One of the great things about a show like It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is that, as long as there are things happening out in the world, there will always be material for these guys to work with. The seventh season brings Rob McElhenney, Glenn Howerton, Charlie Day, Kaitlin Olson and Danny DeVito back together for more of their ridiculous and hilarious antics.
Created by Rob McElhenney, It’s Always Sunny follows a group of friends who work and hang out at a Philadelphia dive bar called Paddy’s Pub. They often find themselves caught up in some mess of a scheme that, usually due to a combination of poor judgment and selfishness, often ends up getting them hurt, into trouble and/or humiliated. None of that has ever stopped them from picking up and moving on to their next great plan. What works so well for the show is that much of what transpires within this group is inspired by the outside world. Pop-culture and current events have a tendency to spark a series of bad ideas among these people. The series is less about the over-all story or character development and more about the characters’ offbeat take on everyday issues and attempts to get ahead, most of which fail.
Season 7 opens with the group on the verge of collapsing under the weight of their own poor choices, and it all starts with Frank’s prostitute girlfriend, or perhaps it’s Mac’s weight gain that got the snowball rolling. Regardless of the catalyst, the episode is just one big downward spiral set to the tune of the ’80’s film Pretty Woman, and it’s fantastic.
The series follows this up with a trip to the Jersey Shore, and then the group takes on a child beauty pageant. As for Episode 4, titled “Sweet Dee Gets Audited,” to put it as vaguely as possible, things get pretty dark, a little bit spicy and fairly gross. And speaking of gross, if you’re a fan of funny vomiting, there are two reasons to look forward to Season 7. I won’t spoil you with the details, however one of them in particular was exceptionally gross (hilarious). Bear in mind, this is coming from someone who finds vomit scenes to be inexplicably hilarious when executed properly (See: The Comeback, The Sandlot).
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is as hilarious and deliciously inappropriate as ever. Fans who have stuck it out with the Paddy’s Pub crew for six seasons should have no trouble diving into the seventh. And if you're new to the series, there's no time like the present. While the characters do tend to grow funnier the more you get to know them, each episode holds up on its own for the most part. So grab your sense of humor and pull up a stool.
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia Season 7 premieres Thursday, September 15th at 10 p.m. ET/PT on FX.
