Vestigial Peter

Did You Know?

• It aired on Fox in the United States on October 6, 2013.
• The episode received a 2.5 rating and was watched by a total of 5.20 million people.
• It was the second most watched show on Animation Domination that night, beating American Dad! and Bob's Burgers but losing to The Simpsons with 6.42 million.
• Eric Thurm of The A.V. Club gave the episode a C+, characterizing the plot as repetitive and formulaic.

Plot

Lois insists Peter buy new clothes instead of wearing the same old shirt to church. At the mall, a salesman notices a lump on Peter’s neck. Lois takes him to Dr. Hartman, who explains it’s an undeveloped twin. He removes it from under Peter’s skin, and the tiny creature can now speak and interact.

Peter names him Chip. At home, Chip initially frightens the kids but quickly wins them over. When Chip wants to be active, Peter tries to slow him down, which Lois dislikes. Chip later has sex with Peter’s boss Angela, annoying Peter further.

Peter asks Dr. Hartman to remove Chip, even if it risks his own life. The surgery succeeds, separating them. Peter encourages Chip to leave, but the family wants Chip to stay. Chip redecorates the house and spends time with everyone.

Lois notes Peter used to be as lively as Chip. After discussing his frustration at the bar—where Quagmire mistakenly thinks Chip is an adopted African child—Peter tries to feed Chip to a dingo. The plan fails, but Chip realizes he’s unwanted and leaves. Peter tells the family, who search for Chip, leaving Peter alone.

While wearing high heels, Peter falls down the basement stairs and breaks his leg. Chip returns, makes a splint, and drags him upstairs. Grateful, Peter makes amends. Chip decides to explore the world, floating away on an orange balloon. A voiceover by Patrick Stewart says Chip became the new funny young kid on ABC’s The Middle.