Ep 18. Weiner of Our Discontent

Stan Smith, a staunch Republican and CIA agent, is a family man who lives in suburban Langley Falls with his wife Francine, their two children Steve and Hayley, and their talking goldfish Klaus. In the season 4 episode 18 titled "Weiner of Our Discontent," Stan is eager to prove his loyalty to the country by participating in a hot dog eating competition. He hopes to outdo his rival, Uncle Jim, who has always been better at eating hot dogs than him.

However, when Uncle Jim dies from a heart attack during the competition, Stan becomes obsessed with beating Uncle Jim's record of eating 43 hot dogs in one sitting. He even goes to the extreme of going to a hot dog factory to learn the secrets of making the perfect hot dog and practices his eating skills with a "hot dog eating robot."

Meanwhile, Hayley is trying to start a new career as a writer and submits her manuscript to a publisher. However, the publisher tells her that her writing is dull and uninspiring, and she needs to add more drama and conflict to her stories. Frustrated with the feedback, Hayley decides to base her next story on her father's hot dog eating obsession, and he becomes a fictional character in her book.

As Stan pushes himself to the brink of insanity, his family becomes increasingly worried about him. Francine tries to convince him to quit the competition and seek help, but Stan is determined to win at all costs. His obsession takes a toll on his health, and he starts experiencing chest pains and hallucinations.

Hayley's book becomes a best-seller, and Stan's hot dog eating competition makes national headlines. However, when Stan collapses during the final leg of the competition, he realizes that his obsession with hot dogs has gone too far. He finally accepts Francine's help and seeks medical attention.

In the end, Hayley's writing career takes off, and Stan learns the importance of moderation and taking care of his health. The episode ends on a hopeful note with the family enjoying a hot dog barbecue, and Stan wearing a heart monitor as a reminder to not take his health for granted.

Overall, "Weiner of Our Discontent" is a humorous and lighthearted episode that addresses the dangers of obsession and the importance of moderation. It showcases the Smith family's dynamic and highlights the importance of familial support during times of crisis.