As many people already know, Brian Griffin was killed off in the Family Guy episode "The Life of Brian". He was brought back in a few episodes later in "Christmas Guy".
The death of Brian Griffin brought on a huge response from the fan base, starting petitions to bring him back, saying the show was past its prime, and many fans vowing never to watch again.
I heard about Brian's death,but I personally had not seen the episode. So, I brought it up on Hulu.com, and I watched it. I have to agree with what many observers of the episode said: the death, handled very real, seems almost quick and sudden. It's only really the subject of one act, and then we introduce Vinny (the replacement dog for the family).
Its very obvious to me by the way Vinny interacts that he was never meant to be a permanent addition to the cast (though they cleverly added him into the introduction sequence). Vinny is a very one note character. Albeit, Brian was the same way when he started, but we did learn more about him as we moved on. Vinny just spouts Italian stereotypes and really is a very one note character.
I heard about Brian coming back in "Christmas Guy", and I just finished watching the episode. I have to admit, how he comes back is very clever. Recall in "The Life of Brian" that Stewie destroyed his time machine and was unable to get replacement parts when he wanted to save Brian. This was to give Brian's death a sense of finality. But, very cleverly, Stewie had a cutaway where he went to Christmas in the future to buy the newest toy early. In "Christmas Guy", Stewie sees himself buying the toy at the toy store. He grabs this Stewie's time pad and uses it to go to just before Brian got run over and saves hi.
I have to give credit to the writers of these episodes. That was cleverly done. This is far better then it being a dream or a simulation, or some other TV twist.
Was this a stunt? Yeah, it kinda was. But, it drummed up all this attention for the show and how much fans really loved Brian. I missed him. I missed the Brian and Stewie dynamic even before time had come for it to sink in with Vinny as a new character.
To be fair though, I do wonder how much longer the show will continue. Seth has said he knows the series is past its prime (though I have to admit still laughing). I thought the new blood of Vinny might have worked to bring in new life to the series.
But you know what? I'm happy to see Brian again. I don't think we have seen the end of Vinny though....
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