musical number makes this an endlessly rewatchable episode.

Grade: A+

Season 2, Episode 2 “Holy Crap”

Peter’s overly critical and religious father, Francis is retiring. After his retirement dinner Peter asks his father to live with him.

Peter tries unsuccessfully to get his father’s approval. Peter even gets Francis a job at Happy-Go-Lucky Toys, but Francis unimpressed with Peter’s work ethic, fires him. As a last ditch effort Peter kidnaps the Pope.

If it wasn’t for two great cut away gags, “Holy Crap” would be a total waste of 22 minutes. Francis isn’t funny and the whole episode feels forced. It’s Family Guy’s first true misfire.

Grade: D-

Season 2, Episode 3 “Da Boom”

Y2K is coming to Quahog! (Remember when that was a thing). Peter is terrified and tries to convince his family that they need to get in the basement.

It turns out that Peter was right, as nuclear bombs go off all around the world. The Griffins are saved because of Peter’s insistence they go into the basement. Peter has another idea, go to Natick where there is a Twinkie factory and they will have an unlimited supply of food.

Once there Stewie who fell into nuclear waste grows tentacles, Peter is the mayor of New Quahog, and the other characters a falling into their new roles as well. But if course Peter is too stupid to let a good thing last and is soon ousted as mayor.

Another classic episode, “Da Boom” is a hilarious, well written, well directed cartoon. Everything in this episode works. The first appearance of Ernie the Chicken, the first appearance of “Clevemire”or “Quagland”. The first time Quagmire says, “Heh, heh. Alright!” A winner in every sense of the word.

Grade: A+

Season 2, Episode 4 “Brian In Love”

Brian has a problem, he is peeing uncontrollably and blames Stewie. At first the Griffins believe its Stewie, but after an accident in a grocery store, Brian decides he needs to see a psychiatrist.

Brian learns that he is having a midlife crisis, but that’s not all. Brian also learns that he is in love with Lois. At Peter’s urging without knowing Brian is in love with Lois, Brian decides to admit his love to Lois. Lois rejects him but they stay close friends.

Another really solid episode. This is also the first episode with Mila Kunis as Meg. Kunis is much more adept at voiceover acting then Lacey Chabert. Kunis, without changing the character of Meg too much makes her funnier, and more sympathetic. Kunis’ comedic timing is also much more refined then Chabert. Chabert was just too straight for this show. Other standout moments involve Stewie with his character really starting to find his footing. Really fun episode.

Grade: B+

 

Articles, Freakin' Sweet Family Guy, Review

Family Guy: Ryan’s Ultimate Freakin’ Sweet Review of Every Episode Part 2

My wife often accuses me of getting movies on Blu-Ray/DVD, and watching them once and then leaving them on a shelf to collect dust. In an effort to prove her wrong and to also at the same time annoy her, I’ve decided to watch every episode of Family Guy I own. And I own all of them on DVD. All 16 seasons. Plus the Stewie movie and the Star Wars Parodies. I will also review watch episode and share my thoughts here. Each article will most likely be a different length due to not knowing how many I will watch at any given time. I will be watching them in order as well so this should be really fun for me, not my wife.

Season 1, Episode 3 “Chitty Chitty Death Bang”

All Lois wants is to have a special first birthday for Stewie. Lois feels like this is her last chance to share something special with her son. So she makes the mistake of sending Peter to Cheesie Charlie’s (a Chucke Cheese knockoff) to pay the deposit for Stewie’s birthday party.

Peter soon learns that Cheesie Charlie’s is great fun. Peter plays the claw machine and doesn’t win. So he reaches up through the prize door in an attempt to get a prize, which makes him lose his watch. When a little boy wins Peter’s watch, Peter tries to take it from the boy. Peter is reprimanded by the manager who quickly changes his tune when he finds out Peter has a reservation, Peter however says that he will not celebrate Stewie’s party at Cheesie Charlie’s and his reservation is quickly taken.

Stewie believes that his birthday is no more than an attempt to place him back in his mother’s womb by the man in white.

All this plus Meg joins a cult.

A lot is going on in “Chitty Chitty Death Bang” and a lot of it works. Peter’s recollection of how he was treated at Cheesie Charlie’s is hilarious and so too is Stewie as he recounts his “escape” from Lois. Meg’s plot about the Cult has its moments as well but not quite as strong as the rest of the episode.

Grade B+

Season 1, Episode 4 “Mind Over Murder”

Stewie is teething and in pain. Lois tells him that the pain will go away soon. This prompts Stewie to want to build a time machine.

Lois asks Peter to drive Chris to his soccer game, and quickly come home to watch Stewie. When Peter gets to Chris’ game Quagmire is there and tempts Peter to stay because he has beer. It works. Soon Peter gets into a fight with a woman who he confuses for a man. Peter punches her and learns that she is also pregnant.

Peter is placed under house arrest and builds a bar in his basement. Lois is at first annoyed but when she performs a song, she’s a hit. She soon becomes a star where all the men in Quahog come to Peter’s bar to see Lois.

Stewie is successful is making is time machine and learns he must use it to go back in time instead of forward because of a fire at Peter’s bar.

This is by far the best episode so far. Lois finally finds a voice, instead just reacting to Peter. Cleveland makes his first real appearance and Quagmire says “Alright” for the first time. Stewie is also starting to develop more as a character as Seth MacFarlane really starts to “get” Stewie’s voice.

Grade: A

Season 1, Episode 5 “A Hero Sits Next Door”

Mr. Weed, Peter’s boss at the Happy-Go-Lucky Toy Factory, introduces a ringer for their company softball team, Guillermo, a handsome and stud softball player. During practice Peter pitches a ball to Guillermo and hits him in the knee, injuring him. Mr. Weed tells Peter he needs to find a suitable replacement for Guillermo or he is fired.

Lois and Stewie soon meet Bonnie Swanson, their new neighbor. Peter however wants nothing to do with the husband Joe. While in bed Lois tells Peter that Joe used to play college baseball. Peter returns to the Swanson’s and sees all of Joe’s trophies. He excitedly asks Joe if he would join his softball team, Joe agrees.

When Joe arrives at the softball game we learn that he is in a wheelchair. But don’t judge a book by its cover as Joe is still a world class athlete and scores the winning run for Peter’s softball team.

Peter overcome by jealousy soon starts resenting Joe. Not only is Joe popular with everyone in Quahog, he becomes popular with the Griffins as well.

Peter wanting to be a hero like Joe attempts to thrawt a bank robbery. However it’s Joe who is able to get the robbers to surrender to an adoring crowd. The Griffins tell Peter it’s ok because he is their hero.

Another really strong episode for Family Guy. Joe Swanson’s introduction is great. His story about how he became disabled, fighting the Grinch on a rooftop as he attempts to steal Christmas gifts from orphans, is funny and sweet. Family Guy is really hitting its stride with the past two episodes.

Grade: A

 

Articles, Freakin' Sweet Family Guy, Review

Family Guy: Ryan’s Ultimate Freakin’ Sweet Review of Every Episode Part 1

My wife often accuses me of getting movies on Blu-Ray/DVD, and watching them once and then leaving them on a shelf to collect dust. In an effort to prove her wrong and to also at the same time annoy her, I’ve decided to watch every episode of Family Guy I own. And I own all of them on DVD. All 16 seasons. Plus the Stewie movie and the Star Wars Parodies. I will also review watch episode and share my thoughts here. Each article will most likely be a different length due to not knowing how many I will watch at any given time. I will be watching them in order as well so this should be really fun for me, not my wife.

Season 1, Episode 1 “Death Has A Shadow

The first episode of Family Guy does a really great job introducing the Griffins to the world. In the premiere episode we meet Peter Griffin, the stupid, funny father and husband. Lois, the patient and annoyed wife. Meg, the plain Jane daughter who wants collagen injected lips. Chris, the slow and innocent son. Stewie the attempted matricidal infant. Stewie also speaks with an English accent but it is not known or clear if the other characters can understand him. And Brian, the dog who can speak to the family with no explanation why. Quagmire makes an appearance, and so too does Cleveland but they aren’t the supporting characters we know just yet. More of background friends of Peter.

The first episode finds Peter fired from his job at the toy factory after he stays up all night drinking at a stag party. Instead of telling Lois that he is unemployed he defrauds the government after the send him an unemployment check for $150,000, a week. Soon Peter is buying things he doesn’t need like a moat and renting the statue of David.

The animation in the first episode is a little crude and the voices aren’t quite there yet. The comedy is spot on however, with the series patented cut away gags and over the top stories. Meg is also voiced by Lacey Chabert, who would be replaced by Mila Kunis in season 2.

Overall a pretty good, not quite great introduction to the world of the Griffins.

Grade: B

Season 1, Episode 2 “I Never Met the Dead Man

Peter gives Meg some bad driving advice, making her fail her driver’s exam to obtain her license. On the way home Peter crashes his car into the cable TV system in Quahog. Peter decides to make his life into a TV show by making a TV screen cutout and putting it around his head. Stewie also has a plan to rid the world of broccoli by any means necessary.

The animation looks way better in “I Never Met the Dead Man” than it did in the pilot. Brighter colors and more consistency makes Family Guy look sharper. The show slowly starts to gain its style in both look and comedy in this episode.

Grade: B

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