Review: American Dad “An Irish Goodbye”

Rogu is an abomination!

Overview (Spoilers Below)

“Oh God, it’s one of the ones where they’re friends,” Haley sighs and says after Stan and Jeff rush down the stairs dressed up as coonskin cap-wearing frontiersmen. Because yeah, Stan and Jeff almost never get along, but if it advances the plot, so be it.

Because life is absurd, and because Stan now only works half-days every other week at the CIA, the boys are having a fictional bear hunt around the house’s perimeter. They’re joined in this Davy Crockett caper by Roger’s homunculus, Rogu, who most fans have probably forgotten about, and those who didn’t should have.

It doesn’t really matter what the boys are up to, because their paper-thin plot is merely a means to an end and leads to Haley reaching her breaking point with Jeff. His unyielding idiocy—which involves him stealing her toothbrush and 100 tampons—leads his wife to ruin. She wonders how Francine can make being married to a slightly smarter idiot look so damn easy. After a little snooping, she discovers her mom’s secret—a crappy airport bar called O’rrivals. (Get it? It took me a moment too.)

After downing a few drinks during happy hour, Stan’s shenanigans no longer bother Francine as much, and she’s pleased to share this sanctuary with her exhausted daughter. But a few drinks doesn’t cut it for Haley; Jeff’s moronic behavior has become far too overwhelming. So instead of going home, she heads to Ireland to find solace in the original O’rrivals.

O’rrival’s flagship pub isn’t even at an airport, negating the already weak pun, and Ireland is a whole lot sadder than Haley envisioned. Luckily, after about a week Francine and Jeff travel overseas to bring her home. And after Franny explains how much easier Jeff is to deal with than Stan (since he’ll literally do whatever anybody asks of him) Haley once again finds comfort in the familiar.

Our Take

There have been a ton of Jeff-heavy episodes as of late. While there’s nothing overtly wrong with Jeff—and in moderation he can be hilarious—this is the same character who got lost in space and wasn’t mentioned for several years. While the Haley and Jeff scenes in this episode were amusing enough, it would’ve been nice to see a full-fledged B-plot instead of the random antics of Stan and Jeff… and Rogu (ugh). Plus, Haley’s unhappiness seemed sudden since she’s been married to the same idiot for many, many years now.

In many episodes, Francine is often mysteriously missing. Aside from Klaus, she’s the most absent character on the show. Therefore, it was nice to finally have an in-world explanation for her vanishing act. It was also great to spend a little quality time with Franny for a change as we got to appreciate her oneness with the universe. And I can’t even remember the last time she and Haley did anything together besides share a few awkward words in the kitchen.

As for the guys, even though their actions were superfluous to the greater plot, the frontier-style reenactments made for a few entertaining scenes. But their little side quest could’ve been improved if they’d partnered with Roger instead of the far less compelling Rogu. Historically, the episodes where Roger isn’t given much to do are often the show’s weakest outings.

Finally, I feel the need to mention this episode’s far too bleak depiction of Ireland. Sure, hard times fall on us all, but this felt like punching down. However, it likely wouldn’t have seemed so negative if more of the episode had taken place on the Isle. I suppose a seedy bar in any country is bound to showcase the worst of its citizenry.

Overall, this was far from one of American Dad’s best episodes, but it’s worth a watch to see some unusual pairings and have few laughs.