Ep 12. The Hand That Rocks the Wheelchair

The Hand That Rocks the Wheelchair is the 12th episode of the 9th season of the popular animated TV show, Family Guy. The episode centers around the character of Joe Swanson, who is now confined to a wheelchair after a paralyzing accident. Throughout the episode, Joe grapples with the reality of his new life and how it will affect his relationships with his family and friends.

The episode begins with Peter and the guys at the bar, discussing their plans for the evening. They hear a commotion outside and rush to find out what is happening. It turns out to be Joe attempting to climb the stairs to his apartment, despite being confined to his wheelchair. Peter and his friends assist Joe, but he is visibly embarrassed and frustrated.

Back at the Swanson home, Joe's wife Bonnie is struggling to help him adjust to his new life. She tries to encourage him to take part in physical therapy, but Joe is resistant and feels like a burden on his family. Meanwhile, their young son Kevin is having a hard time processing the fact that his dad can no longer do things with him like he used to.

The episode takes a turn when Joe's long-lost son Kevin comes to visit. Kevin had been given up for adoption at birth, and Joe has feelings of guilt and regret about not being in his son's life. However, when Kevin arrives, it quickly becomes clear that he is not at all what Joe expected. Kevin is a manipulative con-artist who takes advantage of Joe's vulnerability and convinces him to commit crimes for his own benefit.

As Joe becomes more caught up in Kevin's schemes, his relationships with his family and friends begin to suffer. Peter and the guys start to suspect that something is not right, and they enlist the help of a private investigator to get to the bottom of things. Meanwhile, Bonnie becomes increasingly suspicious of Kevin and starts to investigate on her own.

The Hand That Rocks the Wheelchair is a poignant episode that tackles themes of disability, family, and trust. The writers handle Joe's disability with sensitivity and realism, highlighting the challenges that come with adjusting to a new way of life. The episode also explores the complexities of family dynamics, and how relationships can be strained by unexpected events.

The inclusion of Kevin adds a layer of intrigue to the episode, as viewers wonder what his true motives are and how his presence will affect Joe and the rest of the family. The writers do an excellent job of building tension and keeping the audience guessing until the very end.

Overall, The Hand That Rocks the Wheelchair is a standout episode of Family Guy that manages to balance humor with serious subject matter. It is a must-watch for fans of the show, and a great example of how the series continues to push boundaries and tackle important topics.