November 27, 2004

NEW YORK -- Fox apparently has had a change of heart about an episode of the animated series "Family Guy" it once banned because of concerns it might seem anti-Semitic.

The network said "When You Wish Upon a Weinstein" will make its broadcast debut Dec. 10 as the second of a two-episode holiday special beginning at 7 p.m. on WFLD-Channel 32.

Fox declined comment, but sources said the network was emboldened to air the episode because it has already run twice on cable's Cartoon Network without drawing any complaints. Its inclusion on a "Family Guy" DVD didn't elicit any protests, either.

The episode pokes fun at classic Jewish stereotypes, including their money-handling skills.

"Weinstein" will air on Fox with one alteration: When a character breaks into a song called "I Need a Jew," a lyric that originally read "Even though they killed our Lord" is omitted in favor of "I don't think they killed our Lord." No doubt Fox is hoping the FCC will appreciate the difference.

Hollywood Reporter