BLAST! Victory is not mine.....
I am surprised I have to write this entry, but I just had to say it. As a fan of Family Guy, I was heartily disappointed by the premiere of American Dad. To me, it just didn't feel right... the timing and pace of the show had a lot to be desired. I know that Seth MacFarlane had given me high expectations, and I was prepared for a show that at first wouldn't dazzle me in comparison, but I was not expecting to feel so let down.
Even when compared with the second show of another famous creator, Matt Groening, it doesn't come off particularly well. When Futurama premiered, it was able to keep enough of the good ole spit and polish of the Simpsons to make it fun, but it also began with a premise that totally removed it from the same kind of cultural environment, which was the show's real strength. However, American Dad was still carrying a lot of the baggage from the Family Guy, as it just wasn't different enough. I mean, make the alien a dog or a talking baby, and you aren't far off from the Griffin or Swanson house.
I do admire the fact the show is more than willing to take political potshots, but at the same time, it seems that such jokes will help to quickly date the show as well, which in this DVD-driven market, isn't going to help sales any.
All in all, I expect a lot better from this show in the future, but at the moment, I think I will continue to watch reruns of Family Guy to keep that MacFarlane laughy magic alive.