Family Guy’s second DVD premiere and first ever Blu-ray release is Something, Something, Something Dark Side. It is released on December 28th, and between now and then we’ll be running features on the new release. But here’s the one you’ve been waiting for, it’s the spoiler-free Jedi News review…
Something, Something, Something Dark Side is Family Guy’s second Star Wars re-telling, and like The Empire Strikes Back, has a hard act to follow. The title Something, Something, Something Dark Side comes from one of Family Guy’s finest Star Wars sketches, in which the Emperor figured out the secret to great Star Wars dialogue.
The first special, “Blue Harvest”, saw the power go out in the Griffin household. Coincidentally, the power goes out again – giving Peter an excuse to share his re-telling of The Empire Strikes Back with his family and the audience, in his own inimitable style, and with Family Guy characters taking on the classic Star Wars roles. Even in the teaser, Family Guy’s typical self-parody is on display, and continues throughout the special to give some of its most hilarious moments.
The episode truly begins with the words “A long time ago, when the gays weren’t all in your face about it…” (that’s the first and last gag spoiled in this review!), a line that sets the tone for the rest of the special. If the tone in “Blue Harvest” felt less edgy than is typical for Family Guy, it is certainly lowered here. The language is also bluer than usual for the series (lacking the constraints of TV censors), but the effing and jeffing is sparingly used, and when it is used it’s to devastating comic effect.
In the first special, the characters also re-enacted the film, however here the Family Guy characters have come even more to the fore. By allowing Peter Griffin to completely be Peter Griffin in Han Solo’s shoes, the comedy flows thick and fast. One of the new characters included in Carl, an obscure name even to regular Family Guy viewers, who works surprisingly well as Yoda. Anyone expecting Meg’s appearance here to be more dignified than as the Dianoga in “Blue Harvest” is in for a treat. The only character who has notably limited screen time is Mort as Lando Calrissian, but with many characters to squeeze in someone was bound to be a bit short-changed.
Like in “Blue Harvest”, the ironies, contradictions and bits-that-stick-out-on-your-100th-viewing from The Empire Strikes Back are pointed out brilliantly. There is no forgiveness for not knowing The Empire Strikes Back inside and out – only us truly hardcore fans will enjoy some of the finest jokes (“And I thought they smelled bad…”). The introduction of Yoda is done very quickly here, but will have fans in hysterics. The plan to rescue Han Solo from Jabba and the Hutt is also nicely summarised.
Other stand-out moments include the opening crawl, Han’s descent into Carbonite, and why the Empire hate the Rebels quite so much. The entire episode, however, is a complete joy for Star Wars fans. This is truly a brilliant follow up, that surpasses the quality of the first. The fact that it is a genuinely adult affair, parodies some wonderfully obscure points and has some of Family Guy’s finest writing make it an absolute must for any mature Star Wars fan.
The special features were not available to review at this time (thanks to Fox for allowing us to attend the special screening in London on Monday). Family Guy: Something, Something, Something Dark Side is released on DVD, Special Edition DVD and Blu-ray on December 28th.
