Family Guy (TV Series) A Hero Sits Next Door (1999) User Reviews

Not As Strong, But Still Pretty Good!

[g-bodyl · 8/10 · 18 December 2013]

The fifth episode in Season 1 is a rather funny episode, though it lacks the greatness of the first four episodes. Not to say I didn't like this episode. It just lacks a strong, central story and I was not drawn it as I should have been. But the pop culture references are strong and I loved the scene with the Grinch. Now that was pretty funny! We also get to meet The Griffin's new neighbors for the first time and I like what I see.

This episode, "A Hero Sits Next Door" is about how Peter injures his work's best softball player at practice so unless he does not want to get fired, he must find a suitable replacement. He does just that when he meets his new neighbor.....or does he?

Overall, this is a pretty good episode although it's probably the weakest one yet. It has great jokes, but not enough of a good story. I rate this episode 8/10.

Possibly the weakest in Series 1, but still very good.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 7/10 · 11 October 2017]

Peter causes problems for his boss Mr Weed by injuring star player of the company team Guillermo. The solution is new next door neighbour Joe Swanson, but when he turns out to be the star of the show, and is loved by everyone, Peter gets jealous. To win everyone over Peter attempts something heroic.

I loved Peter's Calvin Klein advert, that was one of the funniest moments, exactly what those adverts were like.

It's not my favourite episode, particularly in a strong first season, but it is notable for the arrival of Joe and Bonnie. It lacks Enough Stewie and Lois moments, Stewie had so much of the limelight in the first few episodes, this one just seems a little short. 7/10

Light on the Laughs

[injury-65447 · 6/10 · 13 June 2020]

It had its moments but overall it was about as funny as a guy interrupting a bank robbery to outshine his handicapped neighbour.

For whatever reason I just didn't laugh much during this episode.

I like the bat cave gag.

As usual Stewie is the clear star here.

9/10

[Analog_Devotee · 9/10 · 13 January 2021]

This episode has great character development for Joe. I'm surprised to see some consider it subpar compared to other episodes in season 1 -- I found it to be one of the better ones. Lots of quick laughs and enjoyable character development. I also enjoy the scenes with Peter and his boss -- hilarious!

This Episode Was A Little Embarrassing 😳 But Was Good.

[DarkDragon_852 · 10/10 · 17 May 2021]

The Episode Was A Little Embarrassing When Lois Embarrassed Peter When He Was Selling Soda Or Whatever It Was! That Made Me A Little Scared When Lois Was Singing And All That Stuff But The Other Parts We're Great.

Generic but funny

[jayjaxan · 7/10 · 20 April 2022]

Peter needs someone to replace someone on the company softball team meanwhile a new neighbor moves next door and Peter asks Joe (the new neighbor) to be the replacement and it becomes "my neighbor is popular than me story" but it's a really funny episode.

So far my favorite episode

[Some-asshole · 10/10 · 18 March 2024]

Season 1 Episode 5 of Family Guy is my favorite episode so far, and could possibly remain that way. I'm writing this to mark which episode is my favorite.

The jokes are at a rapid fire pace that is just fantastic. It's amazing how fast the jokes were in the early seasons, and I gotta say I feel like this one has the best ones. For example: 1. Go Tuck Yourself In and My Hairy Aunt is possibly my favorite Family Guy joke ever. No explanation needed for the genius thought behind this.

2. The glasses joke early on, establishing Mr Weed's fruitiness.

3. Toaster cutaway.

4. "Oh what is the baby coming out of him?"

And those are just early on in the episode.

The story for this is basically Joe Swanson's introduction to the series. It leads to a funny internal conflict with Peter that ties into a nice message at the end. And the final joke of irony made me laugh just as much as the rest of the episode.

I don't have too much more to say, I just feel like this episode is brilliant.

When FG was still cute

[burteriksson · 5 April 2021]

This and the previous episode ("Mind over Murder" in which Peter sets up a bar in their basement and Lois starts singing) showcase perfectly how cute "Family Guy" was in the beginning. Sure, characters need some edge, but other than that, the show had all its elements present that made it the show it was and still is. Naturally the pacing and rhythm change a little over the course of time, when the people working on the show and the techniques they use are changing.

It reminds me of "The Simpsons" very much. The old stories are very similar and you can see a lot of Homer in Peter. As I said: the show was cute. It was softer and more jaded than Simpsons. I especially like Brian who is a cute dog character sipping on a drink off a coconut with a straw. Later they all turn into sex-crazed maniacs and/or sodomites.

Just as The Simpsons, Family Guy needs a little time the reach its peak and get things running - or to establish itself, if you will.