American Dad Season 14 Episode 19
When you’ve been doing a show for fourteen seasons, it’s understandable to see its cast of characters finding themselves in a number of romantic situations with each another. Experimentation (or desperation, in some cases) is the key to keeping something feeling fresh and surviving. Accordingly, through its many years, American Dad has explored certain romantic gambles like Roger and Francine, Roger and Hayley, Hayley and Snot, Hayley and Bullock, Hayley and Reginald, and even Stan and Steve during some bizarre virtual reality shenanigans. Roger and Klaus are one of the few existing combinations that the show has left. It’s an idea that simultaneously seems brilliant, but also primed for disaster. Fortunately in the case of “Kloger,” it’s an example of the former. This ends up launching Roger into the messy world of online dating, which is kind of like Roger opening Pandora’s box. The idea that he’s just sharing photos of “used” tissues as some sort of medal of honor made me laugh far too hard. Of course he would. This all happens to culminate when Roger goes to meet his online suitor, with it turning out to be Klaus of all peop—fish. The two laugh off the awkwardness of the situation that they’ve stumbled upon, but the hilarious mix up ends up blossoming into something genuine and fairly sexually charged. Roger and Klaus decide to keep their relationship a secret, as things are always hotter that way. The two then don’t hold back in having sex wherever possible. It’s worth mentioning that sex between the two of theme consists of a number of weird actions, some of which include Roger dunking Klaus into his sucking mouth. Yeah, this is a weird one. Outside of all of this sexual energy, Steve begins panicking over the fact that the presidential fitness exam is being brought back and he’s pretty concerned over his chances of passing the thing. While the rest of his friends attempt to bulk up, Steve falls back on his weaslier instincts as he tries to figure out how to scheme his way out of this. By some gross miracle of nature, Steve learns that Hayley has pink eye (Hayley masquerading as a highschooler so she can see the nurse because she doesn’t have health care is beautiful, by the way), which then becomes his ticket out of having to do pull ups in front of his peers. Steve’s pink eye pursuits take up just as much time as they should and never overstay their welcome. He doesn’t get too creative in his efforts to get close to Hayley’s eyes, but he does remain persistent. Hayley’s eyes are looking straight-up terrible too, like there’s something going on there. It might ultimately be for the best that Steve’s unable to infect himself. The last-minute plan that Steve resorts to in order to escape physical endurance might not be the smartest way out of things, but he at least deserves some points for the bravery. In a lot of ways, what Steve ends up doing is even more embarrassing than being unable to do pull ups. “Kloger” is thankfully a satisfying installment that doesn’t end up wasting the prime story that they decide to take on here. The episode hits all of the proper marks while managing to highlight how gross and sweet a Roger/Klaus relationship would be. Just who would have thought that Roger would be the jilted one? Strong characterization and quick dialogue throughout the episode also help things out and keep things moving at a good speed. It doesn’t feel like there are any wasted moments in this one. With the heights that “Kloger” happens to hit, I would not discourage the series from returning to this unusual romantic pairing again down the road. They leave everyone wanting more. Also guys, watch out for flesh-eating text bubbles. A lot of brave lives have been lost to those things. Read and download the full Den of Geek Special Edition magazine here!
