27/01/2016
In the chaotic world of the Griffin household, unexpected events are par for the course. While the family often finds themselves embroiled in outlandish schemes, the specific circumstances leading to Brian Griffin driving a Hummer in Season 17, Episode 19, titled 'Meg, Internetted,' are a curious blend of Meg's pursuit of viral fame and Brian's own vehicular predicaments. This episode, which aired on May 5, 2019, delves into the often bizarre intersection of internet culture and the Griffins' peculiar brand of reality.
Meg's Quest for Online Stardom
The primary catalyst for the events involving Brian's temporary Hummer ownership stems from Peter Griffin's ill-conceived challenge. At a streaming convention, Peter, ever the instigator, dares a character named Corey to transform his daughter, Meg, into an internet celebrity. This bold proposition sets in motion a chain of events that sees Meg launching her own online show. Her chosen niche? Consuming an astonishing array of food items, a spectacle that quickly garners attention, albeit with serious health consequences.
Meg's foray into internet fame takes a dramatic turn during a live appearance at an event called 'Cream Queen.' The strain of her extreme eating habits, coupled with the pressures of a live audience, leads to a severe medical emergency: a diabetic coma. This critical collapse highlights the often-unseen dangers lurking beneath the surface of viral fame, demonstrating that online notoriety can come at a significant personal cost.
Brian and Stewie's Convention Calamity
Meanwhile, Brian and Stewie's experience at the same streaming convention takes a rather embarrassing turn. Brian, whose usual suave demeanour sometimes falters, is ejected from the premises for making a sexually suggestive comment to a young woman. This social faux pas leads to a subsequent mishap. While driving, both Brian and Stewie, seemingly fatigued, fall asleep at the wheel. The narrative attributes their drowsiness to listening to NPR, a detail that adds a layer of ironic commentary.
It's during this period of vehicular misfortune that Brian's driving situation becomes particularly noteworthy. Having been subjected to an insult about his car being 'girly,' Brian, with his characteristic pride, insists on a loaner vehicle that embodies pure machismo. The dealership provides him with a Hummer, a vehicle renowned for its imposing size and rugged image. This decision, driven by a wounded ego and a desire to project an image of toughness, lands Brian in the driver's seat of the gas-guzzling behemoth.
The Hummer's Role in the Crisis
Fate, it seems, has a way of intertwining the family's separate predicaments. When Meg collapses during her live appearance, it is Brian, in his borrowed Hummer, who is able to swiftly transport her to the hospital. The sheer presence and power of the Hummer, initially acquired due to Brian's vanity, inadvertently proves to be a crucial asset in a moment of dire need. This juxtaposition underscores the show's penchant for using extreme circumstances to drive its narrative, often with a darkly comedic twist.
Consequences and Complications
At the hospital, the gravity of Meg's condition becomes apparent. She is diagnosed with diabetes, a direct result of her extreme eating habits driven by her pursuit of fame. However, Meg's taste for celebrity proves stronger than her concern for her health. She embraces her new role as a spokesperson for 'Pancresta,' a fictional product, and her condition deteriorates further, eventually leading to the loss of her feet. This tragic turn of events serves as a stark warning about the consequences of unchecked ambition and the exploitation of health issues for personal gain.
During an awards ceremony at school, Meg has a moment of sobering realization. She observes that many of her friends have also gained weight, a direct consequence of her influence. This prompts a pledge to adopt a healthier lifestyle and attempt to salvage her deteriorating health. However, as if guided by a cruel twist of fate, the bleachers upon which the students are seated collapse, tragically resulting in the death of a janitor. In a bizarre turn of events, Dr. Hartman is able to perform a foot transplant for Meg, using the janitor's body. This grotesque yet darkly humorous resolution further exemplifies the show's unique brand of storytelling.
The Hummer's Extended Stay and Final Farewell
As Brian's own car is eventually repaired, the time comes for him to return the Hummer. This prospect fills Brian with a profound sense of heartbreak. In a classic Stewie manoeuvre, he devises a plan to prolong their enjoyment of the powerful vehicle. Stewie intentionally wrecks the rear end of Brian's Prius again, thus necessitating a longer loan period for the Hummer. This act of sabotage allows Brian and Stewie to keep the Hummer for a few more weeks, much to Brian's delight.
Their extended ownership of the Hummer culminates in a confrontation with the environmentally conscious actor Mark Ruffalo. Seeking to provoke him, Brian and Stewie perform donuts on Ruffalo's lawn. To their utter dismay, they discover that Ruffalo is, in fact, the Incredible Hulk. In a display of immense power, he hurls both them and the Hummer into New Hampshire, marking a definitive and rather explosive end to their Hummer escapade.
Comparative Table: Brian's Car Choices
| Vehicle | Reason for Driving | Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Brian's Prius | His regular vehicle | Damaged by Stewie (twice) |
| Hummer (Loaner) | Insulted for driving a 'girly' car; needed a 'macho' replacement | Used for emergency transport, extended use due to sabotage, ultimately destroyed by Mark Ruffalo (Hulk) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Brian want a different car?
Brian was insulted by someone for driving what they perceived as a 'girly' car, prompting him to demand a more 'macho' loaner vehicle.
How did Brian and Stewie get the Hummer for longer?
Stewie deliberately damaged Brian's Prius again after it was repaired, forcing the dealership to extend their loan of the Hummer.
What happened to the Hummer at the end of the episode?
Mark Ruffalo, revealed to be the Hulk, threw the Hummer (along with Brian and Stewie) into New Hampshire.
What is the main theme of Meg's storyline?
Meg's storyline explores the perils of seeking internet fame, the negative health consequences of extreme online trends, and the impact one's actions can have on others.
What is the significance of the Hummer in the episode?
The Hummer serves as a symbol of Brian's vanity and desire for a 'tough' image, but it also becomes an unlikely tool for helping Meg in her medical crisis, before meeting a spectacular end.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Brian gave Meg the Hummer in the sense that he was the one driving it when she needed urgent medical attention. The Hummer itself was a loaner vehicle that Brian acquired due to his own pride and a desire to escape a perceived feminine association with his regular car. The episode masterfully weaves together Meg's disastrous pursuit of online fame with Brian's vehicular adventures, resulting in a narrative that is both critical of internet culture and hilariously absurd, in true Family Guy fashion. The Hummer, in this context, is less a gift to Meg and more a consequence of Brian's character flaws and the show's signature brand of comedic chaos.
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