Stewie Griffin almost kills Lois in the Season 6 finale, “Stewie Kills Lois,” and the Season 6 premiere, “Lois Kills Stewie,” a two-part episode that aired in 2007. While he doesn’t ultimately succeed, the storyline explores the chilling possibility and the elaborate measures he undertakes in his attempt.
The Two-Part Saga: A Deep Dive
The two-part episode is a standout in Family Guy history, pushing the boundaries of the show’s characteristic dark humor and exploring the twisted dynamic between Stewie and Lois. While the resolution is arguably a “it was all a dream” cop-out, the journey to that point is filled with suspense, violence, and the darkly comedic brilliance the show is known for.
“Stewie Kills Lois”: The Setup
The first part, “Stewie Kills Lois,” establishes the motivation and meticulously lays out Stewie’s plan. It begins with Stewie obsessing over the lack of appreciation he receives from his family, particularly Lois. He feels under-appreciated and misunderstood, fueling a growing resentment towards his mother. This resentment escalates when Lois grounds him after he destroys her valuable porcelain doll. Fueled by rage, Stewie meticulously plots his revenge.
He begins by constructing a complex doomsday device, ostensibly designed to conquer the world but strategically repurposed to eliminate Lois. He practices his aim with a laser pointer, carefully observes Lois’s routines, and plants evidence to frame Brian for the crime. This episode is a masterclass in Stewie’s calculated malevolence, showcasing his intelligence and psychopathic tendencies. The episode culminates in Stewie successfully executing his plan, leaving Lois apparently dead.
“Lois Kills Stewie”: The Aftermath and Twist
“Lois Kills Stewie” picks up after Lois’s apparent murder. The family is devastated, and suspicion immediately falls on Brian. However, Stewie continues his Machiavellian games, manipulating the situation to divert suspicion away from himself. He even goes so far as to feign grief, adding another layer to his disturbing persona.
As the episode progresses, a terrorist group infiltrates Quahog, and Stewie, armed with his advanced weaponry, becomes a hero by single-handedly defeating them. He’s hailed as a savior, ironically gaining the very recognition he initially sought. However, the episode takes a surprising turn when Lois reappears, revealing that the entire sequence of events, from her death to Stewie’s heroic triumph, was all a dream. It was the product of a nightmare she had after watching a James Bond movie. While unsatisfying to some viewers, this conclusion absolves Stewie of any real-world consequences for his actions.
Why This Episode Remains Controversial
Despite being a fictional cartoon, “Stewie Kills Lois” remains a controversial episode. The graphic depiction of violence, particularly against a maternal figure, offended some viewers. The episode also faced criticism for its use of the “it was all a dream” trope, which many considered a lazy resolution that undermined the impact of the preceding events.
However, others praised the episode for its boldness and its willingness to push the boundaries of acceptable humor. They argued that the episode was a brilliant satire of the horror genre and an insightful exploration of Stewie’s twisted psyche. Regardless of one’s opinion, “Stewie Kills Lois” remains a memorable and divisive episode in Family Guy history.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the Stewie and Lois episodes, providing further clarity and context.
FAQ 1: Did Stewie actually kill Lois in any episode?
No, Stewie has never actually killed Lois in any episode of Family Guy. The “Stewie Kills Lois/Lois Kills Stewie” storyline was ultimately revealed to be a dream.
FAQ 2: Why did Stewie want to kill Lois?
Stewie’s motivations are complex, but they primarily stem from a feeling of being unappreciated and misunderstood. He often feels that Lois doesn’t recognize his intelligence or cater to his needs. This, coupled with his inherent psychopathic tendencies, leads him to contemplate extreme measures.
FAQ 3: Is the “Stewie Kills Lois” episode considered canon?
Since the events were revealed to be a dream, the episode is generally not considered canon within the Family Guy universe. This means that the events of the episode do not have a lasting impact on the overall storyline.
FAQ 4: What season and episode numbers are “Stewie Kills Lois” and “Lois Kills Stewie”?
“Stewie Kills Lois” is Season 6, Episode 4. “Lois Kills Stewie” is Season 6, Episode 5.
FAQ 5: What are some of the weapons Stewie uses in his attempt to kill Lois?
Stewie employs a variety of weapons and tactics, including a complex doomsday device, laser pointers for practice, and meticulously planned traps. He also displays a knowledge of explosives and weaponry far beyond his apparent age.
FAQ 6: How does Brian react to Lois’s “death”?
Initially, Brian is devastated by Lois’s death and is suspected of being the murderer. He grieves alongside the family but is ultimately cleared of any wrongdoing.
FAQ 7: What happens to Stewie after Lois “dies” in his dream sequence?
Stewie enjoys a brief period of fame and recognition after “saving” Quahog from terrorists, showcasing the irony of gaining the attention he craved through violent means.
FAQ 8: What is the significance of the James Bond movie in the “Lois Kills Stewie” episode?
The James Bond movie serves as the trigger for Lois’s nightmare, explaining the elaborate action sequences and over-the-top violence she experiences in her dream.
FAQ 9: Why did the writers choose to make the episode a dream?
The writers likely opted for the dream resolution to avoid permanently altering the dynamic between Stewie and Lois and to maintain the show’s comedic tone. Killing off a main character, even in Family Guy, could have had significant repercussions for the series.
FAQ 10: Was the “Stewie Kills Lois” episode controversial upon its release?
Yes, the episode was highly controversial due to its graphic violence and the depiction of a child attempting to murder his mother. Many viewers found the episode offensive, while others defended it as a bold and satirical commentary.
FAQ 11: Has Stewie shown similar homicidal tendencies towards Lois in other episodes?
While Stewie often expresses violent thoughts and makes threats towards Lois, he rarely attempts anything as elaborate or conclusive as the plan in “Stewie Kills Lois.” His aggression is usually played for comedic effect.
FAQ 12: Where can I watch “Stewie Kills Lois” and “Lois Kills Stewie”?
The episodes are available on various streaming platforms that carry Family Guy, such as Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video, depending on your region. They can also often be purchased digitally through services like iTunes or Google Play.