In what could generously be called an attempt to shake things up - which in reality seems more like a cynical ploy to raise viewing figures - the Family Guy writers have killed off Brian Griffin, beloved family pet, political slacktivist and enthusiastic, terrible novel writer. Brian was a crucial part of the Griffin family and the show as a whole, which makes the decision even more inexplicable, and fans are already variously showing their fury at the decision, including by drawing up a
petition to have him brought back from the dead. Family Guy has never been a stickler for continuity, so there's every chance we could see our favourite snarky canine back on screens in the future. Perhaps it's just a publicity stunt aimed at eking out more viewer figures in a dog-eat-dog market that has already seen the show cancelled twice? The most outraged fans can only hope, and we can probably speculate all day. Instead of focusing on all the reasons that it was a bad decision however, I've come to the conclusion that the best thing to do is celebrate his character - after all it is not the manner or reason for a death that matters in the end, but rather how the departed lived. Brian's development was by far the most interesting thing about Family Guy in these recent years of low quality, and that is just one of the reasons he will be so sorely missed. There have been plenty of episodes where Brian shone as the most interesting, rounded character in a parade of caricatures but after considerably length, we've narrowed this celebration down to Brian's 10 greatest moments.