The Gang got ambitious for their 100th episode of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and I really can’t imagine them hitting the mark any with more accuracy as they treated us to a high concept departure that further explores the later season theme of diving head first into character psychologies and the bizzare idiosyncrasies that make Mac, Dennis, Dee, Charlie, and Frank tick.
“The Gang Saves the Day” is exactly what you want from a 100th episode: different and blown out enough to acknowledge the achievement while never feeling self-congratulatory and out of place. All the segments rang true to our merry band of dysfunctional characters and — while maybe not delivering the sharp interactions we’ve come accustomed to in standard episodes — gave us a unique glimpse without straying.
All were great, but I think we can agree that the animated window into Charlie Kelly’s mind and soul is what took things to next level exemplary. Let’s take a look character by character, shall we?
Mac Saves The Day
Mac’s fantasy was the most predictable and straightforward of all, even if he still doesn’t understand a pun. He of course averts the crisis, badass-style.
And in heroic death, forces his friends to realize they should have never doubted his awesomeness before leaving them to forever feel hollow inside.
He then of course goes to Mac Heaven where he’ll forever be surrounded by beefy dudes who compliment his sweet moves. Mac perfection achieved.
Sweet Dee Saves The Day
Dee’s fantasy was almost as straightforward from a dreams accomplished standpoint, just with a few more curveballs and dark turns tossed in. This pretty well sums it up.
♫ definitely not like a bird ♫
That Groban has carved a nice little comedy cameo niche for himself, eh?
Frank Saves The Day
Simply perfect/simple Frank Reynolds.
Dennis Saves The Day
Dennis’s fantasy was the stuff of pure sociopaths and we would have disappointed with anything less. Dennis wouldn’t be content with purely saving the day, oh no. Dennis requires a much more elaborate psychological triumph to get off. Enter: brain trauma, unfulfilled conquest Jackie Denardo, and the ultimate D.E.N.N.I.S. System implementation.
The unthinkable obstacle presents itself.
And it’s a good thing Dennis Reynolds is an expert at turning tables to get off.
Charlie Saves The Day
And finally, Charlie. What a perfectly poignant, beautiful, hilarious, and heart-breaking look into Charlie Kelly’s psyche. Up meets Charlie’s stunted psychology blend together seamlessly to depict what it’s like to look at the world through Charlie’s eyes: true love, rat helpers, marriage stores, limited professional opportunities, borderline illiteracy, and taking to the sky via balloons when you’ve had a good run.
Important note about how things happen in Charlie’s world.
And then you go up.
Bravo, Sunny. This was the Breaking Bad finale of 100th comedy episodes.
Banner images via Tumblr.
