Ep 10. A Nice Night for a Drive

Stan Smith, the fictional character in the American Dad! animated television series makes yet another appearance as the main character in the twelfth season episode 10 titled "A Nice Night for a Drive". In this particular episode, things take an unexpected turn when Stan's plans for a peaceful evening drive with his family are rudely interrupted.

Stan pitches the idea of a family outing to his wife Francine, daughter Hayley, and son Steve. Hayley and Steve jump at the opportunity, interested in spending time together while Francine is unsure. Nonetheless, the family prepares to go on the trip with Stan at the wheel, leading the way.

After a while, they come across a man stranded on the roadside and Stan, being prone to helping out strangers, offers to give him a ride. The man warms up to Stan, and they don't seem to realize their differences. However, things become dark when the man takes the family on a wild ride, endangering their lives and jeopardizing their safety.

As they all witness the man's odd behavior, it becomes apparent that he's not interested in going where he claimed he was headed initially. The disturbing road trip seems perilous, and the family is trapped in the car with the stranger, leading them into dark paths that they never could've imagined.

Along the way, the family sees peculiar things that they wish they had avoided entirely. They start speculating on the man's identity, his intentions and wondering if they will make it out alive. Soon enough, paranoia sets in, and the ride becomes more tumultuous as the stakes are raised, and their survival is threatened.

It's at this point that Stan, realizing the danger that they are in, decides that enough is enough and has to figure out a way to wrestle back control of the wildly swerving car. With the other family members decidedly unwilling to aid in the fight to take control of the car from the stranger, it falls upon Stan to marshal all the strength and skills he can to save his family.

As they tangled their way through roads shaped by the man's odd whims, Stan must prove why he is the protector of the family and why he will do anything possible, including laying down his life, to keep those he loves safe from harm.

The episode "A Nice Night for a Drive" is vintage American Dad!, rife with both humor and drama as the Smith family battles to survive against all odds. It's a fitting chapter in the show's long-running storyline and a great example of its unique brand of animated comedy. The road trip does not pan out as planned, but it's certainly full of comedy and suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat.