Review: American Dad “My Affair Lady”

SPOILERS BELOW

After a not too great episode last week, this was a much welcomed return to how American Dad should be. Many still question if American Dad is in good hands over at TBS, but the quality of the episodes make me question why they’re questioning. Perhaps the only question you came into this article caring about is my thoughts on last night’s American Dad: My Affair Lady, so let’s pick this thing apart!

In “My Affair Lady” Hayley goes through a personal crisis that leaves her feeling at her lowest. She seeks help from Roger, who has been testing out a new identity as a life coach. He instructs her to get a job, but when she does, she begins to fall for one of her new coworkers. Meanwhile, Steve has a Mother-Son dance at school, and Stan takes on the role of their chauffeur.

I spend a lot of time thinking about what is important to me when watching shows like American Dad, because not only do I have to review them every week, but because it also helps me understand what I need to look for when seeking a laugh. Last night’s American Dad was a good example of things in an episode that can make me laugh in all of the right ways. I’ve said it before in reviews, but once you’re invested in the situation the characters are going through, laughs begin to come more naturally. In this case, Hayley beginning to develop feelings for another man, knowing that her husband, Jeff, is somewhere up in space. If you follow the show, you know it’s a factor that plays in Hayley’s character, so when it’s addressed, suddenly every emotion begins to feel more real. So when Roger is his typical self in the episode, and does instructs Hayley to do certain things, things just seem funnier. The story itself was pretty interesting, the premise that Hayley may move on from Jeff could alter the dynamic of the show. They referenced Jeff in the episode, so we can now suspect if he’ll make a return at some point down the road. Even the supporting cast was great in this episode. Hayley’s coworkers and boss were all pretty funny. I loved Andrew. He is sort of the punching bag of the office, everybody hates on him and nobody is sure why they do it. One joke he made about landing in Belize was so corny that I couldn’t help but laugh.

Steve’s story was pretty basic. Not very much happened, it was essentially Stan and Francine treating Steve like garbage. The context of the jokes were all pretty hilarious though, because Stan and Francine continually put Steve in situations no son should ever experience. This subplot reminded me of that very recent episode where Stan and Francine bully Jesus while he tries to fix things around their property. I felt the brutally mean combo of Stan and Francine was utilized a little better this episode because I felt it was more to the point. Jokes were consistent, blunt, and well thought out.

I don’t really have any negative points about this episode. Perhaps Steve’s subplot could have been better paced, I was sort of confused about what was actually happening at certain parts. Klaus’s flashbacks were also pretty boring, so ending the episode with that line of jokes sort of ruined the ending a little. Besides that it was a very strong episode. Hopefully more we get more like this in upcoming weeks.

How did you guys enjoy “My Affair Lady”? Like it as much as I did? Not so much? Share your thoughts, I’m always curious to hear them. Enjoy the rest of your week!