[s8e15] Brian | Griffin's House Of Payne

Reviews were generally mixed. Critics from The A.V. Club praised the satire of the television pilot process but criticized the Stewie subplot as an unnecessary "gross-out gag". Conversely, some reviewers from sites like TV Fanatic found the dark humor of the cover-up storyline to be a highlights.

Meanwhile, Meg and Chris accidentally knock Stewie down the stairs, leaving him unconscious with a severe, visible head wound. They spend the episode attempting a "Weekend at Bernie's" style cover-up, which eventually involves Peter trying to frame Lois for the injury. Production and Reception [S8E15] Brian Griffin's House of Payne

The episode was written by Spencer Porter and directed by Jerry Langford. It featured guest voices from Elijah Wood, James Woods, and Charlie Sheen . Reviews were generally mixed

Although the initial casting of Elijah Wood goes well, the network forces Brian to cast James Woods instead. The executives strip away the drama, transforming it into a crass, low-brow sitcom renamed Classholes . Conversely, some reviewers from sites like TV Fanatic

It was watched by approximately 7.27 million viewers during its initial broadcast on Fox.

After the pilot receives universal backlash from his family and the cast of Two and a Half Men , Brian finally quits the project when the network suggests turning it into a buddy-cop show.