The Son Also Draws

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The Son Also Draws is the sixth episode of the first season of the animated comedy Family Guy. It aired on May 9, 1999.

Plot
Chris is unhappy in the Youth Scouts and wants to quit, but he’s afraid to tell his dad, Peter. Peter drives the whole family to the Scout headquarters in Manhattan to try to get Chris readmitted. On the way, they stop at a Native American casino where Lois gambles away the family car. Peter pretends to be Native American to get it back, and the tribe’s elders demand that he prove his heritage with a vision quest. Peter and Chris head into the wilderness, hoping Peter can tell him that Chris only wants to draw and not stay in the Scouts. Delirious from hunger, Peter speaks with talking trees and has a vision of his spiritual guide, Fonzie. Inspired by Fonzie’s advice, Peter realizes Chris is a talented artist and the two mend their bond. They return to the casino and reclaim the car. The episode ends with the family countering stereotypes about Native Americans, Mexicans, and Swedes, before Peter blurts out “Canada sucks,” a joke that sparked controversy in Canada.

Production and reception
The episode was written by Ricky Blitt (his first in the series) and directed by Neil Affleck (also his first Family Guy episode). It features guest voices and frequent cutaway gags that parody pop culture, including Speed Racer, Happy Days, Nova, One Day at a Time, and The More You Know. The ending line about Canada drew some criticism from Canadian viewers. Critics gave mixed to favorable reviews, with some calling it memorable and bold, while others viewed it as the season’s black sheep. In later years, it received some positive notes for its bold humor and memorable moments.

Home video
The Son Also Draws is included on the Family Guy Volume One DVD set, released in 2003 in Region 1 (with other regions following later), which includes extras like commentaries and behind-the-scenes features.