No two characters on Family Guy have a greater connection than Brian and Stewie. Several of the show’s best episodes have been the ones that either sent them on grand adventures or had them explore the depth of their friendship with each other. Today, we’re looking at five Family Guy episodes that best illustrate the incredible bond between Brian and Stewie.
“Road To Rhode Island” – Original Air Date: May 30, 2000
This was the first of several “Road To….” episodes featuring Brian and Stewie, and it was also the first episode to really establish the connection they had with each other. While there are plenty of funny moments as the pair travel from Palm Springs to Quahog (including the motel owner who spends way too much time describing the baseball bat he’s about to beat Brian and Stewie with when their credit card is declined), there’s also the heavy storyline involving Brian’s mother, who he was estranged from at a young age. We find out that after passing away, the family had her stuffed, and is using her as a table. Appalled, Brian takes her body and gives her a proper burial. Stewie sees Brian at his most vulnerable, establishing an emotional connection that would be explored further in later episodes.
“Brian And Stewie” – Original Air Date: May 2, 2010
A classic example of a “bottle episode,” in which Brian and Stewie are locked in a bank vault. This episode spends a little too much time on Brian having to clean up Stewie’s messy diaper by eating it, but after that, the conversation between the pair is fascinating. The pair get drunk on a bottle of scotch, and Stewie inadvertently insults Brian by suggesting that he doesn’t live with the same purpose as other dogs. Later on, Brian reveals that he’s often contemplated suicide, and he fears that he’s a failure. The two share one of the most emotional moments of the series, as Stewie tells Brian he loves him and falls asleep by his side. The relationship between these two has been developing over the course of the series, and with this episode, it reached its apex.
“Halloween On Spooner Street” – Original Air Date: November 7, 2010
When Stewie has his candy stolen by a group of bullies on Halloween night, Brian goes to every length to get it back, even after said bullies paint him pink. Of course, Brian and Stewie’s efforts are ultimatly fruitless, and the reason why Stewie gets his candy back is because Lois took care of business, but that doesn’t make the lengths he goes to for Stewie any less significant. If your dog is willing to get turned pink to help you get your candy back, you don’t waste any time wondering if he loves you.
“New Kidney In Town” – Original Air Date: January 9, 2011
When Peter is going to die unless he gets a new kidney to live, Brian volunteers to give up both of his, which would kill him. When Stewie hears news of this, he panics, kidnaps Brian, and brings him to the playground. He can’t face life without Brian, but as Brian points out, if Peter dies, he’ll grow up without a father. Stewie then bursts into tears, realizing that losing either Brian or Peter would be unbearable. This scene is undercut with the humor of snot streaming down Stewie’s face as he’s crying, but that doesn’t prevent it from resonating heavily.
“Brian’s Play” – Original Air Date: January 13, 2013
After years of disappointment, Brian finally has some success as a writer when his play, “A Passing Fancy” earns rave reviews from local critics. Brian’s achievement inspires Stewie to write a play of his own, and unfortunately for Brian, his play is a million times better. Crushed, Brian lies to Stewie and tells him his play isn’t good. Stewie doesn’t fall for this, however, he knows how great his play is and calls Brian out on his hackneyed writing style. In the past, Brian’s struggles as a writer were played for laughs, but in this episode, he is visibly destroyed by both Stewie’s success, and his own failure. Shortly before the debut performance of Stewie’s play, he alters the script, ruining it in the process. He does this as a favor to Brian, who was hoping Stewie wouldn’t discover how talented he was until after he passed away.
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