How Meg's Ankle Monitor Changed Family Guy

In Season 19, Episode 12 of *Family Guy*, titled And Then There's Fraud, Meg Griffin is seen wearing an ankle monitor. The episode ends with her cutting off her foot to escape the monitor and running into the woods. The reason for her wearing the monitor is never explicitly stated, but it is implied that she has done something that prohibits her from being alone and requires her to be under close supervision. Various fan theories have emerged to explain Meg's ankle monitor, including that she has committed a sexual crime, attempted suicide, or been involved in a murder.

Sexual assault

In the *Family Guy* episode "And Then There's Fraud", Meg Griffin is shown to be under close supervision by her family, who are instructed to ensure she is never left alone. She is also shown to be wearing an ankle monitor, which she eventually cuts off, along with her foot, before fleeing into the woods. While the episode does not explicitly state why she is being monitored, it hints at several possible reasons, including sexual assault.

In the episode, Brian asks, "Why is Meg here?" to which Stewie replies, "Something happened last week, and she can't be left alone... like, legally." Later, when Meg wanders outside, Brian says, "Meg, come back inside. You're not in trouble. Just come back inside." Stewie adds, "She should be in her room, thinking about what she did." These exchanges suggest that Meg has done something wrong and is now under some form of legal restriction, such as house arrest with an ankle monitor.

While the nature of Meg's offence is never explicitly stated, there are hints throughout the episode and the series that it may be related to sexual assault. In one scene, Peter asks Meg, "Hey, Meg, sweetie, where's your hallway buddy?" This could suggest that Meg has been accused or convicted of a crime and is required to have a chaperone or "buddy" when in public spaces. In another scene, Meg asks a group of robbers breaking into the house to rape her, and when they refuse due to her appearance, she gets angry and insists that she is 'pretty'. This could be interpreted as Meg exhibiting sexually aggressive behaviour. Additionally, in previous episodes, Meg has been shown to have a history of unstable and obsessive behaviour, particularly when it comes to romantic or sexual relationships. She has also been the victim of physical and emotional abuse by her family, which could have contributed to her engaging in sexually inappropriate or criminal behaviour.

It is important to note that *Family Guy* is a satirical animated sitcom known for its dark humour and controversial themes. The show often depicts its characters in a negative or unflattering light, and the depiction of Meg as a sexual offender could be interpreted as a form of dark comedy or social commentary.

Suicidal behaviour

In the United States, suicide is the second leading cause of death for 10- to 19-year-olds, and it affects people of all backgrounds. Warning signs of suicidal behaviour include changes in behaviour, expressions of hopelessness, giving away possessions, and discussing death or suicide. It is important for family members and friends to be aware of these signs and to respond with care and compassion. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, it is crucial to seek professional help immediately.

In the case of Meg from *Family Guy*, viewers have speculated that her ankle monitor is related to a suicide attempt or a mental health crisis. In one episode, she is shown to be wearing an ankle monitor and is legally required to have a "hallway buddy" or a "creek buddy" to accompany her. While the exact reason for this is never explicitly stated, it is suggested that she may have experienced a mental breakdown or engaged in self-destructive behaviour. The show's portrayal of this sensitive topic has been criticised by some viewers, who find it too dark to be humorous.

Stalking

In the Family Guy episode "And Then There's Fraud", Meg is shown to be under close supervision by her family, who are afraid to let her out of their sight. She is also shown to be wearing an ankle monitor, which she eventually cuts off, along with her foot, and escapes into the woods. While the episode does not explicitly state why Meg is being monitored, there are several references in the show to her unstable behaviour and mental health issues.

Meg has been depicted as emotionally fragile and disturbed, with a history of self-harm and suicidal tendencies. In "Barely Legal", she threatens to commit suicide when no one at school will be her date to the prom. In "Road to the North Pole", she wishes for "softer voices in her head", indicating that she may be experiencing auditory hallucinations. In "Untitled Griffin Family History", she is charged with sexual harassment after forcing herself on a group of robbers who broke into the Griffin household. She also exhibits a violent obsession with Brian after sharing a drunken kiss at the prom. In "Dial Meg for Murder", she dates a prisoner named Luke and, after he escapes, hides him from the authorities. When she is caught, she is sent to prison.

Meg's behaviour closely matches the diagnostic criteria for Borderline Personality Disorder, as described by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. She exhibits a pattern of unstable interpersonal relationships, identity disturbance, impulsivity, recurrent suicidal gestures, affective instability, chronic feelings of emptiness, difficulty controlling anger, and transient paranoid ideation.

In addition to her mental health issues, Meg is often the butt of jokes and is frequently mistreated by her family and neighbours. She is depicted as unpopular and unattractive, and her attempts to fit in with the cool crowd or find a boyfriend often end in rejection and embarrassment. This treatment may contribute to her low self-esteem and unstable mental state, leading to her stalking and obsessive behaviour.

While the show does not explicitly state that Meg is wearing an ankle monitor because of her stalking, her history of unstable and obsessive behaviour, coupled with her mental health issues, could be factors that led to her being placed under supervision and monitored with an ankle bracelet.

Restraining order

In the Family Guy episode "And Then There's Fraud", Meg Griffin is placed under close supervision and wears an ankle monitor, though the reason for this is never explicitly stated. This has prompted much speculation among fans of the show.

One theory is that it relates to an incident in a previous episode, "Untitled Griffin Family History", in which Meg is held hostage by three burglars who mistake her for a boy. When she asks them if they are going to "have their way" with her, they refuse, disgusted by her appearance. Meg gets angry and insists that they have sex with her, to the point where they later file a sexual harassment lawsuit against her. This theory is supported by the fact that, in "And Then There's Fraud", Meg is shown to be under close supervision for an unspecified offense and is not allowed to go outside alone. It is also mentioned that she needs a hallway buddy and a creek buddy, suggesting that she is being monitored to prevent her from coming into contact with other people.

Another theory is that Meg's ankle monitor is related to her history of mental health issues and suicidal thoughts. In "And Then There's Fraud", she escapes the house by cutting off her ankle monitor and running into the woods, suggesting that she is trying to get away from something or someone. This could indicate that she is a danger to herself or others and needs to be restrained for her own safety and the safety of those around her.

It is also possible that the ankle monitor is simply a joke at Meg's expense, as she is often the butt of jokes and various bits of bad luck in the show. The writers of Family Guy have been known to depict Meg as a desperate, unpopular, and emotionally fragile teenager who is constantly ignored or mistreated by her family and peers. The ankle monitor could be just another way to make fun of her and reinforce her status as an outcast.

Whatever the reason for Meg's ankle monitor, it is clear that her situation is meant to be a source of humour and speculation for the audience. The writers of Family Guy have deliberately left the explanation ambiguous, allowing fans to come up with their own theories and interpretations.

Mental breakdown

Meg Griffin, the oldest child of Lois and Peter Griffin, has a history of emotional fragility and instability, which is largely ignored by her parents. In one episode, she is placed under close supervision and made to wear an ankle monitor, which she eventually cuts off, along with her foot, before running into the woods. This is never explained in the episode, but it is implied that Meg has had a mental breakdown.

Meg has a history of emotional neglect and physical abuse at the hands of her family, particularly her father, Peter. She is frequently the butt of jokes and is often treated as an outcast by her family and neighbours. Peter, in particular, bears a great deal of animosity towards her, frequently berating, hitting, and even shooting her. In one episode, he reminds Lois that if they could only save two family members, they would leave Meg. This treatment has taken a toll on Meg's mental health, and she has exhibited behaviours that match the diagnostic criteria for Borderline Personality Disorder. She has also spoken of habitually self-harming and throwing up after meals, which goes unnoticed by her parents.

Meg's fragile mental state is further exacerbated by her desperation for love and attention. She has exhibited a pattern of unstable interpersonal relationships, forming a mentally unstable grasp on people she dates and going to great lengths to get sex, even asking a group of robbers to rape her. She is also prone to frantic efforts to avoid abandonment and has made multiple suicide threats. In one episode, she threatens to commit suicide by eating a bag of peanuts, to which her parents blankly stare, prompting her to cry, "I'm allergic to peanuts!".

The constant ridicule, abuse, and neglect that Meg endures from her family and others have likely contributed to her mental breakdown, as evidenced by her erratic behaviour and need for close supervision. While the specifics of her actions that led to the ankle monitor are not explicitly stated, it is clear that Meg's mental health has deteriorated to the point where she poses a potential danger to herself and others.

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