Apparently, it’s never too early for the Gang to start preparing for Christmas.
In pursuit of the perfect Christmas card photo, Mac and Dennis butt heads with none other than poor Charlie, who gets stuck in the middle of their argument.
Meanwhile, Dee and Frank run around town, trying to figure out what Mac and Dennis have really been up to behind everyone’s backs.
After many episodes of commentary about the larger world, it’s exciting to watch an episode that’s solely focused on the Gang trying to work out their internal conflict.
The funniest It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia episodes put the Gang’s degeneracy on full display, and Season 18 Episode 8, “Mac and Dennis Tear Their ACLs” fits the bill.
You Have To Label Your Sarcasm
It’s been a while since we’ve had a really solid Mac and Dennis episode.
Since I started watching the show, they’ve easily been one of my favorite pairings, but we haven’t really gotten many episodes centering them in recent seasons.
Their short EMT stint together on Season 17 Episode 3 doesn’t nearly compare to when they used to pretend to be a married couple and sell houses together in Season 5.
But their argument about who comes up with the ideas and who steals them is the first time in so many years that their chemistry has finally returned.
Rather than simplifying their relationship to Dennis being mean to Mac, this argument reveals the true codependent nature of their relationship.
Although each claims to be the one who comes up with the ideas, Mac and Dennis’ lives are so intertwined – and similar – that it’s impossible to establish true individuality.
It’s especially hilarious that Charlie gets caught in the middle of their argument, literally having to run back and forth between his injured friends.
Mac and Dennis’ arguing tactics are so immature but so funny. It’s hard to keep a straight face watching two grown men ask their friend to accurately relay their sarcastic statements to each other.
Speaking of Charlie, I have to give him the most valuable character award for the whole season, even if it isn’t over yet.
He’s the one character who has been consistently well-written, and nearly every aspect of his comedy – from his line deliveries to his physicality – always makes me laugh.
It’s so satisfying to watch him gradually grow more and more pissed off at having to mediate until he finally calls the trial to get Mac and Dennis to stop literally shouting at each other over his head.
The trial stands out as one of the best moments of the episode – not only because the Gang’s past Christmas cards are so clever (Elf Scott Fitzgerald was my personal favorite), but also because Mac and Dennis using the same cards to prove different points is ironic humor at its best.
The final reveal that Mac and Dennis never actually tore their ACLs also plays well, mainly because it means Charlie served them for nothing.
You Should’ve Gone To Home Depot Instead
While Charlie is stuck at Mac and Dennis’ apartment, Dee and Frank are occupied at a local hardware store.
Hoping to find out what Mac and Dennis might be scheming without them, they try to pressure the store owner into sharing the security footage, even enlisting Cricket’s help.
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This episode uses Frank and Dee’s dynamic well, as they are both stubborn and vengeful, making for the perfect combination for a revenge plot.
Their plotline is comparatively weaker than the sharply written mess between Mac and Dennis, but it’s still entertaining to watch Dee and Frank collaborate.
I was surprised by the reveal that Mac and Dennis’s secret scheme is to sneak into a Taylor Swift concert, mainly because I didn’t know they were Swifties.
However, the montage of Mac and Dennis explaining that they can sneak in anywhere dressed as two men with ladders sold me on the idea.
It’s also a nice tie-in to Season 18 Episode 6‘s reveal of the Gang’s perception of blue-collar workers.
The plan to bring the whole Gang into the ladder scheme ultimately fails, but at least Mac and Dennis are back on speaking terms, even if they don’t always see eye to eye.
Schmitty still gets the last laugh, but after seeing the Gang’s Christmas cards, I can safely say that, in my heart, they’re the true winners of the Christmas card competition.
Paddy’s Pub Bulletin Board
- I said this for Season 18 Episode 7, but I’ll say it again: we’ve had enough of Cricket this season. Bring back some of the other recurring characters!
- The Taylor Swift mention is a little outdated. The Eras Tour ended two years ago!
- I wouldn’t be surprised if “Crash you a Merry Bashmas” becomes a memeable Frank line.
- I’m a big fan of Charlie’s librarian-like glasses chains that he wears whenever he goes into lawyer mode.
- It’s nice of Jason Sudeikis to take some time off from Ted Lasso to snap some photos for Christmas cards.
- I noticed that Dennis’ room has a CD rack, which was huge news for me and my precious CD collection.
- Charlie’s impression of Mac’s smirk got me good.
- I was surprised by Mac and Dennis’ obsession with Jag. They’ve really been into TV references this season.
That’s all from me! What were your top moments from the latest episode of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia?
Don’t forget to vote in the poll below, and come back next week for our continued coverage of the Gang’s antics!
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia airs on Mondays at 9/8c on FXX, FX, and Hulu.
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