Da Boom

A great episode from the days of old family guy. Filled with epic fights, strange references, and silly/witty jokes that I did not understand as a kid when I watched it over and over again and now fully appreciate rewatching, for example:

Peter: "this is just like that time I was head of the bulimia clinic" Flash back Peter: "hey did anyone throw from that fish last night?"

This episode also has the beginning of the epic chicken fight and you see the origin of that relationship.

Overall this episode is great. Coherent story, lots of jokes, and memorable quotes.

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Da Boom was my introduction to Family Guy, and it left a massive mark on my comedic taste. For a little context, it was the first show of its kind I'd seen, also; I had yet to see South Park, and only had a few Simpsons episodes under my belt. It didn't take long to realize I was watching a show unlike anything else out there.

People these days don't realize what a wild time it was back in '99 regarding Y2K. I remember my grandfather insisting it would be similar to a nuclear fallout, and he hoarded cans of food like a madman. That's what this episode touches on: the insanity surrounding the dawn of the new millennium.

I've been a Family Guy fan (especially of seasons 1 - 3) for a very long time, and to this day I firmly believe this is the best episode in the lot. An incredibly engaging plot laced with the comedy we're all familiar with (at least when it comes to early Family Guy), lots of character development and an overall great time.

(This is also the first episode to feature a Peter vs Chicken fight -- a bit which would turn up countless times over the years.)

To me this is the perfect example of Family Guy at its prime. It's a storyline completely divorced from reality and that allows for some really creative ideas to be presented.

So many amazing moments:

• the long running epic chicken fight
• Randy Newman on the piano doing commentary
• Squid Stewie and his adorable tentacular antics
• Brian as a sassy Truman Capote
• the final dream reveal

I absolutely loved this episode.

Story: 8/10 In Da Boom, Peter inadvertently causes a series of events leading to a Y2K disaster, which sends the Griffin family into the apocalypse. The plot is a fun, high-energy one that involves absurd scenarios and wild adventures, all in typical Family Guy fashion. The setting is ridiculous, but it works for this show. The episode has a mix of humor and a bit of sentimentality as the Griffins try to survive, creating a compelling and entertaining storyline, though it does lean heavily into satire rather than emotional depth.

Characters: 8/10 The episode focuses mainly on Peter, Lois, and Stewie, with Peter taking center stage as the cause of the chaos. His usual bumbling antics are on full display, but there's a touch of growth as he attempts to lead his family through the apocalypse. Lois and Stewie both have their moments, though their roles are secondary to Peter's. Brian, as usual, is underutilized but still provides some funny lines. The characters stay true to their usual traits, but there's a nice level of absurdity that makes them even more enjoyable in this over-the-top scenario.

Humor: 8/10 This episode's humor is fast-paced, absurd, and relentless, which is typical for Family Guy. From Peter's botched attempts at survival to the random, surreal gags, there's plenty to laugh at here. However, some jokes may feel a bit forced, and not everything hits the mark, especially when the episode jumps between absurd scenarios quickly. Still, the humor is strong overall, and there are plenty of laughs to be had.

Pacing: 8/10 The pacing is quick and energetic. There's never a dull moment as the Griffins go from one disaster to the next. The high-speed plot keeps things moving, but there are times when the story feels a bit rushed. The quick transitions between scenes sometimes make it hard to fully enjoy certain moments, but it never drags. The action-packed nature of the episode helps it maintain a strong rhythm throughout.

Writing: 8/10 The writing is sharp, focusing on quick wit and satire. There are plenty of pop culture references and absurdities that make the dialogue entertaining. While the writing doesn't delve deeply into character development or emotional arcs, it delivers solid laughs throughout. Some jokes are hit or miss, but the overall experience is fun, and the episode manages to maintain a nice balance between comedy and adventure.

Animation: 8/10 The animation continues to be bright and engaging, with the apocalyptic setting adding some visual flair. The chaotic nature of the Y2K disaster and its aftermath is well-executed, with some good gags in the background. The animation isn't revolutionary, but it serves the episode well and supports the frantic energy of the plot.

Voice Acting: 8/10 The voice acting is strong, as always. Seth MacFarlane delivers a great performance as Peter, capturing his exaggerated emotions and humor perfectly. Mila Kunis, Seth MacFarlane (as Brian and Stewie), and the rest of the cast continue to do a fantastic job of bringing their characters to life. There's a lot of comedic timing that shines through the voice work, which elevates the humor of the episode.

Final Verdict: 8/10 Da Boom is an enjoyable, over-the-top episode filled with absurd humor and fast-paced action. While it doesn't offer much in terms of character development or emotional depth, it excels at delivering laughs and keeping viewers entertained with its wild premise. The animation, voice acting, and quick pacing all contribute to an enjoyable experience. It's not the most groundbreaking episode of Family Guy, but it's definitely one of the more memorable and fun ones.