Should Family Guy’s Writers Take Seriously Assumptions About Character and Plot Development?

The question of whether the writers of Family Guy should take seriously the notion of writing the characters out better with actual character and story plot development is a complex one, fraught with implications for the show's goals and the expectations of its audience. So why might such changes be desirable, and why might they be infeasible?

Goals of the Show's Producers

Multiple goals could drive a show like Family Guy, including but not limited to increasing ratings, attracting more advertisers, retaining actors, earning Emmy nominations, and receiving critical acclaim. The goal of character and plot development seems to run counter to several of these aspirations.

If the goal is to hold the show's ratings or maintain its popularity, constantly changing the show's core characters and storylines could be a risky move. Viewers enjoy the predictability and the fundamental peculiarities of the characters. Changing too much could alienate the audience and lead to a decrease in viewership or critical acclaim.

Disposition of Characters

As depicted in the anecdote, a mother's perspective highlights the character of Family Guy as not firm, but rather a series of self-perpetuating human flaws. This mirrors the show's unique ability to satirize behavior and choices, providing a comedic reflection rather than a lesson. This is a core aspect of the show's appeal and longevity. The success of Creator Seth MacFarlane and the financial health of Family Guy make significant changes in character or plot risky, as Family Guy is a show that operates on a certain formula that has worked well for years.

The aim is not to rigidly follow societal norms or moral compliance, but to provide a humorous and satirical reflection on these norms. When characters are able to do outrageous things in a way that resonates with the audience, it means more than just telling a moral: it's showing the absurdity of human behavior. This is the essence of Family Guy. Changing this formula could diminish its ability to do so, leading to a potential loss of both its unique style and its core appeal.

Roles and Audience Engagement

Continuing in the line of the quoted text, Family Guy

is a show that is fundamentally a mirror held up to human foibles. It does not aim to teach a specific lesson but rather to expose and play with these foibles. Characters like Peter, Stewie, and Lois are designed to push the boundaries of what is acceptable and to highlight the ridiculousness of our behaviors. If they were to stop committing the same kinds of crimes or outrageous acts, the show would lose its punch and its purpose. It would transition from a biting satire to a more traditional sitcom, which may not be as engaging or novel to its audience.

The comedic actions of the characters have the unique ability to embody the worst of humanity without ever feeling didactic. They are flawed, absurd, and endearing, which is part of what makes them relatable and entertaining. Changing such a fundamental aspect of the show just for the sake of character and plot development would be counterproductive and could lead to a decline in viewership and critical reception.

For Family Guy to continue as a show that reflects our flaws and pushes the envelope, it must maintain its current characters and storylines. Any significant changes could jeopardize the show’s success and its unique cultural impact. Therefore, while the desire to improve character development and plot points is understandable, the specific mission and goals of the show make such changes impractical and potentially detrimental.

In summary, while the idea of improving character development and plot points in Family Guy is alluring, it would be counterproductive given the show's current structure and its goals. The purpose of the show is to mirror and satirize human behavior, and altering this formula would undermine its core appeal and risk diluting its effectiveness.