Hey, everyone. "Moriarty" here with some Rumblings From The Lab.

"Julius Funkenstein" wrote in to rant about animated comedies in general and FAMILY GUY in particular. Let's see what he has to say. Be forewarned... I think he's drunk. He was looking at me all beery when he stumbled in here with his article...

JULIUS FUNKENSTEIN TALKS A BIT ON THE STATE OF ANIMATED COMEDIES...AND FAMILY GUY

Hey folks, The Funk Bomb himself here with a wee bit report on the next two episodes of Fox's delightful animated comedy, Family Guy. Right now, with the sorry state of animated comedies on television, Family Guy reigns supreme. The Simpsons has been increasingly stagnant with the last two seasons, as the show has run out of story ideas and resorted to outlandish storylines which made absolutely NO FUCKING SENSE WHATSOEVER. Futurama has had excellent episodes, but when the show is bad, it is extremely bad. It is easily one of the most inconsistent shows on television. King Of The Hill, for me, is the best of the animated comedies. It enjoyed one of its best seasons this year and was consistently good every episode.

Family Guy has been given the shaft by Fox at every opportunity. Really, I dont know why. The ratings have always been decent, it brings in some solid adverising revenue due to its prime demographic. The only thing I can think of is the minor controversy that show has sparked,but even that didn't warrant the shitty treatment the show has recieved. Family Guy enjoys a solid fanbase that spreads to 'zines, fanfiction, and several websites. I am a huge fan of the show and collect several pieces of Family Guy memorabillia. I have seen every episode of the show as well as 3 episodes which are currently not slated to air, including a Christmas special. Fox recently took alot of heat from the Family Guy community over its HORRIBLE decision to air Family Guy on Thursdays against the onslaught of Must See TV and UPN's Smackdown. I, do not think that this is a battle that Family Guy can win. Hopefully, I'm wrong... I recently viewed 2 upcoming episodes of Family Guy. Here are some short reviews for you to chew on...

EPISODE 3-9

After Peter's boss, Mr. Weed, bites the big one, the toy factory, Happy Go Lucky Toys, dies with him and Peter looses his job. After several unsucessful attempts, Peter attempts to realize his dream of becoming a jouster at the local renaissance fair. The usual Family Guy humor takes effect here, only slightly dented. Methinks, this episode is the Family Guy debut of the writer. This is probably my least favorite episode of the season. The subplot is super weak and Peter's stupidity level goes Homer-esque in this episode. Personally, I don't think they should have done away with the ever loveable Mr. Weed, the hispanic homosexual who had a thing for Peter...he could have provided some great situations for the show's writing staff. There are some sweet guest stars on this episode such as Adam Carolla, of The Man Show as the recurring character, Death and Will Farrell also does some sweet voice acting. Overall, compared to previous installments of Family Guy, this episode is relatively weak.

THE FUNK FACTOR: 7.9 out of 10

EPISODE 3-10

Still without employment, Peter becomes a fisherman. Naturally, he needs a boat, but he doesn't have enough money for his vessel, so he goes to a bank, a bank that feels "less then cosher", as Brian, the talking, advice giving dog, puts it. This might be my favorite episode of the season. Even though, we continue to see the gradual "dumbing down" of Peter, I don't mind here as it allows some interesting plot twists. The subplot, which involves some partying with the mother and daughter duo, Lois and Meg is pretty fucking funny and involves the reversing of roles as Meg takes a step back while Lois gets her party on. No real guest stars in this episode. Great stuff all around. Overall, compared to previous installments of Family Guy, this episode is fucking great! One of the few problems with Family Guy is that usually, the subplot aint up to par with the main storyline, in this episode the subplot may even be better then the main storyline. Great episode.

THE FUNK FACTOR: 9.3 out of 10

Julius Funkenstein...Your Gay Latin Boss

Send your scripts, your girlfriends, and your self respect to...

juliusfunkenstein@hotmail.com

Okay, now I know he's drunk. FAMILY GUY is not the best animated comedy on television. It's not one of the best ones. It's not even overlooked. FAMILY GUY is lucky to still be on TV. I think it's a poorly designed show, unpleasant to watch, and it's loud and gross because it never manages to be funny. It's like it thinks loud and gross is enough. Poor taste is not automatically witty.

I still say, if you want genuine animated comedy right now, try INVADER ZIM on Nickelodeon or ADULT SWIM (particularly AQUA TEEN HUNGER FORCE) on Cartoon Network.

And, Julius, dude... FUTURAMA rules FAMILY GUY's bitch ass.

"Moriarty" out.