Is Family Guy still the same?

I'm worried. Okay, not WORRIED, but concerned. ...That really wasn't much of a euphemism, was it? Anyway, I'm *concerned* that the Family Guy may be trying too hard at certain points in its new episodes. While there HAVE been episodes that were more about cultural commentary than just strictly characterization, it seems that some of the jokes have become not just random, but sophomoric. In other words: They're targeting young teens (aka the male version of the AI crowd) Either that, or they're losing their edge. BUT DON'T VENT YET. WAIT. I'm not done yet. :P I still think that most of the episodes have been very funny, and I appreciate the fact that the writers have been listening in on their audience's favorite things (i.e. the evil monkey.) Plus, I like how FG slowly, but surely re-integrated characters other than the Griffins back into the mix this season. They've really done quite a number with Quagmire and Cleveland (but especially Quagmire) this season, and that's a plus. Also, from the last episode: a nice reference to the Brian/Lois relationship. The most important thing though, that I'd like to mention is the use of references/flashbacks in general. A lot of them are still hilarious, but maybe I'm just not as "inside" as I should be, as I am having a MUCH more difficult time getting the reference jokes; they seem so obscure now. Granted, certain episodes have swung one way more than others (e.g. the episode where Meg became a star had a nice blend, while the Cleveland-Loretta Quagmire episode was more character-driven.) Does anyone else feel this way?? I still like FG (it wouldn't be listed as one of my favorite shows after all), but I am perplexed sometimes. I am concerned that FG will become what the Simpsons has come in the past several years. In other words: focusing a lot more on inside character jokes and not making as many cultural jokes that would appeal to a wide array of people (or if not that, simply being less *clever* in making those jokes.) Though considering how FG seems to have a bit of a rivalry with The Simpsons, I'm not too worried. (hence concerned) ;)