Accident claims beloved Family Guy character

Beloved Family Guy character Brian Griffin, a white Labrador who had lived with the dysfunctional Griffins family for 11 years died in front of his home on Spooner Street.

The eight-year-old, or 56 in people years, had died by a hit-and-run accident while playing street hockey with mad genius toddler pal Stewie in front of their Quahog home.

Brian’s shocking death appears to be a permanent storyline change as he has already been replaced in the Griffin clan by a tough-talkin’ pooch called Vinnie. The Griffins had purchased him at a pet store.

Italian-American Vinnie also talks, as Brian once did, and has a striking resemblance to a New Jersey gangster. He’s being voiced by Sopranos alum Tony Sirico.

Steve Callaghan, an American screenwriter, producer and voice actor best known for his work on this show had told E! Online: “This was an idea that got pitched in the writers’ room and it sort of caught fire and we thought it could be a fun way to shake things up.

“As soon as this idea came up, we started talking about what the next couple of episodes could be. We got very excited about the way this change will affect the family dynamics and the characters.”

Brian, who was voiced by series creator Seth MacFarlane, was a prolific dog who wrote novels; directed adult movies; spoke Spanish, French, and Tagalog and was a member of MENSA. He was an Iraq War veteran and one-time police dog that served with the Peace Corps. He was simply a colorful character who was loved by all.

He and Stewie shared many adventures, including a penchant for time travel, thanks to Stewie’s do-it-yoursel time-travel machine. Spoiler alert - it was the destruction of the machine that spelled doom for the family pet.
 
Callaghan, who has been with Family Guy since its debut in 1999 and was a member of the show’s original writing staff, claimed that he is not worried about backlash from the show’s devotees who are mourning Brian.

He said: “Only because our fans are smart enough and have been loyal to our show for long enough, to know that they can trust us. We always make choices that always work to the greatest benefit of the series.”

Brian and Family Guy fans are still optimistic and are holding out in hopes that the canine could make a comeback. 
The lovable, Brown University-educated Brian, born to father Biscuit and mother Coco, did have the chance to say goodbye to his family, telling them: “You’ve given me a wonderful life. I love you all.”

As Callaghan expected, some viewers have already begun to express their sadness, disbelief and anger at the death of one of the series’ favourite characters on social media sites such as Twitter.

@Diadoll said that it was the worst idea ever and @BigTomD said that he hoped all dogs really do go to heaven. @MZBROOKIELYNN said: “I don’t know why I’m so mad about a cartoon dying…but WTH Family Guy!!! #BringBrianback @FamilyGuyonFOX”

@cheeriosquid pleaded with McFarlane to bring back Brian saying: “The banter and adventures with Stewie and Brian made up HALF of the comedy within the show... PLEASE #BringBrianBack”

Irate fans have already launched an online petition aimed at bringing their favourite cartoon pooch back from the dead.

Family Guy airs on FX on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday every week.