In the second episode of American Dad!'s 21st season, titled "Brown Lotus," the show takes a satirical dive into the world of luxury resorts and the CIA's rebranding woes. The episode opens with Hayley Smith, the rebellious daughter of the Smith family, struggling with the trials of customer service at her job . Her stress is palpable, and it's a relatable scenario for many viewers who have experienced the challenges of dealing with demanding and unreasonable customers.
Hayley's homecoming is met with a suggestion from her husband, Jeff, and their alien roommate, Roger, that she take a much-needed vacation. Roger, in a clever nod to HBO's prestige drama "The White Lotus," offers them passes to the Brown Lotus, a resort that mirrors the opulence and drama of its namesake . The resort, located on the other side of the fictional town of Langley Falls, is a playground for the rich and a microcosm of societal excess.
Upon arrival, Hayley, Jeff, and Roger encounter a cast of characters that include a staff that caters to every whim and a Roger persona channeling Jennifer Coolidge's role from "The White Lotus." This Roger is a demanding, Karen-type character who gets her way through sheer force of personality. Hayley, ever the idealist, attempts to win over the staff and other guests with kindness, but her efforts fall flat until Jeff decides to take matters into his own hands and starts behaving badly .
Jeff's behind-the-scenes antics initially seem to work, leading Hayley to believe that her kindness is finally paying off. However, when Roger discovers Jeff's tactics, he challenges Hayley to a contest to see which approach is more effective. This leads to a series of escalating events, including a demand for a sea captain to take them to a forbidden island, a scenario that plays out with typical American Dad! humor and absurdity .
As the trio heads to the forbidden island, a storm brews, both literally and figuratively. Roger's actions inadvertently lead to a marble storm that decimates the island, killing everyone in a scene that is as darkly comedic as it is unexpected. Hayley, in the aftermath, realizes that perhaps Roger's jerkish approach to life has some merit after all .
Meanwhile, in a parallel B-plot, the CIA faces a crisis of its own. With Congress denying their budget due to allegations of torture, the agency is forced to rebrand as the Cake IA, with a focus on baking cakes instead of espionage . Stan and his team must learn the art of baking, appearing on talk shows and even winning a baking competition. However, when Congress's cocaine is stolen by terrorists, the CIA is called back into action, leading to a dramatic and cake-filled climax .
The episode is filled with the show's signature blend of absurd humor and social commentary. The absence of Francine, Steve, and Klaus allows the focus to be squarely on Hayley, Jeff, and Roger, and their dynamic is as entertaining as ever. The in media res opening, featuring Randy, a character reminiscent of a sex offender from "42 Year Old Virgin," adds a layer of intrigue and dark humor to the episode .
In conclusion, "Brown Lotus" is a solid entry in American Dad!'s 21st season. It may not be groundbreaking, but it delivers on the show's promise of laughter and unexpected twists. The episode's exploration of kindness versus jerkishness, set against the backdrop of a luxury resort and the CIA's rebranding, is a fun ride that keeps viewers engaged. The marble storm ending is a standout moment, and the B-plot adds a layer of absurdity that is pure American Dad!. While the references to "The White Lotus" may have added an extra layer of humor for some, the episode stands on its own as a testament to the show's enduring appeal .