Family Guy - The Freakin' Sweet Collection

Animation, Comedy

Director

Pete Michels; Brian Hogan (II)

The unprecedented resurrection of Family Guy disproves Neil Young's maxim that "Once you're gone, you can never come back." Unceremoniously canceled in 2002, the irreverent animated series proved to be a phenomenal seller on DVD, prompting not only a rerun revival on basic cable, but also a new season. For those who have only recently made the acquaintance of the dysfunctional Griffins, this five-episode sampler is representative of the series' "nothing is sacred" comic universe. Creator Seth MacFarlane chose well: "When You Wish Upon a Weinstein," which was banned during the series' original run; "Lethal Weapons"; "To Live and Die in Dixie"; "I Am Peter, Hear Me Roar"; and "Road to Rhode Island." In addition to the restoration of a previously censored gag involving Osama Bin Laden in "Rhode Island," what does this collection bring to the party for the Family Guy fan who has everything? Four new episode commentaries, the best of which features MacFarlane in character as chain-smoking, martini swilling, talking dog Brian, and megalomaniacal infant Stewie for "Rhode Island." There is also an interview with MacFarlane about why he chose these episodes, and a fitfully amusing sneak peak at MacFarlane's new series, American Dad. But as this collection reminds us, Family Guy is a tough act to follow. --Donald Liebenson