It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’smost recent episode demonstrates the downside of callbacks to season 1. “Overage Drinking: A National Concern” currently holds a 7.9/10 score on IMDb, putting it on the lower end ofIt’s Always Sunnyseason 17’sreviews. There are some notable reasons why this is the case.
Despite the episode calling back toseason 1’s “Underage Drinking: A National Concern,“with the unexpected return of two guest stars after twenty years, the story lacked the overall punch to live up to “Mac and Dennis Become EMTs” or “The Gang Goes to a Dog Track.”
Frank’s Absence From IASIP Season 1 Means He Doesn’t Have Stories To Follow Up In Sequel Episodes
While the rest of theIt’s Always SunnyGang can parallel their season 1 episode stories with new twists in sequel episodes, Frank doesn’t have that option. Danny DeVito wasn’t in season 1, and it was evident in “Overage Drinking” that there wasn’t really an opportune place to fit him into the narrative.
It makes sense that it’s only Charlie, Dee, Dennis, and Mac repeating the cold open from season 1’s “Underage Drinking” episode, as they were the only ones present for the original. Dee and Dennis had the highest emotional stakes in this episode, followed by Mac and Charlie, but Frank wouldn’t have had any connection toTammy and Trey’s return.
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphiahas proven before that this isn’t always necessary. For example, Frank appeared in the High School Reunion episodes in season 7 despite obviously not attending school with them. In the recent season 17 release, however, it seems like they couldn’t find a satisfying way to include him.
Frank’s Absence In It’s Always Sunny Season 17 Episode 6 Emphasizes How Much The Show Changed After His Introduction
“Overage Drinking” really allows us to reflect on how much the show has changed over the years, with so many direct parallels to the season 1 classic.In both cases, an aspect that’s easy to notice is that Frank, who’s truly become instrumental toIt’s Always Sunnyover the years, is missing from both.
It’s Always Sunnywas funny before Danny DeVito joined the cast, but season 2 is when it really found its footing and became the masterpiece it is today. Frank brings something special and unique that no other popular sitcom has ever had. Imagine watchingSeinfeldwith one of the parents being part of the core group.
The existence of Frank inIt’s Always Sunnyis truly an unprecedented dynamic for a sitcom, and yet it worked in such a perfectly dysfunctional way that only this show could achieve. It makes it all the more noticeable when he’s gone, even for just an episode.
