Brian Griffin, the erudite and often self-absorbed family dog in Family Guy, met his untimely end in the episode “Life of Brian.” This iconic character’s brief but impactful demise ignited a firestorm of controversy, prompting both outrage and ultimately, relief when he returned to the series.
The Episode in Question: “Life of Brian”
The episode “Life of Brian,” which aired on November 24, 2013, marked the shocking death of Brian Griffin. In this episode, Brian is tragically hit by a car while playing street hockey with Stewie. The impact is fatal, and Brian succumbs to his injuries at the veterinarian’s office. The Griffin family is left devastated, and they eventually adopt a new dog, Vinny, voiced by Tony Sirico.
The episode’s ending initially suggested a permanent departure for the beloved canine intellectual. However, this proved to be a temporary situation, setting the stage for his eventual resurrection.
The Fan Reaction and Controversy
The decision to kill off Brian sparked widespread outrage among Family Guy fans. Social media platforms exploded with petitions, protests, and expressions of grief. Many viewers felt betrayed by the show’s creators, accusing them of sacrificing a vital character for shock value. The abruptness of Brian’s death, combined with the introduction of Vinny, further fueled the controversy.
Some fans argued that Brian’s character had become stale and predictable, suggesting a need for a change. However, the majority expressed a deep connection to the character and viewed his death as a significant loss to the show’s dynamic. The controversy surrounding “Life of Brian” highlighted the significant role that Brian Griffin played in the hearts of Family Guy viewers.
The Unexpected Resurrection
The initial shock and outrage eventually gave way to cautious optimism when rumors of Brian’s return began to circulate. This hope was ultimately realized when, in the episode “Christmas Guy,” which aired on December 15, 2013, Brian was brought back to life.
Stewie, using his time machine (repaired after being damaged in “Life of Brian”), traveled back to the point just before Brian’s accident and pushed him out of the way of the oncoming car, effectively altering the timeline and preventing his death.
The Significance of Brian’s Death and Return
Brian’s death and subsequent resurrection served as a significant event in Family Guy history. While initially perceived as a cynical attempt to generate publicity, the storyline ultimately provided an opportunity to explore the themes of loss, grief, and the value of relationships.
The episode also underscored the importance of Brian’s character to the show’s overall dynamic. His intellectual sparring with Peter, his complex friendship with Stewie, and his role as the family’s voice of reason all contributed to the show’s unique brand of humor. While some argue that Brian’s return diminished the impact of his initial death, it ultimately reaffirmed his irreplaceable position within the Family Guy universe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding Brian Griffin’s death and resurrection:
What was the reason given for killing off Brian?
Seth MacFarlane, the creator of Family Guy, has stated that the decision to kill off Brian was primarily driven by a desire to shake things up and surprise the audience. He also mentioned wanting to explore the dynamic of the family without Brian. However, the strong negative reaction from fans ultimately led to his return.
How long was Brian Griffin dead on the show?
Brian Griffin was “dead” for a total of two episodes. He died in “Life of Brian” (November 24, 2013) and was resurrected in “Christmas Guy” (December 15, 2013).
Who voiced Vinny, the dog who replaced Brian?
Vinny was voiced by Tony Sirico, best known for his role as Paulie Walnuts in The Sopranos. The choice of Sirico was intended to create a stark contrast between Brian’s intellectual and sophisticated personality and Vinny’s tough, street-smart demeanor.
Did the writers always plan to bring Brian back?
While there were conflicting reports at the time, it’s generally believed that the writers had at least considered the possibility of bringing Brian back. The extent to which this was a pre-determined plan remains unclear, but the use of Stewie’s time machine made a resurrection relatively easy to execute.
How did fans react to Brian’s return?
The majority of fans were overjoyed by Brian’s return. The outrage surrounding his death quickly subsided, replaced by relief and gratitude. However, some viewers felt that the storyline cheapened the impact of death and questioned the show’s commitment to genuine character development.
Was there any symbolism in Brian’s death?
Some viewers interpreted Brian’s death as a commentary on the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of loss. Others saw it as a reflection of the show’s willingness to push boundaries and challenge audience expectations. However, the primary purpose seems to have been shock value and generating buzz.
Did Brian’s death affect the show’s ratings?
There was a slight dip in ratings immediately following Brian’s death, but this was short-lived. His return likely helped to stabilize the show’s viewership and maintain its popularity.
Why did Stewie have the time machine available to save Brian?
Stewie’s time machine was a recurring plot device in Family Guy. In “Life of Brian,” it had been damaged. However, Stewie repaired it just in time to travel back and save Brian, conveniently providing the means for his resurrection. This demonstrates the often-arbitrary nature of plot development in animated sitcoms.
Has Family Guy killed off other main characters?
While Family Guy has killed off minor characters, Brian’s death was the most significant and controversial departure of a main character. His temporary absence highlighted his importance to the show’s core dynamic.
Did Brian’s near-death experience change his character?
While Brian’s near-death experience was a significant event, it didn’t dramatically alter his core personality. He remained the same erudite, self-absorbed, and occasionally pretentious dog that viewers had come to know and love (or hate).
What was the name of the episode where Brian returns?
The episode where Brian Griffin returns is titled “Christmas Guy”, which aired on December 15, 2013. This episode provided a joyous conclusion to the controversial storyline.
Will Brian ever be killed off permanently?
Given the backlash from Brian’s temporary death and his vital role in the show, it seems highly unlikely that he will be killed off permanently. He remains a cornerstone of the Family Guy universe, and his absence would likely have a detrimental impact on the show’s popularity.