 In the opening scene of the episode , the Griffin family is seen watching the Channel 5 News , with Tricia Takanawa then beginning an interview with Stephen Hawking . Hawking , who is paralyzed due to neuro @-@ muscular dystrophy , is seen sitting in his wheelchair . After the camera cuts , Hawking then jumps up from his chair , and admits it is just an act , before deciding to go surfing at the nearby beach . 
