After two decades and seventeen seasons,It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphiaalmost brought me to tears this week. TheIt’s Always Sunnycastis incredibly talented at playing terrible people, and even though they play the characters with tremendous humanity,it’s rare that the series prompts audiences to sympathize with them.
It’s Always Sunnyseason 17premiered this week with two opening episodes, the second part of theAbbott Elementarycrossover, and “Frank Is in a Coma.” Both have received relative acclaim, and there are still six more episodes to go over the next two months.
Dee Crying At The Idea Of Frank’s Death Made Me Emotional
They Can’t Kill Frank!
Season 17, episode 2,“Frank Is in a Coma,” follows theIt’s Always SunnyGang as they prepare for Frank’s death after he falls into a coma. While most of the episode is played for laughs, such as Dee hoping to claim an inheritance from her father, the episode momentarily teases the idea that Frank could actually pass away.
Having seen the trailer forIt’s Always Sunnyseason 17, I knew Frank wasn’t going to die, but it was still kind of a sweet moment for a second. If this were any other show, I might have actually believed it, asKaitlin Olson’s reaction and tears as Dee were especially powerful, particularly after finding the old drawing.
Perhaps it’s just due to a feeling of nostalgia, given that I’ve watched this show for years and have come to appreciate this cast being together, thatthe idea ofIt’s Always Sunnylosing one of its Gang members is upsetting to think about. Especially Frank, who arguably made the show what it was when Danny DeVito joined the cast.
It’s Always Sunny’s Emotional Moments Are Subtle - But They Do Exist
It’s Always Sunny Has Some Incredible Tender Moments
I genuinely throwIt’s Always Sunnyon when I’m looking for bizarre laughs, butthe show has its rare, sentimental moments that are quite sweet. While sitcoms likeFriendsorHow I Met Your Motherhave more of an emotional underlying narrative with romances and character development,It’s Always Sunnypurposefully subverts that notion.
Rather than shoving its ideas down viewers' faces,Sunnylets its ideas linger, then occasionally knocks us out of the park with a hard-hitting, poignant beat.
That said, there are some beautiful, touching moments. For example,Mac coming out as gay in season 12 after so long is played for laughs shortly after, but there’s a special glimpse of profound sentimentalitywhen he does. Another evident, emotional moment is at the end of “Dee Gives Birth,” celebrating Kaitlin Olson and Rob McElhenney’s real-life baby.
Jokes and insults are never too far away withIt’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, but this show is evidently written with maturity and emotional intelligence. Rather than shoving its ideas down viewers' faces,Sunnylets its ideas linger, then occasionally knocks audiences out of the park with a hard-hitting, poignant beat.
