Brian Griffin, the martini-swilling, intellectually-aspiring canine of Family Guy, met his unexpected end in Season 12, Episode 6, titled “Life of Brian”. While the episode sparked considerable controversy and emotional reactions, it remains a pivotal moment in the show’s history, prompting discussions about character evolution and the boundaries of comedic storytelling.
The Day Brian Died: A Closer Look at “Life of Brian”
“Life of Brian” aired on November 24, 2013, forever altering the dynamic of the Griffin family. The episode begins with Brian destroying Stewie’s time machine parts after Stewie abuses its capabilities. Later, while playing street hockey, Brian is struck by a car and severely injured. Despite the family rushing him to the vet, his injuries are deemed too severe, and he dies on the operating table. The scene is surprisingly somber, showing the profound grief of the Griffins, particularly Peter and Stewie. The family subsequently adopts Vinny, a tough-talking Italian greyhound, to fill the void left by Brian’s passing.
This event, while seemingly permanent at the time, ultimately proved to be a temporary shock tactic. The backlash from fans was immediate and intense, demonstrating the deep connection viewers had formed with the sardonic canine.
Why Was Brian Killed Off?
The official reasons for Brian’s death, according to the show’s executive producer Steve Callaghan, were primarily for shock value and to shake up the established dynamics of the Griffin family. He stated that the writing team felt it was time to change things up and explore the impact of such a loss on the remaining characters. The introduction of Vinny was intended to provide a different comedic foil for the family. However, the overwhelming negative reaction from fans quickly altered these plans.
The Aftermath: Fan Outcry and Brian’s Resurrection
The death of Brian triggered a massive wave of protests online. Petitions were created, social media exploded with criticism, and fans threatened to boycott the show. The intensity of the reaction clearly took the producers by surprise. The outcry highlighted the significance of Brian as a character, not just for his witty remarks but also for his role as a voice of reason and intellectual sparring partner for Peter.
The Return: “Christmas Guy”
Just three episodes after Brian’s death, he was brought back in Season 12, Episode 8, “Christmas Guy”. In this episode, Stewie, deeply missing his best friend, travels to a mall with Vinny and sees a past version of himself at a booth with Santa. He steals the time travel return pad from his past self and uses it to go back in time and save Brian before he is hit by the car. The reunion is emotional and resolves the immediate narrative tension created by Brian’s absence.
FAQs: Diving Deeper into Brian Griffin’s “Death”
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding Brian Griffin’s temporary demise and subsequent return:
FAQ 1: Was Seth MacFarlane involved in the decision to kill off Brian?
Yes, Seth MacFarlane, the creator of Family Guy and the voice of Brian, was directly involved in the decision. While he didn’t publicly comment extensively on the matter during the initial controversy, the creative direction of the show ultimately falls under his purview.
FAQ 2: Was the introduction of Vinny planned to be permanent?
The producers initially intended for Vinny to be a long-term replacement for Brian. However, given the intensity of the fan backlash, it’s likely that the plan was reconsidered soon after Vinny’s debut.
FAQ 3: What impact did Brian’s death have on the show’s ratings?
The episodes following Brian’s death saw a slight dip in ratings, though it’s difficult to attribute this solely to Brian’s absence. However, the social media buzz and online engagement surrounding the controversy were undeniable, showcasing the significant impact the storyline had on the Family Guy fanbase.
FAQ 4: Did the writers have a backup plan in case the fan reaction was negative?
While there’s no concrete evidence of a pre-planned backup, the rapid decision to bring Brian back suggests that the writers were prepared to reverse course if necessary. The ease with which Stewie used time travel to resurrect Brian indicates that this possibility was at least considered.
FAQ 5: How did voice actor Danny Trejo (Vinny) feel about the character being written out so quickly?
Danny Trejo, the voice of Vinny, publicly stated that he understood the decision and wasn’t offended by it. He recognized the fans’ strong connection to Brian and acknowledged that the character’s return was ultimately what the audience wanted.
FAQ 6: Has Family Guy killed off other main characters before?
Yes, Family Guy has occasionally killed off recurring or minor characters, often for comedic effect. However, Brian’s death was unique because he was a central character and his death was presented with a degree of seriousness that was unusual for the show.
FAQ 7: Was there any specific inspiration for the “Life of Brian” storyline?
The writers haven’t explicitly cited any specific inspiration for the storyline. However, it’s possible that the decision was influenced by other animated shows that have experimented with dramatic character departures and resurrections.
FAQ 8: Did the controversy affect the show’s overall tone or direction moving forward?
While it’s difficult to quantify the exact impact, the controversy surrounding Brian’s death likely reinforced the importance of established character dynamics and the risk of alienating long-time fans with radical changes. The show hasn’t attempted a similar storyline involving a core character since.
FAQ 9: Can we expect Brian to ever be killed off permanently?
Given the intense backlash from his temporary death, it’s highly unlikely that Family Guy will kill off Brian permanently. The show appears to have learned its lesson about the emotional connection viewers have with its core characters.
FAQ 10: What does Brian’s death and resurrection say about the nature of animated sitcoms?
Brian’s story highlights the unique ability of animated sitcoms to explore complex themes and dramatic storylines while still maintaining a sense of humor and surrealism. It also demonstrates the strong emotional investment that viewers can develop in animated characters.
FAQ 11: Beyond the shock value, what was the artistic purpose of temporarily killing Brian?
While the shock value was undeniable, the brief removal of Brian allowed the writers to explore the family dynamic without his presence and to introduce a new, albeit temporary, character in Vinny. It also served as a meta-commentary on the often-unchanging nature of animated sitcoms and the expectations of audiences.
FAQ 12: How can I watch the episodes featuring Brian’s death and resurrection?
Both episodes, “Life of Brian” (Season 12, Episode 6) and “Christmas Guy” (Season 12, Episode 8), are available for streaming on various platforms that host Family Guy, including Hulu, Disney+, and through purchase or rental options on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Check your local listings for broadcast schedules.