Episode Overview
“Pilling Them Softly” is the first episode of the fourteenth season of the animated sitcom Family Guy, and the 250th episode overall. It aired on Fox in the United States on September 27, 2015. The episode was written by Hayes Davenport and directed by Jerry Langford. [1, 2]
Plot Summary
In the episode, Stewie’s teacher informs Lois that he has an attention problem. She takes him to Dr. Hartman, who promptly gives him a prescription to treat ADHD. When he takes the pills, he becomes calm. Brian is initially upset about this, but when Meg mentions the creative benefits of it, he decides to try it himself, and becomes hyperactive in contrast to Stewie’s calmness. [1, 2]
Key Facts
- Title: “Pilling Them Softly”
- Season: 14
- Episode: 01
- Total Episode Count: 250
- First Aired: September 27, 2015
Summary of the episode:
- Stewie’s teacher informs Lois that Stewie has problems paying attention in class and recommends medication for ADHD.
- Stewie is taken to Dr. Hartman, who prescribes medication for ADHD.
- Brian objects to Stewie taking pills but later decides to try them himself after Meg mentions the creative benefits.
- Brian becomes hyperactive while Stewie becomes calm.
- Brian comes up with a creative idea for a multimedia science fantasy franchise called “Space Shire 7.”
- Brian and Stewie travel to a fan convention to pitch their idea to George R. R. Martin, who dismisses it.
- Brian and Stewie realize they don’t need the pills and return home.
- Meanwhile, Peter and Quagmire compete in a cooking show, with Peter’s antics causing tension between them.
- Peter sacrifices his own dish for Quagmire to win, and they both decide to end their cooking shows together.
Meanwhile, at the Drunken Clam, Jerome shows samples of some Korean food to Peter, Quagmire, Cleveland, and Joe. Quagmire claims that he can cook better, and prepares a meal for all of his neighbors; Lois decides that he should have his own cooking show. Channel 5’s producer Carson agrees to hire him, but only if Peter joins him due to his silliness; Quagmire agrees to the terms. [2]
Brian and Stewie travel to Hartford, Connecticut, where they meet George R. R. Martin at a fan convention and pitch Space Shire 7, but Martin dismisses it, deeming the concept to be clichéd and clearly created under the influence of drugs. Ultimately, they both decide that they no longer need the pills and return home. [1, 2]
On the day of the cook-off, Joe helps Quagmire with the competition as Cleveland assists Peter with it. The assigned secret ingredient for their dishes is butter. During a montage, Joe and Quagmire focus on cooking while Cleveland and Peter play around. Joe eventually destroys Quagmire’s cooking supplies, sealing his defeat. Peter, seeing this, has a sudden change of heart and devours his meal for Quagmire to achieve victory. Quagmire is touched by Peter’s sacrifice, but decides to forgo the show to preserve their good will toward each other. Peter and Quagmire decide to end the production of their cooking shows in the same way that Food Network had ended the production of Paula Deen’s cooking show. [2]
Reception
The episode received an audience of 2.87 million, making it the fourth-most watched show on Fox that night. [3] Jesse Schedeen of IGN gave the episode a 7.9 out of 10, saying “While it may not rank among the show’s best, “Pilling Them Softly” wasn’t a bad way to kick off Family Guy’s 14th season. Both halves of the episode provided a steady (if not heavy) level of humor, with solid spoofs of George R.R Martin and Iron Chef and even offering up a little social commentary to boot. As much as this show has struggled creatively in the last couple of years, this is a promising start to the new season.” [4]
References
[1] “Pilling Them Softly” – Wikipedia
[2] “Pilling Them Softly” – Family Guy Wiki
[3] “Family Guy: “Pilling Them Softly” Review” – IGN
[4] “68th Emmy Awards Nominations For Programs Airing June 1, 2015 – May 31, 2016” – The Television Academy
FAQs
What episode does Stewie have ADHD?
Stewie has ADHD in the Family Guy episode “Pilling Them Softly”, which is the first episode of the fourteenth season.
What happens when Stewie takes medication for ADHD?
When Stewie takes medication for ADHD, he becomes calm and focused.
What happens when Brian takes medication for ADHD?
When Brian takes medication for ADHD, he becomes hyperactive and creative.
What does George R. R. Martin say about Brian and Stewie’s idea for a multimedia science fantasy franchise?
George R. R. Martin says that Brian and Stewie’s idea for a multimedia science fantasy franchise is clichéd and clearly created under the influence of drugs.
What do Brian and Stewie realize about the medication?
Brian and Stewie realize that they don’t need the medication and that they are better off without it.
What happens in the cooking competition between Peter and Quagmire?
In the cooking competition between Peter and Quagmire, Peter sacrifices his own dish for Quagmire to win.
How does the cooking competition end?
The cooking competition ends with Peter and Quagmire deciding to end their cooking shows together.
What is the significance of the episode’s title, “Pilling Them Softly”?
The title of the episode, “Pilling Them Softly”, is a play on the 2012 film Killing Them Softly, and refers to the use of medication to treat ADHD.