Last year the network debuted a new program entitled The Family Guy. Almost overnight, it became my absolute favorite show. How much did I like it? More than The Simpsons. More than WWF Raw. In other words, I liked it a lot.

The show deftly blended the biting social commentary of The Simpsons with the crude antics of South Park. Every episode reduced me to the point of tears. Each week, I got to laugh myself silly over the dimwitted antics of the family head Peter Griffin, of the smart-ass quips of Brian the Dog and, of course, at the satanic schemes of the meglomaniacal Baby Stewie. Each week the show would find new and more creative ways to shock and offend. And I loved it. I couldn't get enough.

Everything was golden until last October, when the FOX network yanked the show from the air. No other reason than "bad ratings" was given. They didn't even bother to move the show to another night or to give it another chance. Rumors were circulating that the show might return mid-season, but this was only October. Mid-season was a long way away.

In December, FOX aired The Family Guy Y2K Special. It was a riot, and made me miss the show twice as much as I did already. The TV Guide listing contained the good news: the show would be returning for sure mid-season. YES! WOO-HOO! PRAISE THE LORD! PRAISE ALLAH! SHOUT IT OUT ON THE MOUNTAIN! THE FAMILY GUY IS COMING BACK!

And the return didn't disappoint.

The show returned in grand style, with a story concerning Brian the Dog's, uh, bowel problems being rooted in his deep, Freudian desire for Lois Griffin, Peter's wife. Along the way, the show took pot shots at Dean Koontz, Charles Lindberg, golf, baby rearing manuals and, of course, the Catholic Church.

Subsequent episodes haven't disappointed either. This past week's installment saw Death himself break his ankle and have to stay at the Griffins' house while he recovered. While he was away, no one could die, which led to all sorts of wackiness for all involved. Blaming Peter for what happened, Death told him that, unless Peter killed someone, he would kill him. And guess who Death picked out for Peter to annihilate? The kids from Dawson's Creek. Of course, Peter couldn't do it (not that I blame him. I couldn't either. And you know why too).