Top 10 Potential Authority Figures For Quahog
June 13, 2017

There is a big void in the world of Quahog, Rhode Island, as they have lost the captain of the ship, the man who ran their city, the lovable Mayor Adam West, voiced by the incomparable, real life Adam West. West, the man, passed away yesterday at the age of 88. An iconic actor and personality, West was, for many of us, the first and best “Batman”. And then came “Family Guy” and playing the role he was born to play, literally, West created another generation of fans. He will be missed.

That leaves the question as to what will happen with the town of Quahog? West was a one-of-a-kind Mayor and leader and his absence leaves a big hole that sooner or later, the producers and creators of Family Guy will need to fill. Who can step into Mayor West’s shoes and provide the basis for a loveable, but slightly inept authority figure on the show? I have a few suggestions as to who could possibly be used as a recurring character to help fill the void. I’m not saying to replace Mayor Adam West because his character was unique, distinct and pretty much irreplacable, but to step in and help keep things on the straight and narrow in Quahog.

I’ve given it some thought and a few names have come to mind. Ten of them in fact. And here they are with an idea stolen directly from the “Late Show With David Letterman” format. It’s a “Top Ten List!” What do you think of my suggestions? Thoughts and comments are welcome.

“Top Ten Actors Who Can Fill The Void On Family Guy Left By The Sad Passing Of Adam West”… Damn, that’s a long title. How about “Top Ten Potential Authority Figures for Quahog”. That sounds better. Let’s use that one. So insert that as the title and let’s do this…

10. Ed Asner

He was TV’s Lou Grant, first on the Mary Tyler Moore Show and then later, on his own series. A grizzled, tough as nails reporter with a heart of gold, Asner could be the resident neighborhood “grumpy old man”, who is there to expose Peter’s schemes for the craziness they sometimes are, thinking he’s still a reporter in the fast L.A. scene instead of a retired old man, with lots of cats, living in Quahog.

9. Pauly Shore

Could you imagine how Quahog would be shaken up if Bruce popped up with a new buddy, Pauly Shore, aka “The Weasal”. Shore is a stoney, crusty dude with a mop on top. He could be Meg’s new love interest or Brian’s new “smoking buddy”. Just let him be himself and give Family Guy some of that early 90’s “MTV Vibe”. It’d be chillin’ major, for sure.

8. Willie Nelson

One of the most mellow, laid back men in music, who just happens to be an iconic legendary singer / songwriter named Willie Nelson. Looking for an escape from the hectic music scene, Willie moves to Quahog. He meets Brian and smokes one. He shares a beer with Peter, Joe and Quagmire at the Clam. And the rest just writes itself. It could be fun, different and I’m sure Willie would do it if asked.

7. Bill O’Reilly

Fresh from exit at Fox News, have O’Reilly come to Quahog to renew his long time rivalry with Tom Tucker to see who is the better newsman and journalist. He’s loud, brash and likes to be in control. O’Reilly would add a new dynamic to the town of Quahog and let’s be honest here, what else has O’Reilly do to with his time these days?

6. Hulk Hogan

Just imagine the reaction on the street if Hulk Hogan moved into the neighborhood. Peter could have a new best friend. Chris could have a new father figure. Meg could have a new crush. And Hulkamania would be running wild on the streets of Quahog. It could be extremely fun to do.

5. Vince McMahon

Just picture this. He’s a billionaire wrestling promoter. He’s already dominated his industry and controls it with an iron hand. And now, the Billionaire friend of Mr. Carter Pewterschmidt, shows up with politics on his mind. He wants to run Quahog and become the new Mayor, running the town just as he runs the WWE, with an iron fist and total control.

4. Ric Flair

Quagmire is the local stud and party animal. Or he was, until “Nature Boy” Ric Flair moves to town. The stories write themselves and Ric is such an over-the-top character in real life, can you imagine what a cartoon version of him, done “Family Guy” style, could be like.

3. Regis Philbin

Just have Regis come in as the host of a local talk show, “Quahog Live with Regis” and that can be the new format for the characters exposing themselves (not literally) and creating drama. And Regis could play himself, just more baffled and confused than usual and a bit more over-the-top if that’s possible. It could be comedy gold.

2. Ted McGinley

If a televison show has a void and needs someone to be brought in to fill that void, then Ted McGinley is the man to call. When Richie left Happy Days, he was there as “Cousin Roger”. When Gopher left the Love Boat, McGinley came in to be the ship’s photographer. And when Steve left Married With Children, McGinley, cast as Jefferson Darcy, was there to take up the slack. Now there is a spot in Family Guy. They can do as so many others have done before and just call Ted. No idea what the role or character would be, but I’m thinking an unemployed actor who comes in to help out when other actors have left the show. It’d be fun and great and fun to watch and see.

And before I get to Number One, honorable mention goes to Betty White.  I had her picked to be on this list, but then forgot to include her until I was finishing up and noticed her absence.  Why Betty White, you ask?  Why not?  She can be funny, bitchy, a sex-pot, a man-child of the female persuasion, etc.  It’s freakin’ Betty White and she’s great on anything she does. So she’ll get the “Top Runner Up” spot here.

1. John Astin

He’s creepy and he’s kooky. Mysterious and ooky. As Gomez Addams, John Astin was the picture of lovable oddball weirdo from TV in the late 60’s. His character was so much like West’s “Batman”, just campy as hell, but played with the straight face and embraced totally by the actor playing the role. So now, instead of “Mayor Adam West”, his successor could be “Mayor John Astin”, who thinks he’s still Gomez Addams as he moves to Quahog and runs for Mayor, hoping to take up where his old friend left off and carry on in West’s footsteps. It could be fun and crazy and there are so many directions that the Family Guy people could go with this character. He’s probably the best choice we have if the Family Guy folks do decide to fill that spot.

And there you go. If the producers and Seth McFarlane do decide to bring in someone new to Quahog to fill the void left by the passing of the late, great Mayor Adam West, these would be my picks. So who do you think would be good to bring in for a recurring role? Or should they just leave it alone, acknowledge the passing of Adam West, and leave the spot of “Mayor” unfilled. Comments and thoughts are welcome. Let me know what you think. And with that, I’m out of here. Things to do and people to see, although I wish it was the other was around. *sighs* Don’t we all. Thanks for reading. I’ll catch you on the flip side.

Ubuntu!