Blog Review #1: It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
The season 13 premier of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, titled “The Gang Makes Paddy’s Great Again” touches on a few relevant topics in today’s time. While It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is a comedy show, it portrays social and political issues but in a funny way. The Gang has a new member, Cindy, who is an ethnic minority and replaces their friend Dennis who is away in North Dakota. Cindy is thanking the group saying that the bar has “been so welcoming to this brown-skinned girl and her liberal ideals”. Keeping in mind that the show is a comedy and the line is meant in an almost satirical way, her statement brings attention to minorities who aren’t always welcome and accepted, as well as those with liberal ideals.
Cindy has turned the bar into a much more sophisticated place which now welcomes “liberal conversation”. It is revealed that all the while, all the liberal talk was just a ruse to attract business to the bar, and the wine they’re serving is even called “conservative whine”. I appreciate that It’s Always Sunny often includes relevant subjects (whether they be political or social) without picking a side or taking a stance and portrays them in a witty way. As they’ve already wooed the “liberal crowd”, Cindy has a plan to attract conservatives- hats that say “Make Paddy’s Great Again” in the same format as Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” hat.
Mac deals with embracing his homosexuality, Charlie struggles in his relationship, and Cindy tries to spread fake news. The show portrays these issues with a hint of sarcasm and exaggeration from the characters. This episode also addresses friendship, as the gang is bored without Dennis and his replacement Cindy isn’t quite filling the void. With a Dennis look-a-like doll in the picture to add comedy to the situation, the episode exemplifies a real issue (friendship) with a comedic twist.
While the characters are sarcastic, narcissistic, crude, and often immoral, the plot of this episode covers current events and real life issues in the world today. This show has the ability to address relevant topics, but still please viewers as they are delivered in a hilarious and clever fashion.