: Brian’s pre-show ritual (eye drops and the phrase "Showtime!") mirrors the character Joe Gideon from the 1979 film All That Jazz . Interesting Facts
: This episode explains that Peter found Brian as a stray adult dog, though later seasons contradict this by showing videos of Brian as a puppy already living with the Griffins. I Griffin 1x7
: The final scene of Brian drinking from a "people" water fountain is a direct nod to the 1974 film's ending . : Brian’s pre-show ritual (eye drops and the
: This episode is often cited as a "Wham Episode" because it marks the transition of Brian from being treated mostly as a dog to being characterized as a more complex, human-like intellectual. : This episode is often cited as a
: Brian is the only character for whom creator Seth MacFarlane uses his natural speaking voice, and he has often cited Brian as his favorite character.
: Brian’s legal battle to avoid euthanasia serves as a satire of the U.S. civil rights movement. He explicitly cites the landmark case Plessy v. Ferguson during his parole hearing to argue against his treatment. Literary and Film Parodies :
The episode is noted for its heavy use of social commentary and cultural references, particularly regarding civil rights: