Family Guy: Partial Terms of Endearment

Movie / Show Details

Amazon.com

Produced but not yet broadcast (don’t hold your breath), this Family Guy episode is all “A” story–as in abortion. Lois (Alex Borstein giving one of her best performances) agrees to become a surrogate mother, but when the prospective parents die in a car accident (laughing yet?), she must decide whether or not to keep the baby. Both sides of the abortion question are articulated, but if you are pro-laugh, the real debate is whether this episode is funny. Not so much, really, although some of the random gags provide some welcome diversion from the hot-button topic. The audio commentary featuring Seth MacFarlane, Borstein, director Joseph Lee, and writer Danny Smith provides little insight into the episode’s creation. Adhering to the comedy rule of three, the episode can be viewed in two other versions included as bonus features. One is an animatic that does feature some alternate jokes, and the other is a live table read that is enhanced by the audience’s “oh no they didn’t” reaction to some of the edgier gags (“It’s not as bad as you think,” MacFarlane assures them at the outset). This disc also includes the 2009 keep-MacFarlane-happy prime-time special, “Family Guy Presents: Seth and Alex’s Almost Live Comedy Show,” during which Marlee Matlin interrupts Borstein’s impression of her singing Lady Gaga’s “Poker Face.” While Partial Terms is not one of Family Guy’s shining half-hours, this DVD at least offers fans the right to choose… whether or not to watch. –Donald Liebenson

Product Description

The jokes stretch from here to maternity in the hilariously offensive Family Guy episode you couldn’t see on television! Now legal to own (but just barely), Family Guy: Partial Terms of Endearment is a freakin’ poignant tale of what happens when Lois agrees to become a surrogate mother for an infertile couple against Peter’s wishes. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry… it’s your choice!