Plot & Setup: 7/10
The episode kicks off with Brian dealing with some existential loneliness and emotional confusion. When the Griffins visit Lois's parents, Brian falls in love with the Pewterschmidts' prize dog, Seabreeze. Yep-this is that episode. The concept is bizarre even by Family Guy standards, but the writers lean fully into the absurdity, creating a storyline that's oddly compelling in its weirdness.
Brian's Love Life: 7/10
Brian's emotional side has always been an odd contrast to his animal instincts, and this episode plays directly into that tension. His infatuation with Seabreeze is treated seriously by him, and hilariously by everyone else. The joke walks a fine line between creepy and clever, but it mostly lands on the funny side, especially when Seabreeze turns out to be pregnant and everyone assumes Brian is the father.
Comedy & Cutaways: 7/10
The humor is solid if not top-tier. Highlights include Carter Pewterschmidt's wild disdain for Brian, Peter's usual idiocy, and some great one-liners from Stewie. The cutaways are frequent and decent, though they don't hit quite as hard as some other episodes. A courtroom scene toward the end offers a good payoff for the story, complete with a typically absurd resolution.
Family Dynamics & Supporting Cast: 7/10
The Griffins feel like a functional unit in this one, which always gives the episode a stronger foundation. Lois and Peter trying to support Brian is amusing, while the introduction of Carter and Barbara Pewterschmidt adds tension and a bit of upper-class insanity. Carter especially steals scenes with his over-the-top outrage.
Oddball Factor: 6/10
Let's be real: not everyone's going to be on board with the idea of a dog-dog romance treated like a Shakespearean drama. For some, this episode will be too weird to enjoy fully. For others, it's the kind of strange Family Guy moment that makes the show memorable.
Final Thoughts: 7/10
"Screwed the Pooch" is one of Family Guy's stranger outings, but there's enough heart, humor, and madness to make it a worthy entry. Brian's awkward love story is unexpectedly touching, even if it's also completely nuts. Not an all-timer, but definitely a fun, weird ride.
