Preview of TNG episode of Family Guy

[Praetor]

I'll agree with both of your assessments here, Thor Damar and JustKate.

I'd also like to say that, as an original FG fan from before it was canceled (I watched every first-run pre-cancel episode) FG just isn't as funny as it used to be. The quality in the first three seasons does noticeably decline, but not as much as it has from season four onward. There are occasional gem moments, but I feel that they are mostly just that - moments. A lot of their running jokes are more running than joke and end up feeling like filler.

'American Dad,' by contrast, uses a more 'traditional' story format, occasionally attempts the shock humor of FG, but still manages to pull off overall a more tight and funny show. I'm really curious to understand why FG is failing and AD is doing better. My personal pet theory is that McFarlane is a little arrogant when it comes to FG, and a little apathetic when it comes to AD.

 

[Thor Damar]

^ You could be on to something there Praetor. I've got the first four seasons of American Dad and they are genuinely funnier and use sharper satire than FG. They also avoid the running jokes which FG has abused terribly over the last few years and concentrate on actual plot and character development (to a certain extent).
I know that the Simpsons has declined in quality over the years and that South Park finds itself struck up it's own arse alot of the time but at least they make more of a effort.
I think that Family Guy may not have much more going for it anymore.
(I'm going to try and watch the episode again and see if anything changes my opinion upon second viewing)

 

[Praetor]

Thanks, Damar.

I think that FG's problem is that what really got it noticed was the abstract humor - jokes that run too long, non sequitur, shock factor, and so on - and that they basically think that if they keep retreading the same basic stuff they'll keep bringing in viewers. I think they're too scared or too pressured to keep viewers that they're too afraid to try new things, which is something they used to be pretty good at. They were consistent, but it would really be good for them if they wouldn't for example use Herbert for the umpteenth time - instead think up a new joke to run for a while.

Another problem, I feel, is the way they let themselves define the characters. They have literally made Peter retarded. Stewie has gone from being a matricidal megalomaniac to being closeted gay (not that I of all people find anything wrong with that.) It's like they've let the characters get in on the joke and somehow it's made them less funny.

They've let themselves be lazy, and as everyone knows, art suffers when it becomes lazy. (If you can call FG art.)

 

[Lucy of Nine]

Where can i see the episode?? Hulu.com is only for US residents...