Ep 1. The Vacation Goo

Stan Smith, a former CIA agent turned self-proclaimed patriot, leads a wacky family through the ups and downs of everyday life in Langley Falls, Virginia. In the third season opener of American Dad, titled "The Vacation Goo," the Smiths are in desperate need of a vacation, and they discover a mysterious substance called "goo" that promises to transport them to the ultimate family vacation destination.

The episode begins with Stan, his wife Francine, daughter Hayley, son Steve, and German alien Roger sitting around their living room, bored and longing for a change of scenery. Francine suggests they take a family vacation, and Stan is all for the idea. However, he is determined to find the ultimate vacation spot, one that is "family-friendly, economical, and has cultural appeal."

After an unsuccessful search, the family stumbles upon a strange substance called "goo" on the street. The goo is a green slime that promises to transport them to their ultimate vacation destination. Stan, skeptical of the goo's claims, decides to test it out and accidentally gets covered in it. Suddenly, he disappears from sight.

The rest of the family is in shock, but Roger reveals that the goo is his invention and that it actually works. The Smiths decide to give it a try, and they too disappear into the goo. They find themselves in a tropical paradise, surrounded by palm trees and crystal clear waters.

The family quickly settles into their vacation, enjoying all that the resort has to offer. However, as the days pass, they begin to suspect that something is not quite right. They start to notice small inconsistencies in their surroundings and realize that everything is just a little too perfect.

Eventually, they learn that they are not actually on a vacation, but are instead trapped in a virtual reality program created by Roger. He had invented the goo as a way to escape his mundane life on earth, and the virtual reality program allowed him to experience the perfect vacation.

The family is initially angry at Roger for trapping them in the program, but they eventually forgive him and decide to continue their vacation. They learn to appreciate the tranquility and perfection of their surroundings, and they make lasting memories that they will never forget.

The episode ends with the family returning home, grateful for their vacation and the time they spent together. Stan, in particular, realizes that he doesn't always need to look for the perfect vacation spot, and that sometimes the best memories are made with the people you love, regardless of the location.

"The Vacation Goo" is a hilarious and heartwarming episode of American Dad that explores the importance of family, the dangers of virtual reality, and the joys of a good vacation. With its clever writing, sharp humor, and lovable characters, this episode is a standout in the series and a must-watch for fans of the show.