It’s crazy to think about how long It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia has been going on. And they still have at least two more seasons to give us! Contractually, anyways. The quality is still as unwavering as ever.
I am bummed that the last two seasons have only been eight episodes, and after six weeks everything is fully aired. I suppose that’s my fault fro binge-watching fourteen seasons over the course of two months. I want a shit load of episodes available to me at all times! I feel the same way about Letterkenny. So new fans out there: pace yourselves. Otherwise, you’re in for a world of disappointment with these short seasons that only drop for six weeks once a year. But again I say, the quality of the work is still excellent.
Something that was a little more fun this season was seeing how ideas or real-life stories that popped up during The Always Sunny Podcast has made it’s way as plot points into the show. Nothing shows that more than the final episode of the season where Glenn Howerton’s character Dennis essentially has to relive his real life Tesla woes from earlier in the year. The story on the podcast and it’s retelling on the show are both equally hysterical. And they make excellent points: why have something exist for something that already exists? (Keys). And “self-care” and “treat yourself” are used by a lot of people as excuses for, as Dennis puts it, “to do whatever the fuck you want.”
That episode was solid from start to finish, but what I loved most about the season was how many callbacks there were. The finale episode included one, noting that Dennis still has chronically high blood pressure, but we get so many more of those moments throughout the season. They come in the form of facts that have been presented before and in a cavalcade of guest stars! My personal favorite guest start moment comes in the form of actor Gregory Scott Cummins, who’s played Mac’s dad in the past, donning a fat suit and playing Mac’s uncle. It was comedic GOLD! Aside from just series guest stars, the show even manages to nab a few famous guest stars that I’ll leave be as a surprise to audiences behind on their viewing.
While this show always pushes the envelope, and over the past few seasons the things they are allowed to do and say have really surprised me, I don’t think anything shocked me as much as the episode, “Frank vs. Russia.” They really GO places here. I found my jaw drop, me squirming uncomfortably, and downright cackling through the full 23 minutes of this episode, and I still kind of can’t believe it exists. Their podcast co-host, and writer for the show, Megan Ganz, wrote the episode and she gives the fans what they want! She’s made it clear she’s a huge fan of the show herself, but she really delivered. Prepare yourselves. I’d love to see some stuff here revisited next season or beyond. Lots of room for more there.
Overall, it’s another quick but solid season of a live action comedy that you’ve had to have seen at least SOMETHING from by now. Watch it or don’t, but if you don’t, just know you’re fully missing out.