I initially liked this. I was on board with a more dialogue heavy episode. Ian McKellan was doing a great job, and I liked his character's report with Stewie. I think the photograph monologue might be one of their most inspired bits, and credit should also be given to the repeated bit about the British accent.
But things began to go downhill. The Hamilton gag really fell flat and went on too long. Then the ending completely stunk. It felt "forced" dark and not "natural" dark. It was the same problem with the Meg-heavy episode that addressed how her family treated her. They want to do something that seemed more character-driven and serious, yet copped out at the ending with a totally generated reason to return to the status quo.
But things began to go downhill. The Hamilton gag really fell flat and went on too long. Then the ending completely stunk. It felt "forced" dark and not "natural" dark. It was the same problem with the Meg-heavy episode that addressed how her family treated her. They want to do something that seemed more character-driven and serious, yet copped out at the ending with a totally generated reason to return to the status quo.