Ep 13. Rich Old Stewie

In season 18 episode 13 of Family Guy, titled "Rich Old Stewie," viewers are treated to an adventure that takes the Griffin family into the future. Specifically, the year is 2045, and Stewie is now an old man with a lot of personal wealth.

At the start of the episode, Stewie is feeling down about the state of his life. Despite being rich beyond his wildest dreams, he feels lonely and discontent. This prompts him to take a trip into the future via his time machine. He hopes to find a version of himself that is happier and more fulfilled.

Once Stewie arrives in 2045, he finds that he himself has become a revered and wealthy inventor. He has also managed to maintain a youthful appearance thanks to android technology. This version of Stewie seems to have everything that the present-day Stewie is lacking - purpose, companionship, and immortality.

Stewie is delighted to meet his future self and is shown around town by his new acquaintance. However, things soon take a darker turn as Stewie sees glimpses of the corrupt and dystopian world that the future has become. It turns out that Stewie's inventions have helped to create a reality where people are completely reliant on technology. It's a world where humans have lost touch with nature and each other.

Despite these red flags, present-day Stewie is still tempted by the promise of a better life. He dreams of staying in the future and becoming more like his wealthy and successful older self. However, he soon realizes that this path would ultimately lead to a life of loneliness and regret.

The climax of the episode brings both Stewies back to the present day. Present-day Stewie is grateful for the opportunity to see what his life could become if he doesn't make certain changes now. Future Stewie is also given some much-needed perspective, as he realizes that his seeming success has come at a great cost. Both versions of Stewie are left with a lot to think about as the episode comes to an end.

As always, "Rich Old Stewie" is full of the irreverent humor and sharp social commentary that Family Guy has become known for. There are plenty of jokes that poke fun at technology and modern life, as well as satirical references to everything from Star Trek to Blade Runner. However, the heart of the episode is the exploration of how we define success and happiness. It's a poignant reminder that wealth and success don't necessarily lead to a fulfilling life.

Overall, "Rich Old Stewie" is a standout episode of Family Guy. It's a creative and entertaining way to explore some deeper themes, while also staying true to the show's trademark style. Fans of the series will definitely want to check it out.