Ok. Huge argument amongst my friends. Apologies if it has been discussed, I can’t search the threads as a guest apparently.
Can Stewie be understood by adults? Particularly his family? My friends say he can’t. I am of the opinion that they can. (They talk to George for God’s sake).
Any help?
In several episodes, they respond to what he says, so they have to understand him to some degree. They certainly don’t seem to understand him as “we” do though. I really don’t think it can be analyzed easily though. It’s one of those things you’re not supposed to know.
In several episodes, they respond to what he says, so they have to understand him to some degree. They certainly don’t seem to understand him as “we” do though. I really don’t think it can be analyzed easily though. It’s one of those things you’re not supposed to know.
I’ve listened to every second of commentary on all three seasons’ DVDs, and at the end of E Peterbus Unum they discuss it (the closing scene is where the students of the future as, “so… can they understand the baby?” - I forget the exact quote, but Seth et al basically say that he can understand them when it is convenient. It isn’t something they specifically really thought out and planned. 
This is one of those questions that is like “what does the cash register say on The Simpsons” or “Where is Springfield” - the creators never really gave it much thought, but the audience fixated on it, so the creators comment on it sarcastically in the series.
I’m watching Magnolia right now, so I can’t look for the quote specifically. I’ll try to remember to rewatch that episode, though.
Seth MacFarlane has said numerous times that all the characters can hear and understand Stewie perfectly; they simply assume that because he’s a baby he can’t possibly mean what he says.
(Wow, this is a Great Debate now?)
Transcript, quick and dirty:
(Seth MacFarlane (creator), Neil Goldman and Garret Donovan (writers), Greg Garcia)
“That was something I always wondered, coming into the show late… was, ‘can they understand the baby?’”
"You know, everyone had their own opinion on that.
(Seth) “Yea, which, I think, is as it should be… because there are differnt… things… sometimes it worked better for them to hear him, sometimes it worked better for them not to… y’know…”
“I think the rule was laziness.”
“Exactly, exactly, its pretty much whatever we needed at the time. There’s nothing wrong with that.”
(Seth) “The way I lookedf at it was… um… they treat him like in real life, like if a four year old told you to fuck off, you’d think it was cute.”
“Seth, you’re the only one who… everybody else, they didn’t know what he was talking about.”
“So basically, laziness.”
(Seth) “Yea, but ya know, it doesn’t matter. It all… it all worked out.”
(BTW, Seth MacFarlane sounds almost exactly like his voice for Brian. Lazy copout.
((The DVD set is worth it))
Very recent Cafe Society thread on the subject.
Zagadka, there may be hope for you yet.
Stewie’s the best character on the show, IMHO.
The “Dick Rogers” voice he did on Crank Yankers also sounded just like Brian, with a little bit of Tom Tucker.
Brian is my man.
Well, not my man …
“Uh, hey, I told a blonde inside I’ve got a SL300. Can ya help?”
Brian and Stewie even work well together!
Thanks Tuckerfan. There are some things we can all agree on, I guess.
(Now someone is going to come along and say FG sucks and we can go back to bickering)
How about, why does everyone understand Brian, and why does he drink so much? My theory is, he depressed about dog things he does like, “Your asking a guy who uses his tounge for toilet paper?”.
I think Brian’s main trouble is that he’s a being of intellect and creativity who’s surrounded almost entirely by imbeciles. That’s rough on a dog, though his cousin Jasper seems to have found ways to cope.
“Oooooh, I’m nasty!”
Hey, he can quit any time he wants to…he just doesn’t want to. It’s only his second glass, anyway.
Brian is the classic underachiever. Intelligent, witty, has everything that means he should make it, but, well, he’s a dog. Hence, he has a middling place in the world. I don’t think he’s depressed about being a dog - he’s depressed that he never got a chance. Or he blew his chance. He doesn’t have outlets for his intelligent and artistic sides. I mean, its the middle of his life, and he’s in Rhode Island hanging out with an annoying fat guy while masturbating about his wife. I don’t think that is where he thought he’d end up when he was at Brown. O_o
Anyway, he is just plain an addict. He has “the gene.” Alcohol, cigarettes, blow - if he’s tried it, he’s hooked.
I meant Brian, not George in the OP. Apparently margaritas and “Adult Swim” don’t mix with “coherent typing”.
Tuckerfan, thanks for the link. Now I can prove my friends half wrong, and they can prove me half wrong.
Zag, I’m saving up, because I am afraid of the ones on eBay that have chinese writing on the cover.
I especially like it when Stewie and Brian fight, as the two most intelligent people in the house are arguing using enormous words that Chris can’t even pronounce. That is all.
Nonsuch, well, inasmuch as there are people who argue both points, yes, it is a debate. I think the show is great, so…
[Moderator Hat ON]
To Cafe Society.
[Moderator Hat OFF]
I like how they’re so nonchalant (sp?) about it. I haven’t watched a lot of it, but I recall the episode where Brian was on trial and gave his defense and the judge, magistrate, or whomever, said something to the effect of Brian being a very well-spoken dog, as though it were unusual but nothing to get worked up about.
In season one, there was an episode where one of the Griffins found a $100 bill, or something expensive, and each of the kids took turns guarding it, while keeping an eye on each other. Stewie suspected Brian was going to steal it. Stewie was sitting next to Chris on the sofa when he commanded Chris to “Get him (Brian), Knuckles!” Chris responded in a military style “Yes Sir!” So they can understand him. Usually, the communication is vague. They respond to Stewie, but not in a conversational manner.
As said before, understanding Stewie is something that is done only when it is comically convenient.
I’ll have to continue my research on Monday night.
Another fun moment was when Peter and Brian were in the bar drinking, and Brian starts pouring his heart out to Peter. Peter takes a swig, puts down his mug, looks at Brian, and exclaims “Holy crap, you can talk!”