Ep 9. Don't Be a Dickens at Christmas

In the ninth episode of Family Guy's sixteenth season, titled "Don't Be a Dickens at Christmas," the Griffins find themselves struggling during the holiday season. Feeling like their lives are falling apart, Lois decides to take drastic measures and tries to convince the family to skip Christmas altogether. However, when Stewie has a near-death experience, the Griffin family ends up in the midst of a parody of Charles Dickens' famous novel A Christmas Carol.

As each member of the family is visited by a figure from the past, present, and future, they are forced to confront their flaws and shortcomings in order to be able to move forward. From Meg realizing how underappreciated and unloved she feels, to Peter's constant disregard for the people he loves, the household's deepest issues are brought to light.

Throughout the episode, comedic elements are added with hilarious pop culture references and unexpected cameos. Along with the usual cast, viewers will be entertained by appearances from Betty White, Jon Hamm, and Jeezy among others. Each guest star adds a unique blend of humor to the show and plays a pivotal role in the Griffins' journey towards redemption.

Despite the serious tone of the episode, fans of Family Guy will not be disappointed with the classic humor that has made the show so popular. The commentary on the true meaning of Christmas is delivered in the infamous cutaway gags that Family Guy is known for. There are also a number of musical numbers that are both catchy and comical in true Family Guy fashion.

The final scene is particularly heartwarming as the Griffins come together to celebrate the true spirit of the holiday season. Even though they were on the verge of giving up, Lois and Peter realize the importance of sticking together as a family and learning to appreciate what they have. This is a lesson that all viewers, regardless of age, can take away from the show.

Ultimately, "Don't Be a Dickens at Christmas" showcases the power of love and family in times of hardship. While the episode has a deeper message, it's also a fun and entertaining addition to the Family Guy series. Fans will welcome this modern retelling of A Christmas Carol, complete with the usual cast of zany characters.