Stewie & Brian Take Center Stage In Family Guy’s 300th Episode; What To Expect In “Dog Bites Bear”

Peter may be the “lead character,” but Stewie and Brian Griffin have long represented the show’s collective heart. Their storylines and relationship often yield the most compelling, most creative, most lastingly humorous moments on the show.

Fans and critics generally recognize their “Road To” episodes as highlights of the series.

One or both characters have also taken center stage in other milestone episodes, including the show’s 100th and 200th installments.

It should consequently come as no surprise that they are the focal point of the 300th episode.

The episode is called “Dog Bites Bear,” and the title is not at all a cryptic misdirect. The episode, indeed, involves Brian attacking Stewie’s beloved teddy bear Rupert.

The incident — and the fallout — drive the episode’s “A” storyline. The “B” storyline involves Peter refusing to wash his hand after meeting Boo Berry at the local supermarket.

Headline Planet had the opportunity to screen the episode ahead of its Sunday, January 14 broadcast. Based on that screening, we can offer a preview of what to expect (we’ve avoided any major spoilers).

Brian & Stewie’s Storyline Is Meaningful
No, the Brian and Stewie storyline is not a deep, suspenseful dramatic masterpiece. It is still a “Family Guy” storyline, after all.

It is nonetheless a legitimate, meaningful storyline. It is a very solid “sitcom storyline.”

Boasting the spirit of the show’s early seasons (and many of the previous Brian/Stewie episodes), it does not feel like a thin, shameless attempt to tell jokes and introduce flashbacks. It is a grounded, endearing effort that organically plays off the long-established relationship between the Griffin baby and dog.

The story-first approach prevents “Dog Bites Bear” from ranking as one of the show’s most laugh-out-loud, quotable episodes. It does, however, make for one of the most enjoyable “Family Guy” episodes in a while.

Peter’s Storyline Is Predictably (And Fittingly) Disposable
The description of Peter’s storyline (“Peter refuses to wash his hand after meeting his favorite breakfast cereal mascot, Boo Berry”) does not exactly read like novel television.

The events in Sunday’s episode do not subvert expectations. The storyline is as disposable as it sounds.

That, of course, is completely fine in the context of this episode.

Much like the past Brian & Stewie episodes, “Dog Bites Bear” is not reliant on a particularly compelling Peter narrative.  It simply needs a silly, inoffensive side storyline to help with the flow.

The Peter storyline delivers in that regard.  It will doubtfully make anyone laugh, but it more importantly will not make anyone angry.  It will not diminish ability to enjoy the real focus of this week’s episode.

References to “Fast & The Furious,” “Deadpool,” More
“Dog Bites Bear” may feature a meaningful “A” storyline, but it is not without the show’s signature references and cutaways.

“The Fast & The Furious” commands particularly ample attention in this week’s episode. Other noteworthy references and cutaways focus on “Deadpool,” Danny Trejo, Dikembe Mutombo and a beloved ballad.