It's a good thing I'm taping the new Family Guy and American Dad, because I'm having enough of a time trying to absorb three new shows at once (GABF10/11 and Malcolm), let alone 5. That said, I'm not sure just what to think of "Don't Fear the Roofer"; above all else, the premise was quite intriguing. It's reminiscent of "Stark Raving Dad," yet in an unusual reversal is a little more evocative than the earlier episode's treatment (har) of his time in the madhouse (well, just a little - but I can see a bit why Hawking's wife was not thrilled). Stephen Hawking's blessing prevents me from questioning the denouement, except for the bartender's story, but some other weirdness manifested itself here and there, and the _very_ strange scenes at the old folks' home (second visit) threw me a little. I'm on the fence about Homer's lower-than-usual intelligence, because it only seemed to happen with Ray around, so that might have been part of his charm. The humor level was decent, though at times I couldn't help but wonder whether it was the right episode to promote heavily (yes, I know, Ray Romano). This should be good for some repeat viewings, particularly because of the story's development; for the main plot, I'm thinking A-, but overall, for now, it happens to feel like a B.
DYN: ...the hand in the couch gag is flesh-colored? ...Marge seems to assume Homer is paying Ray for the help? (She calls him a crook) ...Bart was also holding a stack of tiles when Homer went to speak with Ray?
Previous episode references 2F08: Homer looks for a new bar after being kicked out by his friends CABF11: Nail gun mayhem 7G04, DABF10... and others, I'm guessing: Homer getting shocked 7F24: Homer struggles to prove his sanity (the picture of "the boy" also reminiscent of this) AABF10: Plugging of another network over credits (I guess CBS _is_ great!)
Goofs: The bartender should still have been able to see Ray, one eye or not.
Other notes -Ugh, the deception continues. Frankly, I don't care all that much that Fox is going around saying "350" (like that makes it better or more worth watching) for the 351st aired/produced, since sweeps is sweeps, but the caption in the intro (also in EABF05 and EABF07 through all network runs and in syndication) is pretty annoying in the long run. -Is there some joke I'm not getting about Stephen Hawking and pizza? He was a regular customer at Panucci's in Futurama's "Anthology of Interest 1 (2ACV16)," and now he's buying a Little Caesar's in Springfield. (Nice joke with the "pizza" button being stuck, though.)