Review: American Dad! “Mine Struggle” (S13Ep18)

Tonight’s new American Dad! episode, “Mine Struggle” was really excellent– I had a feeling it would be when I read a synopsis beforehand.

Spoilers Below

Basically, the episode begins with a sentimental look back into the Smith family’s past– specifically, the patio. But then we’re yanked to the present, and Stan needs to clean the patio. Roger shows up with his pressure-washer and Stan uncovers a salt mine in the backyard.

From here, the Smith family is pressured to sell the salt mine to the salt company, and a hilarious turn of events occurs, all amazingly well-written together. We even find the origin of why Hayley wears her bandanna!

I don’t want to give too much away, because this episode is truly a wild ride. Near the end, I thought (and turns out, I did) guess who was behind everything — but it is so much more than what I expected.

“Mine Struggle” was so well written- it was an exercise in careful script arrangement. The plot didn’t feel forced or ridiculous, and much like the season’s opener, “Roots”, it was one solid story that involved the whole Smith family– a cohesive whole of a story, much like a good episode of the Simpsons achieves.

Very much looking forward to next week’s new American Dad! episode– so many gems this season. And also, glad it’s been renewed for two more seasons!