Not many shows will end an episode with a deadly round of Russian Roulette, especially this early in their run, and it’s a fittingly shocking climax. A classic example of an issue being taken in several directions, “America” teaches the gang a thing or two about the dangers of unfettered freedom. The gang have always been proud Americans, whatever it is they think that means. Charlie Goes America All Over Everybody’s Ass (s2e9)
Does it make much sense that Dee, Dennis, and Mac become noticeably dumber over the course of the episode? Who cares? It’s wonderful to watch.ġ04.
The reveal that Charlie isn’t actually smarter may not be a huge revelation, but it does manage to be satisfying when his ineptitude comes back in full force in the end. It’s a fun, classic send-up of Flowers for Algernon, a trope every self-respecting show ought to try on. This is the episode written by Game of Thrones creators David Benioff and D. He’s crab people now, and he’ll be just fine.
I love the fact that Charlie is the only one who knows how to weather a recession. It’s an episode firmly pinned to the late oughts, and one that really lets the gang’s ineptitude shine. It’s a solid enough episode, and about as thinly veiled an allegory for bank bailouts you could ever hope for. The episode’s real standout for me is the deeper look into Frank and Charlie’s living situation, a well of humor the bottom of which has yet to be found.Ī classic example of a topical issue taken to several extremes, “Recession” is the gang’s take on economics in 2009. By season 4 things are starting to go off the rails (and I mean that in the best possible way) but a stigmata’d Dennis being mentally abused by Sinbad and Matchbox Twenty’s Rob Thomas is a cut above. This is a strange one, by early Always Sunny standards. “She was much much older than me but her breasts… were awesome.” It’s what they do best, and it’s a nice return to form.ġ07. The episode ends on a high note (sort of) as the gang vote unanimously to abandon reason and democracy and go back to yelling over each other. It’s a real sign of the pervading tone when you find yourself relieved you’re just looking at a rotting dog corpse. And it only gets darker when Mac and Charlie tip over little Barnabas’ casket and a bloody, soupy mess falls out. As the gang point out themselves, this is about the darkest thing they’ve ever done. I’m still holding out for Poppins to come back one day.Ī mock funeral for a dead baby, with an enormous crucifix leering in the back and a wailing mother trying desperately to avoid getting audited. And in an effort to get their moms off their hands, Mac and Charlie actually find them a good living situation and spark one of the show’s longest lasting and least likely friendships. In a strange attempt to parent Dee, Frank ruins her life more than usual. Mac’s Mom Burns Her House Down (s6e6)Ī lovely episode about intergenerational misunderstanding.