Review: American Dad “Stretched Thin”

Overview:

A misguided entrepreneurial exercise in responsibility turns into a catalyst for conflict within the Smith family that turns into a tug of war against Jeff. Jeff’s earnest efforts to prove that he can make sound decisions and is someone who possesses worthwhile opinions bring into motion complex consequences that could ruin the entire family if not properly handled.

Our Take:

American Dad’s current season has been rich in Jeff episodes so far, which can often revolve around similar ideas. There’s a certain purity to Jeff’s endeavors and what drives the character in life, which was under examination in the previous episode, “The Pleasanting at Smith House,” but looked at through a completely different lens in “Stretched Thin.” “Stretched Thin” looks at a determined version of Jeff who strives to live his own life rather than one where well-intentioned people decide what they think is best for him. All of these attempts to invalidate Jeff’s agency turn “Stretched Thin” into a fun American Dad episode that celebrates the glory that is Jeff and what a force of nature he can be when he’s properly motivated and has something to prove, which isn’t something that can be said for every member of the Smith family.

“Stretched Thin” also benefits from the decision to put Jeff on his own here rather than what could have been an easy choice for him to share this burden with Hayley, Roger, or anyone else in the family, whether as an accomplice or just another character to bounce off of that brings something else to the table. Jeff is an entertaining enough character that he’s more than capable of holding an American Dad episode on his own shoulders, but it’s still a pleasantly surprising decision for “Stretched Thin.” This story works best when it’s ostensibly Jeff Vs. The Family as a whole since it organically evolves into a story where everyone must work together, only for Jeff’s perceived faults to become their saving grace after yet another family exile. It even finds a way to subvert the standard heart-to-heart call of action that Jeff experiences in the eleventh hour by having it occur with him on his knees in the front of a toilet bowl while Roger helps–pantsless–from above. 

There’s a severe lack of Roger during the episode’s first-half, which is something that’s already been deconstructed in a self-aware manner in this season’s handful of episodes. “Stretched Thin” doesn’t adopt the same approach and it’s appreciated that this episode stays focused with an emotional core as its driving force so that when it does eventually bring Roger into the narrative’s orbit it’s at least in a way that’s connected. In fact, there’s not a B-story at all to speak of here and “Stretched Thin” wisely rids itself of any extraneous storytelling in favor of a raw idea that benefits from having more time to elaborate upon its themes. This isn’t necessarily an episode that requires a heavier focus on Roger, but it at least finds a way to incorporate him that feels justified and still ultimately celebrates Jeff. On the topic of Roger’s persona du jour, Jim, Jane Lynch does really strong, understated work in this episode as his wife, Debra, the CEO of Stretcharoo.

“Stretched Thin” makes some great decisions in its final act, even if those of the Smith family don’t inspire much confidence. Jeff wrestles with feelings of imposter syndrome, which blossom into a greater confidence in himself than ever before. The episode approaches a simplified resolution wherein one good decision is supposed to become emblematic for a whole future of reassured confidence. There’s a positive message behind this idea, but “Stretched Thin” is even smarter to have Jeff’s decision fail, only for his family to understand and support him, even at his worst. It’s a reminder that as shallow and selfish as the Smith family can be, they still never forget that they are, in fact, a family. “Stretched Thin” is a silly, satisfying exploration of this idea just as much as it’s a strong opportunity for Jeff Fischer to grow.

Oh, and Jeff likes Sonic ice cream pops. Update your notes accordingly, Dadders.