What Will Happen to Family Guy's Mayor Adam West After Adam West's Death?
Adam West, the iconic voice behind the character of Mayor Adam West on Family Guy, passed away on June 30, 2017. His legacy as a long-time cast member Family Guy is intertwined with the show itself, and the creators have expressed their commitment to honoring his contribution. After his death, Family Guy continued to air episodes with Mayor Adam West, but it's how the show adapted to his absence that truly highlights its resilience and creativity.
Adapting to the Absence of a Key Character
Following Adam West's death, the show#39;s creators opted not to recast the role. Instead, they incorporated the character's absence into the storyline, providing a respectful farewell to the actor and maintaining the show's comedic tone. This approach allowed the writers to stay true to West's unique contribution while opening the door for new storylines and character development.
One of the most notable changes was the reveal in season 17's finale, where it was suggested that Mayor Adam West had passed away. A subplot involving Brian runnning for mayor was introduced, leading to a climactic bus accident that resulted in the apparent death of both candidates. Since then, Quahog has not had a mayor, illustrating the lasting impact of Mayor Adam West's character on the show's world.
Handling the Loss of Other Co-stars
It's worth noting that Family Guy has handled the loss of other co-stars in similar ways. For instance, Carrie Fisher, the voice of Family Guy character Peter's boss Angela, passed away in December 2016. Fisher was immortalized in the show through various Easter eggs and references, indicating that Family Guy has a history of honoring the contributions of beloved characters even after the original actors are gone.
Lessons from the Simpson's Approach?
The way Simpsons handled the passing of Marcia Wallace (creator of Ms. Krabappel) provides a parallel. In the episode “The Desperate Assignment,” Ms. Krabappel was temporarily retired as a nod to Wallace's passing. Similarly, it's plausible that Family Guy may choose to retire the Mayor Adam West character as a tribute to Adam West's legacy, rather than recasting the role with a new voice actor.
Continued Thriving of Family Guy
Through these adaptations, Family Guy has demonstrated its ability to thrive, even in the face of cast changes and retirements. The show continues to incorporate new characters and storylines while preserving the essence of its original series. This flexibility in storytelling has been vital to its long-lasting success and ensures that the show remains relevant to its audience.
Adam West's character, Mayor Adam West, will likely be retired as a nod to the actor's legacy, perhaps with the kind of respectful and memorable transition seen in Simpsons and other shows. This approach not only honors the memory of Adam West but also enriches the show's narrative, allowing it to evolve and continue entertaining viewers for years to come.
In conclusion, while Family Guy will continue to produce new episodes, the character of Mayor Adam West will almost certainly be honored through retirement. This method of storytelling ensures that the show remains true to its roots while maintaining its humor and charm. The enduring legacy of Adam West continues to shape the show, and the creators' commitment to respecting his contribution is a testament to the show's timeless appeal.