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A Clean Bar, A Funny Waitress and A Handsome Man. Review: It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia – “How Mac Got Fat”

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  • November 17, 2011

  • 5 mins to read

IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA: L-R: Rob McElhenney as Mac, Kaitlin Olson as Sweet Dee, Charlie Day as Charlie, Danny DeVito as Frank and Glenn Howerton as Dennis. CR: FX

Review: It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, S7, E10

Air Date: Thursday, November 17, 2011, 10:00 pm ET/PT on FX

Rating: ★★★★★

Mac (Rob McElhenney) in the confessional

The opening shot of Mac (Rob McElhenney) sitting in a confessional perfectly sets the tone for this week’s installment of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. He’s a slouch in a t-shirt that doesn’t quite fit, showing off his fat belly and sweaty chest. Not a pretty sight! When Father Cullen (W. Morgan Sheppard) asks what his confession is, Mac responds, “I’m fat.” But he’s not there to accept responsibility for his rotund status; oh no, he blames it on the rest of the Gang. And now he’s seeking retribution for them making him gain so much weight. The poor priest—I feel so bad for him as he has no choice but to sit there and listen to Mac’s convoluted reasoning.

Observations:

“How Mac Got Fat” begins with Mac telling the Father what he wants, with head and arms extended upwards: “Oh great and angry God! I command thee to smite my friends.” The story he goes on to relate is a perfect example of Mac’s flawed thinking and what makes him funny in this episode.

Mac explains to Charlie (Charlie Day), Dee (Kaitlin Olson), Dennis (Glenn Howerton) and Frank (Danny Devito) the reason Paddy’s is so popular is because they’ve “tipped.” Charlie, Dennis and Dee go on to explain their roles in why Paddy’s has so many new customers and I don’t know whose story makes me laugh the most: Charlie’s, because of the clean bar he keeps; Dee’s, because of her supposed comedic genius; or Dennis’ because of his elevated opinion of his good looks. Self-absorbed much?

Frank and Charlie in bed together makes me laugh if for no other reason than Charlie’s hissy fit, followed by his climb into the sofa bed “crevice” to escape Frank’s ridiculous ideas for Paddy’s. Charlie asks, “What are you looking to do? Flash-cook a gyro?” when Frank suggests sticking “some M80s inside some lamb.” Charlie’s whole demeanor in this scene strikes me as ridiculously funny, especially the physical comedy Day employs to illustrate how frustrated he is.

Charlie as the voice of reason? How can that be? He’s the stupidest member of the Gang so for him to realize everything everyone is doing to promote Paddy’s isn’t working is quite preposterous.

The things Dennis does to make himself appear more handsome are absolutely ludicrous! I’m not going to elaborate because I want you to enjoy what he looks like without knowing what to expect. Trust me, though, they’re farcical.

Mac choosing Luke (Michael O’Hearn), the guy with a rock-hard body—aka “that gorgeous muscle monster”—to be his “avatar” is absurd! Mac seeing himself in this dude is totally outrageous. I mean, the guy could qualify for Mr. America! (Nice piece of eye candy for us ladies, though.)

Charlie and Dennis high on turpentine are hysterical! Don’t ask me how I know, ahem, but Howerton is the perfect picture of a stoner as Dennis watches Charlie dancing. And Charlie’s mime-like skit of taking Dennis’ eyeballs out and making them his own has me totally laughing out loud. Day proves he can definitely hang with the big boys of physical comedy in this episode, and specifically in this scene.

Favorite lines:

Mac, in the confessional: “I’d like to confess on them because they’re sinners and pricks.”

***

Mac to the priest: “And without Dennis to shit all over Dee’s ideas with me, I was lured into her very lazy, slothy, sinful avatar plan.”

***

Dee, explaining why she’s responsible for Paddy’s being so busy: “…My comedy. All the funny jokes and stuff I throw out. You know, I’m like the cute, funny waitress who has all these one-liners and hilarious jabs I throw at the customers and I add all that charm to the place. That’s probably doing it.”

***

Priest: “Well, I think your time could be better spent if you focus more on yourself.”

Mac: “But I haven’t done very much wrong.”

 

“How Mac Got Fat” is reminiscent of the funny episodes that made us love Sunny way back in season one. It revolves around another one of the Gang’s ridiculous plans while giving us a terrific character study of each of them. Funny stuff, people, funny stuff.

Tune in to It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Thursdays at 10:00 pm ET/PT only on FX.

All photos courtesy of Patrick McElhenney / © 2011 FX Networks, LLC. All rights reserved.

LIKE Sunny on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/alwayssunny and follow the show on Twitter @FXNetworks using the hashtag #sunnyfx.

 

Linda

Love TV, movies, and books--mostly mysteries, with a good love story thrown in every now and then. I have four adopted dogs who I adore. I love trying new recipes, and enjoy eating what I make. English language perfectionist. Reading in bed, Italian food, warm weather, the beach, all types of games = favs!

Linda

Love TV, movies, and books--mostly mysteries, with a good love story thrown in every now and then. I have four adopted dogs who I adore. I love trying new recipes, and enjoy eating what I make. English language perfectionist. Reading in bed, Italian food, warm weather, the beach, all types of games = favs!