Story: 7/10
The plot centers around Peter forgetting to plan Stewie's first birthday party, leading him to scramble for a solution. Meanwhile, the rest of the family is caught up in the chaos, and Stewie ends up having an existential crisis about life itself. The main conflict is a bit predictable, but it's charming in how it portrays Peter's misguided but well-intentioned actions. The mix of birthday party hijinks and deeper family themes gives it a bit of heart.
Characters: 7.5/10
Peter continues to be the lovable idiot, with his antics driving the main plot. Lois gets more screen time as she deals with the fallout from Peter's lack of preparation. Stewie is still a standout, with his biting remarks and personal reflections on the meaning of life. The development of the family dynamic becomes more apparent, and their chemistry starts to shine through, especially during the party scenes.
Humor: 7/10
The humor here is strong, though not as sharp as in the previous episode. The cutaway gags are once again a highlight, with a few classics like the hilarious parody of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Some jokes land better than others, and the party scenes bring a good mix of chaotic humor. The show still feels like it's trying to find its voice, but there are enough laughs to make it enjoyable.
Pacing: 7/10
The pacing flows nicely in this episode, balancing the subplot of Stewie's birthday party with Peter's mad scramble. However, there are moments where the episode feels slightly disjointed, especially during the cutaways. The party plot could have been expanded more, but it doesn't take away from the overall flow.
Writing: 7/10
The writing here is solid but feels like it's still finding its rhythm. The dialogue is funny, with some solid gags and quick-witted one-liners. The satire is there, but it feels a bit more predictable compared to the previous episode. Stewie's existential crisis adds a layer of depth to the writing, though it doesn't go much beyond surface-level jokes.
Animation: 7/10
The animation continues to improve, with more vibrant colors and smoother character movements. The backgrounds are still fairly simple, but the action sequences, especially during the birthday party, are fun to watch. It's not groundbreaking, but the animation fits the tone of the show and adds to the zany, comedic atmosphere.
Voice Acting: 8/10
Seth MacFarlane continues to shine in his vocal performances, especially as Stewie, Peter, and Brian. The rest of the cast also holds their own, with the characters becoming more distinct as their voices settle in. The dynamic between the characters is becoming more natural, and it's evident that the voice actors are starting to get comfortable with their roles.
Final Verdict: 7/10
"Chitty Chitty Death Bang" is a solid episode of Family Guy, with a fun premise and plenty of laughs. While it doesn't quite reach the highs of previous episodes, it's still a fun ride with enough humor and heart to keep it engaging. The show continues to find its footing, and this episode proves that Family Guy is beginning to hit its stride.
