Can't get much more reliable than the Stewie/Brian tandem at this point in the show's run and combining them with Dan Aykroyd and Chevy Chase definitely didn't hurt. Good stuff all around, here.
The B-plot didn't quite work with Peter, Quagmire, and Joe trying to form an improv group. Plots like this are sorely missing Cleveland's subtle presence. They also didn't have much of a payoff, though the quick cutaways to James Lipton were good for a laugh.
Better than last week's episode. I'll give it a thumbs up!
Thumbs down for me. I thought they wasted Chase and Aykroyd- I don't know if they had one funny bit the entire episode. And I agree that the Improv sub-plot didn't work either, aside from a few of Peter's ill-timed John Wayne impersonations.
I thought it was one of the blandest episodes I've seen in quite some time. It might have worked for big Spies Like Us fans, but the show just felt like a big misfire.
I liked the bit where Stewie had no cutaway joke since he didn't hear what he mumbled about to set it up. I also liked how Quagmire echoed South Park's criticisms that the comedy needs to be organic. Those jokes gave the whole episode a very self-referential feel.
ETA: I also like the continued references to Cleveland, including the continuance of his house being destroyed while he's in the bathtub, complete with Mr. Bear cameo.
(edited by EddieBurkett on 12.10.09 2223) You believe me, don't you? Please believe what I just said...
Seth MacFarlane's loving his "walk on the beach" scenes. This is like the second or third time it's come up tonight. This was pretty good. Had some good moments, though I don't think I got a bigger laugh than I did with the CIA mouse.