A Hero Sits Next Door is the fifth episode in the first season of the
American animated television series Family Guy. It originally aired on
the Fox network in the United States on May 2, 1999. The episode
features the introduction of Joe Swanson, who would become a main
character in the series. Peter Griffin must find a replacement player
for an upcoming softball game. Peter eventually convinces Joe to play
for the team after learning that he played baseball in college. When
Joe shows up the following morning, Peter realizes that Joe is in a
wheelchair. Joe turns out to be a great player, and the team wins the
game. Peter becomes jealous of Joe and tries to become a hero. In a
subplot, Meg Griffin tries to get Joe's son Kevin to notice her."A
Hero Sits Next Door" was directed by Monte Young and written by the
writing team of Mike Barker and Matt Weitzman. It featured guest
performances from actress Suzie Plakson, figure skater Michelle Kwan,
as well as actors Wally Wingert and Carlos Alazraqui. Much of the
episode features a cutaway style of humor that is typically used in
Family Guy, many of which feature cultural references and include
Super Friends, Pez, Teletubbies, and the assassinations of John F.
Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy.The episode received positive praise
from television critics, who considered it to be a memorable
introduction for the character of Joe Swanson; certain critics praised
the fight sequence between Joe and The Grinch, while others criticized
the episode's cutaway gags as well as its plot twists, which they
regarded as "odd" and "counter-intuitive".At the Happy-Go-Lucky Toy
Factory, safety inspector Peter Griffin is working when his boss Mr.
Weed introduces Guillermo, a ringer who will attempt to assist the
company in winning the annual softball game. At home, Peter's wife
Lois informs him of their new neighbors, the Swanson family, and
wishes for him to make friends with them; however, Peter is not
interested and leaves with Brian for softball practice. The regular
pitcher is absent, so Peter fills in. He injures Guillermo with a wild
pitch during practice and must find a new player to replace him or
else he will be fired. A Hero Sits Next Door Biography, NetWorth, Height, Age, Weight, Family, Married, Son, Daughter