AMERICAN DAD – “Lost in Space” (Episode 18, season 9)
WAX FANG – “Majestic” (from the album La La Land)
I’ve been sick the last couple days. Stuck home, hurting and with no energy, at least I had my American Dad re-runs. It seems to be a show I turn to when I’m sick at home, and it does the trick. I love the adsurbity of the alien character, Roger — how all he needs is a wig to “disguise” himself and nobody* can tell he’s an alien. The other day one of my favourite episodes was on: “Lost in Space”; or “the one that shows what happens to Jeff Fischer once he’s taken to space by Roger’s species.”
This episode was a real risk taker. It is almost entirely about a secondary character, that of stoner Jeff (husband to Hayley Smith). Aside from an opening recap, only one main character appears in a surprise cameo. When we last saw Jeff Fischer, Roger tricked him into being sucked up by an alien spaceship. While I expected him to be written off, he has returned, with his new sidekick Sinbad.
Let me say that again. With new sidekick Sinbad.
In “Lost in Space”, Jeff is used as slave labor at the local Shawarma Hut in the alien spaceship’s massive food court. Emperor Zing (Michael McKean) has created a shopping mall spaceship, which he rules with an iron fist. The only way off is if a slave can prove he or she was in true love, and must be set free. Jeff decides to take a chance and prove his love for Hayley was real, at the risk of losing his genitals as the price of failure.
This sets up a musical number involving a rock band called Wax Fang. I won’t be all cool and pretend I knew who Wax Fang were before seeing this episode. I dig the vintage operatic bombast of “Majestic”, which appears in the episode all but whole. The song itself inspired large parts of the episode, and the character of the Majestic as well. As to the song, it has Queen-like qualities and a simply irresistible lead vocal. On top of that is a lovely guitar solo, classic rock in quality. I will definitely be checking out more by Wax Fang.
For both the episode, and the song:
5/5 stars
*Toshi can.
mikeladano.com 
I’ve always liked American Dad but not as much as Family Guy. However, the newer episodes of AD seem to be getting better. I’ll have to check this one out.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have been less into Family Guy recently. Some episodes were great, some recent ones, less so. The one recent one where Peter had a stash of naked baby photos dating back to the 90s was a little disturbing.
LikeLike
I haven’t seen that one yet but the one where Peter keeps appearing naked in front of Brian was disturbing enough.
LikeLike
Oh yeah! I remember that one.
I actually didn’t mind the few episodes this year, when Brian was dead and they had Paulie Walnuts from the Sopranos doing the voice of the new dog. I thought it was a neat twist.
LikeLike
I saw that episode on Sunday night, it was classic.
LikeLike
I’m a Sopranos fan so the idea of a Italian gangster dog, I loved it! Too bad the fans didn’t embrace the new character.
LikeLike
Also worth mentioning: Family Guy has had numerous appearances by KISS.
LikeLike
That’s true, it had me wondering if there really was a TV special called “KISS Saves Christmas.”
LikeLike
There should be. I hope Gene is working on it right now.
But I hate to get technical…it was called Kiss Saves Santa. And in that special I learned that pterodactyls hate the sound of electric guitars.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I stand corrected, lmao. I wouldn’t be surprised if Gene was doing that very thing.
LikeLike
Love him or hate him, Gene is a very smart man.
LikeLike
I haven’t seen any episodes of American Dad. I can see if our library has it. This was fun though. Hope you’re feeling better, dude!
LikeLiked by 1 person
If you haven’t yet, play the Wax Fang video. What a song! American Dad always throws a lot of great tunes into the show. This Wax Fang one is outstanding!
LikeLike
Wow – it has at least 9 seasons already?! Roger & Stan are my two favourites from the show, good to hear Michael McKean makes an appearance as well
LikeLike
Dude it has been 10 seasons! Jeff has since found Earth but has not yet returned to it!
LikeLike