Season 5 of Family Guy, airing from 2006 to 2007, is often hailed as a peak for the animated sitcom. Following the success of the previous season, fans were eager to see if the Griffin family could maintain their comedic momentum. This season delivers a смешение of outrageous cutaways, sharp wit, and pop culture parodies that solidified its place as a fan favorite. Let’s delve into each episode to see why Family Guy Season 5 is considered by many to be a high point in the series.
Episode Breakdown and Review
Episode 1: Stewie Loves Lois (September 10, 2006)
The season kicks off with a classic. “Stewie Loves Lois” flips the usual dynamic as Stewie develops an uncharacteristic affection for Lois after she rescues and repairs his beloved Rupert. This leads to hilarious scenarios as Stewie’s attempts to bond with his mother become increasingly clingy and annoying, culminating in the iconic “Mommy” scene. Meanwhile, Peter’s paranoia about Dr. Hartman leads to a side plot where he accuses the doctor of inappropriate conduct, resulting in Hartman’s firing. This premiere episode perfectly sets the tone for the season with its blend of heartwarming moments twisted with dark and absurd humor.
Rating: Perfect 10/10
Episode 2: Mother Tucker (September 17, 2006)
Comedy gold ensues when Peter develops a father-son relationship with local news anchor Tom Tucker. “Mother Tucker” thrives on the absurdity of Peter reverting to childish behavior to please his new “dad,” leading to cringe-worthy yet hilarious situations, especially after their inevitable “break-up.” Peter’s continued childlike antics even after the separation are a comedic highlight. The subplot featuring Brian and Stewie’s foray into radio broadcasting adds another layer of humor to this standout episode.
Rating: Perfect 10/10
Episode 3: Hell Comes to Quahog (September 24, 2006)
“Hell Comes to Quahog” delivers a riotous episode centered around the opening of a mega-mart in Quahog. While the episode boasts a memorable disco skating scene with Peter, Joe, Quagmire, and Cleveland, the core humor comes from Peter taking over Meg’s job at the store. His ineptitude and over-the-top antics in a mundane retail setting generate a stream of laugh-out-loud moments.
Rating: Amazing 9/10
Episode 4: Saving Private Brian (November 5, 2006)
Even the “weakest” episode of Family Guy Season 5 is still highly entertaining. “Saving Private Brian” sees Brian enlisting in the army to impress a female dog. While it might not reach the comedic heights of other episodes this season, it still offers plenty of funny moments and engaging storylines. It stands as a testament to the consistent quality of Season 5 that even its least celebrated episode is still considered “great.”
Rating: Great 8/10
Episode 5: Whistle While Your Wife Works (November 12, 2006)
“Whistle While Your Wife Works” is notable for its hilarious theme song variation, but it’s Brian’s relationship with Jillian that truly shines. This episode marks the beginning of what many consider Brian’s most developed and relatable romantic relationship. Jillian, the “dumb blonde” archetype, is portrayed with surprising depth and charm, making their interactions genuinely funny and endearing. The writers successfully crafted a relationship that, while comedic, also felt surprisingly genuine within the Family Guy universe.
Rating: Amazing 9/10
Episode 6: Prick Up Your Ears (November 19, 2006)
“Prick Up Your Ears” tackles the topic of sex education with typical Family Guy irreverence. Lois becomes a sex-ed teacher, leading to predictable yet funny clashes with school administration over her frank discussions about contraception. Meg’s storyline, involving a boyfriend and a misunderstanding about condoms, adds another layer of teenage awkwardness and humor to the episode.
Rating: Great 9/10
Episode 7: Chick Cancer (November 26, 2006)
“Chick Cancer” is packed with classic Family Guy humor, including a Star Wars cutaway that rivals the show’s dedicated specials. The return of Oblivia from the Season 3 episode “From Method to Madness” and Stewie’s interactions with her are comedic gold. Stewie’s exaggerated attempts to act like a “jerk” and the episode’s ending provide consistent laughs.
Rating: Perfect 10/10
Episode 8: Barely Legal (December 18, 2006)
“Barely Legal” delves into uncomfortable yet humorous territory with Meg developing stalker-like affections for Brian after a drunken make-out session. The main plot, where Peter and his friends become cops, provides plenty of slapstick and situational comedy. The episode culminates in a memorable scene where the friends’ police chief status is revealed.
Rating: Great 8/10
Episode 9: Road to Rupert (January 28, 2007)
The “Road to…” episodes are always a highlight, and “Road to Rupert” is no exception. Often compared favorably to “Road to Rhode Island,” this episode sees Brian and Stewie embark on a quest to retrieve Rupert. The episode is filled with clever jokes and memorable moments, including Stewie’s outburst in the car. A side plot featuring Peter and Meg bonding adds an unexpected heartwarming element.
Rating: Perfect 10/10
Episode 10: Peter’s Two Dads (February 11, 2007)
“Peter’s Two Dads” takes Peter on a journey of self-discovery to Ireland after learning his biological father is Irish. The episode features cultural humor and culminates in Peter earning his father’s respect through a drinking game and a rendition of the catchy “Drunken Irish Dad” song. This episode blends cultural stereotypes with Family Guy‘s signature absurdity for a highly entertaining result.
Rating: Perfect 10/10
Episode 11: The Tan Aquatic with Steve Zissou (February 18, 2007)
“The Tan Aquatic with Steve Zissou” introduces Kyle, a 13-year-old bully who torments Chris. After Peter intervenes and gets into trouble, he inadvertently becomes the neighborhood bully himself. The episode title is a clear reference to Wes Anderson’s film, showcasing Family Guy‘s penchant for pop culture parodies. Stewie’s subplot involving a cancer scare adds another layer of comedic chaos.
Rating: Perfect 10/10
Episode 12: Airport ’07 (March 4, 2007)
“Airport ’07” features what is often considered one of Family Guy‘s weakest songs, “Prom Night Dumpster Baby.” However, the rest of the episode more than compensates for this musical misstep. The main plot involves Peter becoming a redneck and inadvertently getting Quagmire fired from his pilot job, leading to a rescue mission by Peter, Joe, and Cleveland to help Quagmire regain his position.
Rating: Amazing 9/10
Episode 13: Bill & Peter’s Bogus Journey (March 11, 2007)
Referencing the movie Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey, this episode sees Peter befriending former President Bill Clinton. “Bill & Peter’s Bogus Journey” explores the comedic potential of this unlikely friendship, as Clinton’s presence nearly disrupts Peter’s marriage with Lois. The episode is consistently funny and enjoyable throughout.
Rating: Amazing 9/10
Episode 14: No Meals on Wheels (March 25, 2007)
“No Meals on Wheels” is a controversial yet undeniably funny episode. Peter opens a restaurant that initially only attracts customers with disabilities, leading him to implement discriminatory rules. The episode’s humor is derived from its dark and satirical take on Peter’s insensitive behavior and the absurdity of the situation.
Rating: Amazing 9/10
Episode 15: Boys Do Cry (April 29, 2007)
“Boys Do Cry” is described simply as another “awesome and very memorable episode.” While the original review doesn’t provide specific details, the high rating suggests it’s another strong entry in Family Guy Season 5, worth watching for fans of the show’s signature humor.
Rating: Amazing 9/10
Episode 16: No Chris Left Behind (May 6, 2007)
“No Chris Left Behind” is characterized as an episode that’s easily forgotten but “F** Amazing” upon revisiting. This suggests that it’s a hidden gem within the season, possibly overlooked but delivering a high level of comedic entertainment.
Rating: Amazing 9/10
Episode 17: It Takes a Village Idiot, and I Married One (May 13, 2007)
The title itself, “It Takes a Village Idiot, and I Married One,” plays on Peter’s well-established stupidity. Like “No Chris Left Behind,” this episode is noted as being easily forgotten but surprisingly good upon re-watching, indicating the consistent quality of even the lesser-remembered episodes in Family Guy Season 5.
Rating: Amazing 9/10
Episode 18: Meet the Quagmires (May 20, 2007)
“Meet the Quagmires” is widely considered not just one of the best episodes of Family Guy, but also one of the greatest season finales in the show’s history. The time-travel plot, reminiscent of Back to the Future, is brilliantly executed, with consistently funny jokes and memorable scenes, including Brian’s rendition of “Never Gonna Give You Up” and a Die Hard reference. Many fans feel this episode would have served as a perfect series finale, highlighting its exceptional quality.
Rating: Perfect 10/10
Alt text: Family Guy Season 5 DVD cover featuring Peter, Lois, Brian, Stewie, Meg, and Chris Griffin, showcasing the main characters of the animated comedy series.
Season 5: A Pinnacle of Family Guy Humor
With a remarkable seven “Perfect” rated episodes and nine “Amazing” rated episodes, Family Guy Season 5 undeniably stands as a comedic powerhouse. The season showcases the show at its creative best, balancing outrageous humor with clever writing and memorable character moments. While Season 4 was also highly praised, Season 5 elevates the comedic bar even further, delivering consistent laughs and solidifying its place as the top-ranked season. For fans of Family Guy or those looking to dive into the series, Season 5 is an excellent starting point, offering a concentrated dose of what makes the show so enduringly popular.
