This episode marks the end of an era: Buck Bundy, the family dog, has died. Al is upset because the funeral cost him $1200, but Kelly is genuinely grieving for her dead dog, so much so that the only answer appears to be a replacement pet. When that doesn't work out (Peg's mom eats Kelly's Venezuelan emerald crested cockatoo), Marcy suggests a doggy seance so that Kelly can have closure.
As sad as it is to lose a much-loved cast member, Buck's departure provides the opportunity for plenty of amazing gags. Al's insensitivity regarding Buck is hilarious ("Help me clean up the yard and we'll burn Buck's toys.", "Bud, help me chop up the doghouse for firewood."), but he also finds time to insult Peggy's mother ("I'd say bury her at sea, but then we'd have one less sea."). Buck in the animal afterlife is also amusing, the dog being judged by a cat and receiving legal help from a rat attorney. Peggy and Bud also get their fair share of the funny lines: "Am I the only one getting turned on here?" says Peg during the seance, while Bud gets in a great comment about his sister - "If she shared herself any more she'd be traded on the New York stock exchange."
And who can blame Father Guido Sarducci for trying his luck with the line "Buck would like his tummy rubbed"? Gotta be worth a try.
