For a show synonymous with cutaway gags and irreverent humor, admitting that Family Guy made you cry might sound like a joke in itself. Yet, after 300 episodes, this animated sitcom, often labeled as hilarious, controversial, and sometimes even unfunny, achieved something truly unexpected: poignancy. Family Guy, remarkably resurrected after cancellation and now a cartoon institution, has occasionally ventured beyond its comedic comfort zone, consistently centering these moments on the unique bond between Brian, the family dog, and Stewie, the diabolical baby.
Stewie preparing to watch Fast and Furious movies with Rupert as Brian enters the room
In its nascent seasons, the dynamic between Brian and Stewie was simpler: Stewie, a matricidal infant, and Brian, a cynical, smoking dog. Their relationship deepened because Brian was uniquely able to understand Stewie’s complex speech, setting the stage for their iconic “Road to…” episodes. The comedic chemistry, Stewie’s flamboyant personality against Brian’s self-important straight man persona, allowed Family Guy to explore more character-driven narratives. Episodes like Brian & Stewie, Brian’s Play, and the infamous Brian’s death and resurrection storyline, all pushed the show’s boundaries, emphasizing character development while maintaining its comedic core. However, it’s the 300th episode, Dog Bites Bear, that elevates emotional stakes to an unprecedented level, transforming a potentially crass concept into a surprisingly touching narrative.
The episode begins with a seemingly typical setup: Stewie, eager to binge-watch the Fast and the Furious saga with Rupert, his teddy bear, starting from Fast & Furious 6 (“best to worst,” he clarifies, acknowledging his controversial Tokyo Drift ranking). Brian joins, confessing he’s never seen the franchise. Stewie permits his company, stipulating Brian avoids mentioning Paul Walker’s death to Rupert. Brian’s patience soon wears thin, irritated by Stewie’s elaborate “conversations” with Rupert, particularly the insults directed at him through the bear.
Stewie reacting in horror to the sight of Rupert torn to shreds
The situation escalates dramatically the following morning. Stewie awakens to a disturbing scene: Brian asleep on the couch and Rupert, tragically, torn to shreds beneath him. In typical Family Guy fashion, this scenario could have been played for cheap laughs. However, Dog Bites Bear takes a different route. Stewie’s reaction is raw horror, and his ensuing physical retaliation against Brian is imbued with genuine emotional pain. Brian has profoundly hurt Stewie, and Stewie’s response is visceral. Initially, Brian feigns ignorance, claiming he mistook Rupert for a chew toy. But as the conflict intensifies, Brian confesses a darker truth: he deliberately destroyed Rupert, driven to the edge by Stewie’s seemingly childish attachment to the bear.
The episode’s script, penned by the seasoned Family Guy writer Cherry Chevapravadumrong, is truly exceptional. It showcases a deep understanding of the Brian-Stewie dynamic. Chevapravadumrong masterfully conveys Rupert’s profound significance to Stewie. Even in Stewie’s early villainous days, Rupert represented his innocent, “baby” side, quickly endearing him to audiences. But there’s a deeper layer. Brian observes that Stewie, intellectually, is the most mature member of the Griffin family. This makes his attachment to a stuffed animal baffling and frustrating to Brian.
Brian looking remorseful after Stewie confronts him about Rupert
What Brian fails to grasp, and what Chevapravadumrong so brilliantly portrays, is the profound significance of a childhood toy. More broadly, it touches upon the genuine love one can feel for fictional characters, a connection that can feel remarkably real. Rupert, in Stewie’s world, shouldn’t be subject to mortality. He is a constant, a source of unconditional love and comfort. The trauma of losing Rupert subtly echoes Stewie’s past experience with Brian’s temporary death. While he reversed that tragedy, Stewie is acutely aware of Brian’s mortality. Rupert represents a safe haven in Stewie’s mind, a space untouched by the harsh realities of death. Stewie’s shielding of Rupert from Paul Walker’s death underscores this desire to protect innocence from the inevitable.
Dog Bites Bear confronts the multifaceted nature of death and loss. It explores how grief can expose both the worst and best aspects of human (and dog) nature. Brian, genuinely remorseful, delivers a heartfelt eulogy for Rupert. Seth MacFarlane’s vocal performance in this scene is nuanced and moving. The slightly off-key duet between Brian and Stewie during the eulogy adds a layer of awkward yet comforting realism to their goodbye.
Brian and Stewie singing a eulogy for Rupert
The episode concludes with a scene that some might dismiss as a simple reset, but it’s a perfectly nuanced resolution. Brian, driving a sleeping Stewie home, buys him a new teddy bear. Stewie’s euphoric cry upon waking, “Rupert, you came back!” is perhaps his most genuinely joyful moment in the series. But Rupert, the original Rupert, has indeed moved on. In a whimsical, touching final image, we see Rupert in heaven, engaged in a drag race with Paul Walker, finding peace with one of Stewie’s beloved movie icons.
Scrooged movie poster
While Family Guy has undoubtedly produced funnier episodes, Dog Bites Bear stands out for its unparalleled emotional depth. It avoids the comedic crutches of Brian’s previous death or Stewie’s darker storylines, delivering an earned emotional resonance. If you approach this episode expecting non-stop laughter, you might be surprised. But Dog Bites Bear is a testament to Family Guy‘s capacity for growth and depth, proving that even a show known for its irreverence can deliver a profoundly moving story. It’s an A+ episode that deserves recognition for its emotional maturity and nuanced portrayal of the beloved Family Guy dog, Brian, and his complex relationship with Stewie.
