Is *ALWAYS SUNNY* Still Good?

[@cleverman383]

This video has the same energy as Charlie talking about Pepe Silvia for two hours

[@ScienceBabbleMusic]

Hey Barney, Give her a cigarette

[@chris_player2995]

​@@ScienceBabbleMusic Barney? who the hell is Barney?

[@kennethnoisewater4423]

@@chris_player2995 will you settle down and have another cup of coffee? this video has BOXES of Pepe Silvia.

[@antidecepticon]

WHO IS PEPE SILVIA!!!

[@hhometownnn]

this reply chain is so beautiful

[@cheesecake134]

My favorite of the specific Sunny vernacular is them referring to businesses as “stores”. Hamburger store, welfare store, health department store. It always makes me laugh so hard.

[@hhometownnn]

SAME

[@thatoneguylucas9879]

Reminds me of whitest kids u know always talking about going to the "church store"

[@williamclark6233]

​@Mary Mahoney what did you think about the first two episodes of season 16? I thought the first one was great and the second was decent too!

[@hhometownnn]

@@williamclark6233 prob gonna make a follow-up video once the whole season’s out- felt like a step in the right direction, but maybe still a little lacking?

[@stewiegriffin4]

!! And the animated scene from The Gang Saves The Day when Charlie and The Waitress come out of ”The Marriage Store” and ”The Baby Store”

[@politicaleconomist6116]

thanks for putting the giant breasted women on the eras chart, I wouldn't have been able to pay attention otherwise

[@J3MOdh3NOWX3S]

Yeah it nipped my adhd in the bud.

[@jenniferhawkins1601]

It did help make me understand more better

[@mrjakeisnumber2]

My favorite part of "The Gang Gets Trapped" is when Dee says "How come Mac's the only one who gets to push the button on the walkie?" She doesn't even know for a fact that Mac is the only one handling the walkie, she just correctly guesses based on his personality. Such a great example of how well defined the characters are, where they can con/manipulate each other based on their knowledge of each other

[@FrancisR420]

I had assumed that they had a heated loud discussion on who gets to push the walkie-talkie button and she was opening it back up.

[@leaffinite2001]

​@mauirandall8176 even so its good the characters are so well defined that we dont need to be shown that to assume it wholeheartedly

[@edselgreaves6503]

​@@FrancisR420 Can't be, since it hadn't occurred to Charlie until Dee said it, that's why he replied "Let me get back to you on that." Prior to that their only argument was about the chips.

[@caladam6735]

I feel like Mac and Charlie would get like 30 vaccinations thinking it would give them superpowers.

[@hhometownnn]

WAIT TRUE

[@ven1568]

Yeah, plus even after showing that Frank and Dennis BOTH did NOT get the vaccine, you keep saying “the whole gang would not get the vaccine” when literally the whole gang did not. That part of the video really confused me. They did what you said they should’ve done? Dee and Mac would both get it - Mac has a lot of conspiracies, but we have seen him defend medicine and Dr’s against Dennis multiple times. At this point in the show, Charlie would definitely do what Mac and Dee recommended over what Dennis and Frank tell him to do.

[@sirfrancois8888]

Brilliant. Lol.

[@tomjones8388]

I dont think it's too out of character that Charlie got vaccinated, he fondly recalls getting vaccinated every month as a kid by his overprotective mother. If anything they missed a chance to have him get too many vaccines tbh

[@hhometownnn]

i wouldve LOVED that

[@peter_schomus]

Wow so true!

[@LordOfTheFatties]

I agree! I also think it's not uncommon for all but 1 member of the gang to have an inexplicably normal, appropciate opinion on something, with just the one exception as part of a gag. It reminds me of Mac arguing agaisnt Evolution, where everyone else just fully and realistically accepted it as obviously correct until Mac goes on about it.

[@sketchyjulia]

“Charlie believes in ghouls and leprechauns!” Implying they’re not real?? Smh😤

[@poppers7317]

I'm pretty sure I have a ghoul and a leprechaun as neighbours.

[@owengreenwald3186]

The thing that frustrates me about the scene where they're all yelling at the waitress in Ireland is that they're taking turns!! You can't tell me that if that ep was made during peak Sunny, they wouldn't be yelling over each other chaotically.

[@dimsum8295]

I just watched that episode today

[@Nosliw837]

That's the joke

[@aidenpenry5874]

Another thing abt Dee being a sweetheart before her injury is that it completely ruins the already existing lore of her and Dennis being raised by two awful people in the first place. The parents of these characters was such a big recurring theme in the first 6 seasons, especially in the christmas special.

[@lyndonjohnson8099]

I thought it was a funny tho

[@l.h.8151]

I saw a fan theory that Dee was just having a "nice phase" because she thought she was going to escape, but then didn't

[@zachsutton6195]

It's a meta episode on the creation of Always Sunny. Read more into it because it makes a lot of sense

[@rowaystarco]

I think of it more of a reference to Sweet Dee, the fact they originally wrote her as a voice of reason. You see hints of it in the first season.

[@Goomyx1492]

@@rowaystarco I've never really subscribed to the idea that Dee was ever the voice of reason. She was basically getting together with a teenager in episode 3.

[@vocaloidpartier]

Im sorry but as a gay homo gay the fisting exercise bike is genuinely hilarious

[@lukec6d9]

God the dayman creation scene is one of the best things i have ever seen its so perfect and genuine and feels like a secret i shouldnt be watching

[@hhometownnn]

it’s truly television history

[@sketchyjulia]

Seeing it on my first watch through of the show last year was genuinely magical

[@stardusst]

the way dennis laughs and says "i never know, man" is so genuine and wholesome, like you genuinely believe they're friends.

[@sageshroom]

I think Charlie's obsession with the waitress fading so quickly makes perfect sense. He's obviously got serious attachment issues, and has made many comments about how women who reciprocate feelings quickly (if at all) are whores/sloppy/etc. He doesn't actually WANT the waitress to reciprocate, he likes the dynamic as it is. Someone genuinely being in his life and having feelings for him/controlling anything about him is too much for him.

[@jupiterlily13]

Yep, look at how he treats his mother when she needs anthing. He talks very fondly of her to the gang, but treats her like shit and finds her incredibly annoying. It's exacly the same way he treats the waitress.

[@pepperpeterpiperpickled9805]

Mac buying the sex doll wasnt a 'lets make fun of the gay guy' type joke. The joke was clearly that it was a sex doll and having been bought by a man who has open feelings toward dennis, it is going to be used as a sex doll. it's similar to the workout bike with the fist punching that everyone saw as a sex toy but Mac was adamant that he was only using it to workout

[@paroxysm6867]

I think the Waitress momentarily caving to Charlie is because she's a fundamentally broken woman (which is almost 100% the Gang's fault), so her having a moment of weakness where she's vulnerable and lets her guard down isn't totally out of character for her. This man has simply worn her down and she has finally reached her breaking point, plus hearing "There's no one better, I love you" can be reassuring to someone who is in a dark place with low self-esteem. Of course, that's short-lived and Charlie immediately wants nothing to do with her when he realizes the fantasy of being with her is better than actually being with her, which is a hilariously messed-up reversal. Dennis leaving to become a father probably feels more out of character, but I don't think it is completely: Dennis is often portrayed as the "logical one" of the group (often pointing out how crazy and flawed the rest of the Gang are) until he inevitably does something more unhinged than any of them a moment later. So, him momentarily having a "logical moment" of wanting to be a father only to come back next season and never mention his son or baby's mother ever again is pretty much typical sociopath Dennis.

[@edthehuman9626]

I feel like they are gonna reveal something crazy from that setup, like at the end of the season he like murdered them and fled or something like that but idk I think there’s more to that desicion

[@mclovinpo]

Yep not unbelievable at all

[@volcanicoperative8228]

i read Dennis leaving the group as yet another step in his longing search for "feelings." We know his mother and her death made him feel things and we know his father and his absence and negligence makes him feel things- we know he's constantly searching for anything that could make him feel good things (which is likely a psychological cause for his hypersexual nature). It's very possible and how I interpreted it that Dennis, holding his //son// finally felt something, in that deep little heart of hearts of his. Obviously it didn't last and his nature got the better of him when he realized the kid "wasn't a golden god" and he got bored before coming back to philly.

[@maddieclarke258]

I always read Dennis having a baby as a) probably an accident in the first place and b) Dennis trying to grow as an adult in what he believes is the right way. He knows he’s getting older and he knows (more so than others like Charlie or Mac) that it’s starting to get pathetic the bar is his whole life so he took what he believed to the be the next logical step in adulthood: marriage and children. He’s gotten married before (to what turned out to be a cat) and has tried the suburbs, both to little success, but he still has this idea of the nuclear family living in suburbia as the perfect life (maybe due to how he grew up. Preppy, rich, dysfunctional but outwardly nice appearing family)

[@hhometownnn]

i like this actually yeah

[@austinwertz7442]

I don't know if this is off topic but one of the running gags I love is that whenever anyone in the gang wants to record something, they use the same old camera. So when they present their video, at the end there are a few short clips from old episodes where they used the camera, showing that they're recording over the same tape again and again.

[@gabrielrosenberg6734]

To me the fat Mac jokes were more about his delusion, he truly believes that he's "cultivating mass" and thinks he has become more of a badass/macho tough gut because of it, it's illustrated further in the gang gets analyzed episode.

[@user-hc2tu7ul7j]

Agreed, especially since they still make fun of him for his body obsession when he’s ripped. The joke is more so on his warped view of how others see him

[@spadinnerxylaphone2622]

I'm a significantly overweight man so I feel like I'm allowed to say this; the fat jokes were funny. I think them all laughing at him when the M&Ms were falling out of his pocket was a step too far and it stung a lot. But besides that, Fat Mac was hilarious and relatable.

[@sketchyjulia]

He was as big as a skyscraper now he’s as tiny as a postage stamp😔

[@Darkstar_Dayne]

​@@spadinnerxylaphone2622I agree, the only funny aspect of Fat Mac was that he was completely delusional about his own physique, believing himself to be healthy and a muscle monster. But overall it didn't have the effect that they probably intended cuz I think Fat jokes are outdated and overused, it can work only when the jokes are creative and really out of pocket.

[@yggdrasil2]

Plus, the episode that introduced Fat Mac went to great lengths to show how unhealthy Dennis' weight-loss obsession was.

[@rorybarber5076]

I've always had such a crush on Artemis. Her monologue in "Who Pooped the Bed?" is one of my favorite moments on the show.

[@QuinnMiller]

The reason charlie is so serious (and more annoyed by frank) in Ireland is because he isnt sniffing glue the whole time he's there. Same with the episode charlie work. He doesnt sniff glue on inspection day so hes more on his game

[@magpieMOB]

Same reason I like the setting of the roller rink (setting aside the Sweet Sweet Dee discontinuity), Charlie starts off on top of his game, checking people for gum on the rink, no whipping, but because Mac was slacking off (to go be awful at dealing drugs, his then-idea of a persona that might gain his Dad's approval) Charlie wound up spraying shoes and developing a liking for the solvent. I think this is what lead him to think loosening Dee's skates was a good idea (kind hearted but not thought through, just doubling down hard on a misinterpreted principle - which feels like pure IASIP Gang logic)

[@sketchyjulia]

I personally think meeting his real dad genuinely meant a lot to him/growing up fatherless is something that he’s bothered by, and he’s finally getting to meet him/have a relationship with him and he would be annoyed by Frank and the gang butting in

[@Dystisis]

The problem is, the reason we liked Always Sunny was because they sniffed glue.

[@sketchyjulia]

Also I can buy him not crying/getting emotional when the waitress rejected him in Nightman cometh or the bear trap thing, since the waitress rejects him literally all the time (and that’s not even the nastiest she’s ever been to him) and he kinda just viewed it as a failed scheme rather than complain losing his chance with her, since he keeps trying to woo her for eight more seasons, and I feel like him screaming in pain/hallucinating is also a pretty reasonable way to react to having your leg stuck in a bear trap lol

[@ianmcgranaghan9888]

One of the major things for me is the quality of the the production of show. Through seasons 1-8 they used old cameras and it looked perfect. A little grainy but the picture was perfect. It was about just showing the characters for who they were and stories episode to episode. But starting season 8- current they went full HD and started severely overlighting each season. The bar just looks like a set cause they have huge stage lights above them. Not like that in earlier season and it actually felt like a bar not a set in LA. Ruins it for me. Also as a OG sunny fan i really love seasons 1-8

[@danieldelavega7605]

On their podcast, Rob McElhenney and Glenn Howerton kinda rib Charlie Day over his reluctance to change the way the show is shot. I think they kinda had to do it at that point, but Day was absolutely right - the HD/rich lighting doesn't suit the tone of the show at all.

[@ChaosTheory9]

It’s funny cause in “the gang desperately tries to win an award”, they make fun of the other bar for being so bright and colorful. Then later on, they’re made the bar brighter

[@ianmcgranaghan9888]

@@ChaosTheory9exactly!

[@91freakystyley]

completely agree. I miss the grainy film look

[@aarondonald1611]

They switched to HD back in like season 4 or 5. So it's been HD way longer than it's been SD

[@silentverity4975]

I think the Ireland season hits better for me. I appreciate them taking the chance of a several-part story that develops over most of the season, and there are bits throughout the season that had me in tears (I don't know how you didn't laugh at Dennis trying to pinch off a cough). And like, the season ends with the gang starting to reestablish the friendship. I almost start to see Charlie's dad as a metaphor for the direction the show has been trending towards emotionally impactful moments that lead away from what the show is about, with it literally almost breaking the gang up. But they come together, and they toss the concept off a cliff, and don't even give a shit that it didn't land right.

[@hhometownnn]

i really like that idea

[@pcbassoon3892]

Because it didn't sound like he was trying not to laugh. It sounded like he was forcibly screaming.

[@miyamotomusashi6450]

​@@pcbassoon3892 he was trying not to cough.

[@bottlesalts]

Love the idea that throwing Charlie’s dad off a cliff is representation of the show throwing out crummy ideas. If this is in fact something they were going for, I applaud them.

[@AlmightyArceus]

Excellent analysis and especially with the nature of their past few season finales I think that’s right on target!

[@DJWeissman]

Charlie being so good at texting is a commentary on how low effort a lot of texting is. Charlie's a savant at it because it's like his weird heiroglyph language. It just makes sense to him.

[@pastrie42]

yep! surprised she didn’t understand this.

[@spoink-x3z]

I’m not very far in but just wanna say marder and rossel (pretty sure I’m spelling those names wrong) they left the show for a while but returned for season 16 and the impact is very noticeable. They were writers that joined in season 3 and the crew praises them a lot on the podcast for their impact on the show.

[@Glidus]

This is the kind of mechanical analysis that can only be achieved through a thorough understanding of the craft and a deep passion for the property at hand. Reminds me of Michael Barryte's series about the Star Wars prequels, except a lot more grounded. You've diagnosed the show without stepping on the toes of people who have attachments to the later seasons' emotional climaxes. Brilliant video, eagerly awaiting more.

[@hhometownnn]

WOW. thank you. this is about the highest compliment i could receive for this. part two coming soon, i hope you like it too!

[@DirtPerson]

It's our boy Glimbus! See if you can get Alt Schwift X to make an Always Sunny theory generator.

[@BradsGonnaPlay]

I was hoping A in the MARY system was just Artemis haha

[@hhometownnn]

DAMNIT it shouldve been

[@mitijr2031]

I really like how you mentioned the gang being great when they have a common enemy. It's sort of like siblings who fight and bicker all the time but come together to conquer a bully or a parent

[@tonyspider03]

I kinda love the drag episode idea, dee wanting to be a drag king is SO in character lmao edit: okay I love all your pitches, someone show this video to megan and RCG so they can hire you

[@flyingbob5]

The joke regarding the waitress trying to get Charlie to eat asparagus has to do with her trying to get pregnant. People believe that asparagus can lead to increased fertility due to the folic acid.

[@mclovinpo]

Yep

[@moonshapedpool]

how is that funny tho thats not even a joke

[@HOTD108_]

​@@moonshapedpool"I don't personally find it funny therefore it is not a joke" -You

[@PhoenicopterusR]

​@moonshapedpool I hope that every few months someone stumbles on this and goes out of their way to remind you that humour is subjective.

[@crepezzzzz]

​@@moonshapedpoolquick reminder that humour is subjective

[@tarosic]

I think that a love interest for Mac resolves the Mac Dennis relationship conundrum as it is. Mac's coming out changed the dynamics of their relationship - not because of Mac being gay but because of Mac refocusing his sexual attention on Dennis. Dennis wants that same codependent friendship back, but with someone who is not also actively trying to sleep with him. All the weird rewritten flashbacks in the episode when Dennis comes back also speaks to the ease at which the entire history of the show can be malleable should it be useful to do so in the service of a script. For me, the ballet actually aligns pretty perfectly with Mac's character, since martial arts and dance have a lot of common features. I think it's actually quite lovely to see all his flailing about with karate as his dancer spirit trying to come out awkwardly through the hyper-macho outlet of violence. One thing I think the writers have been trying at, and possibly failing, has been to portray Mac's sexuality as equally creepy, depraved, and exploitative as all the other characters without over focusing on the gay aspect of it. It would completely break their world for me if as soon as Mac comes out he becomes capable of having a healthy sexual relationship with anyone. But it's a very hard line to walk to distinguish that it's unhealthy because it's Mac rather than the it's unhealthy because it's gay trope.

[@sarahd1250]

Exactly. I feel like this show poked fun at everything/everyone equally.

[@BokBarber]

My favorite thing about Sunny is how fluidly and effortlessly they can switch which member of the gang is playing the straight man. There are scenes where the voice of reason switches three or four times as they bounce between each other's ongoing schemes. They build just enough confidence in the character in that moment to lower your guard, and that makes it hit harder when they tear themselves back down again just moments later. I'd give examples but it's basically every scene of every episode after Season 1 through the last few. It's just masterful.

[@Kennedxyz]

I’m a huge fan too and I love the M.A.R.Y system, especially “make Mac badass again.” Mac is my favorite character and I liked him best during the postmodern era where they balanced his macho-badass character traits while also hinting about his homosexuality! As a queer person, I love that he’s out of the closet now, I just wish they didn’t focus on that aspect ENTIRELY. If they balanced his badass-ness and open gayness I think his character would work so much better😄 great job on the video

[@sumguy789654]

His dynamic with Dennis after coming out just isn't fun to watch they don't feel like friends

[@johnr6087]

@@sumguy789654 I wish we still got moments of “wannabe badass” Mac, I always loved those scenes.

[@dirklouise4947]

@@sumguy789654their dynamic in the new episode kinda resembled their dynamic in the earlier seasons imo.. im really hoping it stays that way because i miss when dennis didnt hate mac lol

[@Chlo255]

Them sharing the inflatable couch was great ngl, and Dennis seemed super concerned about Mac dying in his sleep lol

[@cheesecake134]

Yeah, we need that little bit of Philly scumbag in Mac. The guy who will throw a beer bottle at someone for blocking the road. I feel like if they did that scene now, Mac would ask Dennis what to do.

[@PApro]

One of the things I think has big part to do with the "drop in quality" that I don't see many people talk about has to be a combination of the guys getting more mature mixed with the changing times. If you listen to their podcast they often reference moments in the show by saying "we would never do that now"... Many of those moments are what made the show so great. Their willingness to do the crazy absurd things that nobody else would touch. In the recent seasons they are either afraid to push those boundaries or they have "grown up" and don't find those same things funny anymore.

[@grahamdoig8128]

My word. The drag show episode idea works so well on so many levels. Topical, easily relevant to all characters (Charlie already had a cross dressing moment in the bathroom episode) Artemis could reprise her sound engineer role (I NEED another "sir return to your seeeeee-tuh" moment) Dee could also drag it up in a new male character, Frank tries to make money off it (social commentary on pride washing) Mac ironically plays the straight man with his knowledge of queer spaces and Dennis tries to win to make it about him. Episode name "the gang drags it up". In the bag; make it.

[@smasher.338]

I see no problem at all w mac gaining weight in season 7. Because he doesn't have a weight problem, and he ISNT fat. Because he is putting on mass and its muscle. Not to mention it WASNT a costume, he actually gained the weight, so if he was ok w it, so am I.

[@XboxJohnBrown]

As someone who also thoroughly enjoys the later seasons of Sunny, I understand where you’re coming from. Hell even I have to admit that I miss the “Mac and Dennis co-dependent friendship” side of their characters. But I personally feel that the direction they took the characters still feels natural. It’s hard to explain without “defending” individual episodes, but even when one person drops everything to be the straight man it either feels natural enough given the situation OR it’s no more a departure than, say, when Charlie is the straight man during Mac and Charlie Die. I’d be more than happy to talk about any episodes with anybody from any era. Because I think even if we disagree on whether or not a Sunny episode is good, even a “bad” Sunny episode is better than a lot of TV. Except “Women’s Right to Chop.” That episode is just not very good.

[@sketchyjulia]

Even with womens right to chop the Poppins B plot was kinda enjoyable (and non binary king Charlie Kelly “Genders so old school I don’t identify”) Personally I think the Cricket episode is my least favorite, I have literally no reason/want to rewatch it, can’t even think of any scenes or lines that stuck with me

[@XboxJohnBrown]

@@sketchyjulia I actually really like the Cricket episode, but it is NOT a “rewatch” episode if that makes sense. I recommend seeing it twice - once for the first time and then again after knowing the ending. Repeat viewings it loses its value.

[@jazzy4830]

I think the Mac/Dennis odd couple dynamic became less sustainable/funny once Mac was officially out. It was probably the right move to reel it in but they didn’t really come through with any strong new dynamic to replace it which makes it more of a loss.

[@patsfan3757]

Pls do a follow up when all of season 16 is out, i feel like its a step in the right direction. I feel like the guys making a podcast has made them reevaluate what works and what doesnt. I feel like they understand these characters again and im excited to see where the new season goes

[@meganchambers8108]

Do I look like I'm at sea???

[@GravelordNEETo]

This is how I found out season 16 was out wtf

[@michellel9739]

Agree, it's getting a bit better

[@hhometownnn]

in the works!!! stay tuned!

[@jessbreadhead43]

​@@hhometownnnyay!

[@raulreyes3063]

A 2 hour essay about a show I haven’t seen is exactly what I need right now

[@hhometownnn]

you’ve come to the right place

[@sadwasdead5065]

i came her to say the exact thing

[@ruleroftheclouds]

Absolutely the same

[@EliTheGleason]

I have never agreed with anything more

[@cybercop0083]

@@hhometownnn😅

[@wowewowlazer]

The thing about Mac's dance is he's always been a dancer. He's just always dancing in ways that he thought other people would perceive as cool. His dance in the prison is him finally taken something he's done for others and turns it into his own. In the show the woman is a professional dancer which would also explain why it is so well choreographed.

[@Thomperfan]

Okay, but why wouldn't Mac think the way he usually dances is cool?

[@mctheplaywright]

@@Thomperfanthere’s a difference between cool and emotionally vulnerable. Mac’s dancing was his idea of what people think is cool, because that’s what he thinks is cool, but his coming out dance is a genuine emotional expression through an art form he’s engaged in only aesthetically

[@bottlesalts]

I'm 1 minute 3 seconds into this video, and I'll go ahead and say thanks for having my exact stance of loving the show and thinking it's perfect yet uncertain with the latest seasons. I've struggled with this uncertainty for awhile, and I've tried to ignore any feelings of disappointment with the show just because I love it so much and I wish I could see it thrive for eternity. I'm ready to strap in for two hours while a fellow Sunny lover comforts me.

[@lazyfish7675]

My one issue with your point about the clip at 1:51:13 is that yes Charlie pushed through all that and he hasn't been every episode looking for his father but it has been established as important to him and when he finally did meet his father and begin to bond he lost the chance to ever get anything more out of that relationship, before he didn't know and could have gone his whole life not knowing/thinking frank was his dad but now he knows that door is closed on that particular connection and if there were ever a breaking point I think that would be it. I love this video to be clear! You've definitely turned me into a subscriber with my first introduction to you, I just had this one gripe

[@VaughnXavierHaynes]

LOVED your use of improv terms to describe just how well written the golden/postmodern eras are. I don't think it gets mentioned enough just on a sheer technical level how tight and punchy those episodes are.

[@w_rh1414__]

I'm just so glad Dennis and Mac are acting like... somewhat normal friends in Season 16. Much more watchable and genuinely heartwarming after the nightmare of Dennis being so mean to Mac the past few years

[@sketchyjulia]

The fact Dennis checked Mac’s pulse when he was sleeping/said he was gonna take him to the hospital at the end of the episode made me so happy If this was like season 14 he probably would’ve just ignored him

[@harrylane4]

You can really feel the influence of the Sunny podcast in the newest season, there are a lot of little things we hadn't seen in years from them.

[@iLoVeYoU3602]

after watching the first 2 episodes of season 16 last week, i have a lot of hope that the show is turning a corner! i think it's very obvious that rewatching the show for the pod has reignited some of the long lost absurdism from old sunny. i'm really interested in seeing what they do with the rest of the season, but i'm disappointed it's gonna be so short :/

[@iLoVeYoU3602]

ALSO, i feel like i must point out that charlie has SO many vaccines due to his mom's ocd lol, he says this in the gang quarantines ep. he definitely would have gotten the covid vaccine

[@pegacorn13]

I agree that Dennis's departure felt off. The narrative that he left to become a responsible father was really weird and it just didn't work for his character. That being said, I'm surprised by your thoughts about those two scenes that revealed something really deep and emotional about Mac and Charlie. I thought it was brilliant to throw those curveballs in the middle of a long running comedy series about arguably some of the worst people in the world. I thought that it added depth to their characters and it served as a reminder that these are extremely traumatized people and their behaviors are actually rooted in events that really aren't funny at all. Honestly, I literally cried while watching them both, in addition to the ending of "Dee Gives Birth". Now THAT scene epitomizes the gang in peak friendship mode. In the end, I enjoy almost all of the episodes that flip the script: whether it's emotionally driven dramatic scenes or musical dance numbers. I think problems always occur when you reveal the answer to a long standing mystery or gag. And some things don't ever need to be revealed or resolved at all. For instance, I don't think we should ever know the waitresses name. And in fact, I don't think we ever needed to see Charlie and the waitress get together. Although I loved the scene with Charlie and his dead father, I thought it was a mistake to reveal that it wasn't Frank because that was a mystery that should have ran until the series finale (at least). Both of these reveals have only created problems or have distracted somehow from the chemistry between the characters. As for Mac coming out, I think it HAD to happen. There was no way around it and although I loved how it was handled, I agree that Dennis and Mac's friendship has suffered and the writer's are pretty clueless about what to do with Mac's character next. Charlie being a master roller-skater didn't surprise me one bit. He has always come up with hidden talents out of the blue because he is a savant. He's a talented musician and playwright, he's an excellent ice skater and hockey player, he has perfect pitch, he's fluent in Gaelic, he's a master at dominos and he's a master seamstress. The entire "Charlie Work" episode is evidence of just how intelligent and talented he can be. And speaking as a Gen X'er and from Philadelphia, roller-skating was a BIG DEAL back in the day. Also, I don't think Dee's crash actually changed her personality, I think it finally cracked her mask and released "Borderline Dee" who she remains throughout the show. Overall, I'm impressed that these guys could make one of the most hilarious and effective satires in the world, maintain it *almost* to perfection for 13 seasons and still make it pretty damn funny for the last three. It's incredibly difficult to make a creative endeavor last for almost 2 decades: that's why bands break up and why we almost always prefer their first few albums. But to answer your question as to if Sunny is still good? Even if it isn't the best it ever has been, I'd have to give a definitive "yes".

[@sirfizz6518]

In the grand scheme of things, keeping something great going strong for even a whole decade is rare and impressive

[@hhometownnn]

agreed!

[@sketchyjulia]

True like Sunny started falling off a little in Season 12-13. Most sitcoms start falling off in like season 5-6

[@legoindianajones9736]

​@@sketchyjuliaMost sitcoms have longer seasons by a significant number of episodes just saying

[@JokerFace090]

Dennis doesn't leave because it is the right thing to do. He leaves because narcissists view their children as an extension of themselves. He looks at his old gang doing dumb schemes that don't work out and assumes they are holding him back. Where as his child, must be perfect the way he believes himself to be. He can start a better gang, with copies of himself. It makes 100% sense.

[@JokerFace090]

God damn...now I want a spinoff of Dennis as a single father doing his best to raise a self-entitled lil sociopath in his own image.

[@liovox]

Waiting for Big Mo is a reference to the Samuel Beckett Tragecomedy "Waiting for Godot", an utterly excellent play which relates to It's always sunny in a variety of ways, such as the "games" the characters play. I so very much wish i could have a discussion with someone who cares this much about IASIP.

[@krzlcve]

The tobias funke model straddles this perfect line and all the lines of innuendo they give him each season are hilarious

[@kiran258]

Charlie cried because he was diddled when he was a kid. He didn't have a father figure to protect him,which it looks like he absolutely needed. I think it makes a lot of sense that he cried since its coming from the core of his childhood.

[@kheath580]

it still doesnt fit the tone of the show

[@TheBestSam42]

Macs character definitely bugs me the most, his relationship with pretty much everyone in the gang shifts SO HEAVILY. What happened to Charlie and Mac being childhood friends, what happened to Mac and Dennis being codependent best friends, literally one of the funniest things in the show is the “IM NOT ALLOWED TO EAT IT WITH THE SKIN IM NOT ALLOWED” joke and suddenly Dennis hates Mac???? What even is this??? I also totally agree with Mac being gay basically just turning into a consistent punchline (like the Dee being a bird joke) when he was closeted it was more of a look at how he is ignorant of his obviously homosexual behaviour but when he is unclosested it’s just Mac did something gay/sexually deviant let’s point and laugh

[@y1hj2]

Very comprehensive video. Great work! Although I have to say, what's unique about the gang is that they have "no conviction." Therefore comparing their stances from episode to episode, or who plays the straight man, goes against their characterization, even from the early seasons. Also, Dennis and Dee clearly lean left and have been shown to go extreme to combat Frank and Mac so I can absolutely see them taking the vaccine. As for Charlie, he could be either but we've been told his mom used to vaccinate him "every week" so it's absolutely in character.

[@robertholston4708]

I am going to sound like an old man. I first started watching Sunny in 2007 during season 3. I actually remember seeing the abortion episode in 2005, thought it was ok. I remember seeing the promos for season 2 and thought it looked funny but didnt get around to watching until season 3. Even back in 2007 there were people online saying the show wasn't as goid anymore. I remember IMDB used to have message boards on every movie/tv page. After the first 2 episodes of season 3 there were a ton of people saying the show had jumped the shark and had already become a parody of itself. Rob Mcelhenny and Glen Howerton even created accounts to defend the show saying how tv shows go through evolutions and that there should be a progression to the characters. Also during the first few years Sunny was kinda this niche show. It was almost cancelled after season 1. In the early years it was word of mouth that helped gained the audience. There was definitely a backlash when the show got big. I remember in summer of 2010 Comedy Central started showing reruns. If you weren't there in 2010 than you have no idea the levels of vitriol for season 6. Everyone hated that season. Even Tosh.0 was dunking on Sunny at the time. So as someone that was watching the show and online in the late 00s/early 10s, people have always been saying that the show had declined. Like i said in the beggining, I am an old man. I remember in High School buying the Season 1-2 dvd set. In 2007 that was like my prized pocession. I bought all the seasons released on dvd/blu ray since. They stopped releasing physical seasons at season 10. My memory of the show passed that is kinda spotty. It feels like they still manage 1 or 2 really great episodes per year. For me the early seasons are so good that anything new they put out is just gravy at this point.

[@jamiebollenbacher4762]

My stance is similar, though I only started watching the show in 2020, and binged all (at the time) 14 seasons. Personally, I adored the show all the way up to season 12, and that is just amazing to me. I'm not sure any other sitcom will ever be able to compare. So, if the guys want to keep making episodes, even if they don't hit quite the same as the first 12 seasons, then I'm happy to keep watching. It's all, as you put, gravy.

[@0larue0]

This is my story too. I first saw it on vacation in Montana in 2005 when I was 14. Loved it ever since. Had first 3 seasons on DVD in high school and watched it somewhat constantly. The garbage patch kids cards episode was my favorite.

[@WhiteVelvet40]

1:46:12 I don't think the joke is "Mac is Gay everyone point and laugh". I felt it was more that Mac has done the tiniest amount of research into his new identity and has begun misappropriating the terminology to "win" arguments with other members of the gang. Similar to the entire course of the show. He has a new tool in his kit but the point is the same; to make himself feel superior. Granted, I also don't think its the funniest joke in the world but I think its consistent with the core of Mac's personality and his newfound homosexuality.

[@crustpunkjesuschrist]

Tbh maybe I’m easy to please but all the seasons have at least a few bangers imo. Like season 11 is probably a top 3 season for me with arguably my favorite episode of the whole show(Dennis and Mac Move to the Suburbs) in it

[@sketchyjulia]

Oh season 11 has lots of bangers (max and Dennis movie to the suburbs is in my top 3 favorite episodes, and we got CharDee MacDennis 2, Being Frank, The McPoyle vs Ponderosa trial, Charlie catches a leprechaun..) Even in my least favorite seasons there still at least one or two banger episodes (Bathroom problem, New wheels, Times Up, Janitor Always Mops twice, Dee Day) The worst episode of the show for me is A Crickets Tale but I’d honestly rather sit through that than a lot of other worst episodes of other shows

[@nonyabuzznus2017]

My personal favorite Sunny episode is the Health Inspector episode! All the points you hit in this video and perfectly executed and really let Charlie Day shine!

[@thetruthinwonderland]

That’s definitely up there on my list. Great episode.

[@lol-vn8kz]

I think The Gang Goes to Hell would’ve been a perfect conclusion to the entire series (but they actually drown to death at the end)

[@WottleAround]

Yeah, when I first watched it, I was out of the loop and thought it was the end. Those two episodes really felt like an ending. I am glad the show is still going but they could have ended there.

[@meganchambers8108]

OMG I absolutely LOVE "The Gang Gets Trapped"! I've always loved it as a great example of well-executed comedy! With a

[@ihasamavasara]

You have really good points and I think season 16 will address some of the problems you said! (At least based on the first two s16 episodes that actually felt more like classic sunny) I think they acted more like friends now and s15 (for me) hinted that they are making Mac Mac again. I think his identity crisis plotline was commenting on the fact the character was a bit lost. As gay myself I kind of understand how Mac could become more "stereotypical" after coming out. We all know the awkward baby gay phase that is even more awkward if you come out later in life. I remember how I cut my hair and dressed more "gay" because I thought that's what I should do. I think Mac also acted like he thought a gay man acts bc he is ignorant like that. I have also seen lots of critique regarding his looks. I think they should do an episode about beauty procedures and how vain Dee and Dennis are and they could have some kind of them versus us thing with frank and charlie who don't care about looks at all. I think they could also explain why Mac tries really hard to be attractive. Like a situation where he wants to fit in with the "mean gays" at the club who are extremely critical. The gang then catches him acting and talking like a stereotypical "sassy gay" and he could come to the realization that he doesn't have to act like that to be gay or smth. Expanding on your drag idea it could be fun if Dee was popular with women in drag and even Mac would think she looks hot in drag. (if you wanted to go evil with it, they would have dee making out with mac and getting them traumatized when they realize what happened) I think club episode would be fun because of their age too. It would be kind of a culure shock for them to mingle with the 20-somethings. It would be fun if Frank was the one who fit in with the youths.

[@jakespacecadet]

+1 in defense of gay Mac. Definitely something to work on, but it's not so far off. He was always religious and conservative. So his view on the culture is still going to be a bit bigoted in some ways. Like him leaning hard into things like "cancel culture" as his new law, even if his understanding of it is skewed. Plus, the whole show is about a buncha assholes, even if we find some of it charming.

[@steveman751]

You explained exactly how I feel about the show. I havn't seen anyone else have some of the takes that you have, but I relate to them 100%.

[@yayoyesyou]

This is so thorough and well-made, you put everything that I've been feeling about the later seasons (and haven't really seen expressed anywhere else within the fanbase) into words so perfectly. Cheers to a hopefully much better season 16

[@HOTD108_]

Is removing the problematic episodes really the right thing to do though? The fact the network decided to do that (the showrunners didn't make the call) is equivalent to pretending that they never happened, which arguably just as bad if not worse than the problematic things in and of themselves. The best thing to do would have just been to edit in some TWs right at the start, ala **those** old Looney Tunes shorts.

[@acemagalor2519]

so on Dennis leaving to be a father: I think you're reading into the scene too sincerely like, the way everything is so ridiculously melodramatic tipped me off immoderately. I don't think that WE the audience are actually supposed to be convinced that Dennis would actually be swayed to leave the entire gang after 1 episode I think it was more so a long-form dissection of the show itself. the way Dennis exits with a lame one-liner and over-dramatic flipping of the switches gives off cheers vibes (which shares tons of surface level similarities with IASIF to the point that it's always sunny could be confused for a direct parody) and sort of parodies when sitcoms would lose cast members after running for so long. afterwards when Mindy shows up it shows how the gang's dysfunctions don't just derive form themselves but also from them all being together similar to the gang misses the boat. it works both as a meta commentary on the show and a dissection of the dynamics of the cast IN the show. the fact that the gang only starts to crack after they collectively hear things from the Dennis doll and once he comes back, immediately hop into his arms and drop Mindy says to me that the Dennis fatherhood story was an experiment to show what were to happen in only one of the gang decided to leave; everyone's insecurities would just shoot up and destroy the group from within. so ironically, your point about the show breaking if any of the cast left the fantasy in my mind, is exactly what the show is going for. then again, that's just my take. so to recap: Dennis leaving is A) not supposed to be viewed by the audience as sincere, it's practically farcical with how melodramatic it is B) a commentary itself on how the show breaks if any of them leave, it works both in a meta sense and in the show that the only reason the gang functions is because they are all there to begin with and the fact that Mindy's character doesn't fit despite clearly being a pseudo-Dennis replacement is the entire point: the gang both despretely need each other and are killing themselves slowly by dragging everyone in and around them into debauchery.

[@mitijr2031]

It didn't feel right through. Bad execution.

[@mclovinpo]

Agreed

[@rgbstuff3382]

I think the exit was meant to be at least *partially* genuine, since Glenn Howerton said that he wasn't sure if he was going to come back to the show, since he was working on AP Bio

[@UNITEDNATIONZSOUND]

Yes thank you

[@leilanicholson2525]

Mac Jumps the Shark had me laughing out loud in ways new seasons of this show haven't done in ages. even just your enthusiasm in describing it was a breath of fresh air!! thanks for reminding me why i have loved this show since i was way too young to be watching it

[@MartinDubuque]

You hit the nail on the head with recent seasons of Sunny. I remember when the Mindy Kaling episode aired, people praised it because of how "meta" it was, that "oh you see, she doesn't fit because she's competent, she's supposed to be like that. It's commentary on how the gang is incompetent and blah blah", and it's like, we know that. The episode serves no purpose other than for the writers to go "wow, meta, clever eh?". I feel like that's such a major element of new Sunny: it's trying wayyyyy too hard to be clever, rather than the improv-y lofi vibes of Old Sunny. I'm hoping they go back to their roots, or like you said just push it really far. Right now Sunny just feels so authored, you can see the puppet strings of the writers rather than just "real people" doing over the top stuff like getting hooked on crack. When you can see the puppet strings it just makes every joke feel so desperate and fake. Charlie's speech about his dead dad feels so much like prestige TV's "Very Special Episode" stuff, rather than Always Sunny.

[@hhometownnn]

YES LOFI IS THE PERFECT WAY TO PUT IT. and the puppet strings mm-hmm too much winking at the audience going on lately

[@pcbassoon3892]

I feel like people don't know how to use Mindy Kaling. She was funny on The Office, shows she created and episodes she has written are hilarious. Why hire her to be the straight man? I feel like with a different person in that role, the episode might have worked, but she just wasn't the right fit for that part.

[@EditUnivers75]

⁠​⁠@@pcbassoon3892 as an episode conceptually, to replace a beloved character for an episode with a character that dislikes and bosses around the other characters is an easy way to make your audience hate them, regardless who plays the part. Unless they wanted you to not like her, there’s no reason to write it this way

[@iagas9]

Agreed -- I felt this way about Charlie's scene with Mac and his uncle in the most recent ep. It's like they're just spelling things out way too much. Everyone said s16 was gonna be better but it's truly not.

[@BakerReviews]

​@@iagas9 After the first two episodes of Season 16, I really lost hope, but I genuinely think the back half of the season is some quality Sunny. It'll never be to the level of The Golden Age, but those episodes have been better than anything I've seen from them in the last year or two.

[@KTheStruggler]

I think Mac would have been the PERFECT character to satirize the pick me gay men on the conservative right

[@mellow6527]

charlie was always my favorite based on him being the kindest from the group

[@binnedbag]

hes so silly and dumb it makes me forget how horrible he is

[@christucker7655]

He’s still a savage in some episodes like Charlie and Dee find love

[@yggdrasil2]

Except to Dee.

[@TheBlarggle]

Your "Mac Jumps the Shark" idea... I can almost see the episode in my head.

[@zoroasper9759]

I really agree about the "Mac has never shown interest in dancing as an art; why would he choose dance as his preferred method of expressing himself?" and sadly I think the answer is yet another case of "Gay Mac" syndrome. Mac should dance because gay people like dance and ballet, right? I think the equivalent of the "charlie moment" in the ireland season for Mac would have actually been great. It would have been a sudden serious point, sure, unprecedented, but something that fits entirely with his character. A confrontation with his dad, alive or not, that ends up in an emotional moment. Mac loves his dad and his mom, he always did, despite how afwul they were to him. It wouldn't break his character for him to have such a breakdown because he always sought his father's approval and not getting it yet again is par for the course Like you said the dance is entirely useless for the purposes of the show, it is only useful for the audience members whom this might help. That's nice, even great, but it is still a mark of how the creators don't see the show in the same way they did previously.

[@de_dustybones]

Its not Gay Mac syndrome it was fishing for an Emmy with artsy bullshit.

[@muncaa]

I love this breakdown of the show and your episode pitch at the end was fantastic, you’ve clearly identified the issues I think all sunny fans have silently stomached over the past few seasons while also offering a solution, hope this somehow gets back to them. great job!

[@moredumbtoit5325]

When charlie was screaming at his dead dad I sat up to look at my sister and she was balling her eyes out, I was so proud, I love Charlie so much 😭

[@howinnocentistheday]

she's real for that

[@brekreney5734]

The gang gets trapped is also my favorite episode. I love the concept episodes like that

[@CountdownBleckVids]

perfect video and great to see a fellow 'the gang gets trapped' enjoyer

[@hhometownnn]

TASTE!!!

[@CNP_24]

My favorite episode 🥰

[@concrete_dog]

I can't help but agree. Those "early" seasons (which is like the first 10 seasons, maybe more) are nothing short of magical to me. But since then, it started to slowly feel more like they were just "going through the motions". Amazing opening song by the way.

[@LilyN2099]

I binged all of Seasons 1-14 during the beginning of the pandemic, so I had a bit of brain fog while initially consuming it. I've been slowly watching it again and trying to have a keener eye! This video essay is perfect for my mood right now!

[@mackenziegordon34]

This video totally scratched an itch I had for more analysis content (a la quinton reviews) but I love the different elements you added to make it unique to the show and your video style! I’ve literally watched this like 4 times, it’s truly a work of art and you can just tell how much effort was put into it! Amazing 10/10 chefs kiss

[@danielray7965]

The characters taking turns playing the straight man was a device that was used pretty early on in the show, I think. Dee was originally supposed to be the show's straight-woman, but fortunately they scrapped that idea and let her be just as irrational and dysfunctional as the rest of the cast. The difference was that earlier in the show, other characters didn't act wildly out of character while being the straight man. If anything, it helped defined the characters by showing how they each were able to see the problems in their friends' lives but missed seeing very similar issues in their own lives and thinking patterns.

[@danimation210]

The gang would really, REALLY appreciate how you drew broads with big cans just kind of...existing around the thing you made. Excellent work, I'm so glad I finally got around to digesting this whole thing.

[@az4037]

The mac-cam episode idea is GENIUS

[@az4037]

And actually every episode idea is genius. THE GANG JUMPS THE SHARK NOW!!

[@hhometownnn]

THANK YOU!!

[@meganchambers8108]

I hope you do another video after watching season 16! Many are saying it's a return to form. Also you've got me watching the episodes through a different lens lately - trying to find the "games"! Watched "The Gang Gives Frank an Intervention" and I clocked wine in a can, salt the snail, INTERVENTION! INTERVENTION!, and so many more!

[@Matt_D_370z]

This video essay is simply fantastic! This video absolutely surpasses every article and vlog about IASIP that I've ever read, watched, or listened to; and it's not even close. We have got to get Mary's video to the Gang! I think they would appreciate the work Mary has done, and her enthusiasm and love for the show. Take a bow, Mary. You did a brilliant job!

[@hhometownnn]

wow thank you so much!! this means a lot to me :)

[@Matt_D_370z]

@@hhometownnn you're welcome! And, thank you for the video!

[@dmc2008]

I have no doubt that Meg has seen this already

[@magpieMOB]

@@dmc2008 I'd like to think so - if not already then soon

[@sydcasey-willig8741]

The way Artemis AND the McPoyles are back for Season 16... you're a prophet. Thank you.

[@phoebecurless658]

I LOVE THE CAM IDEA!! Plus, Cam could act as a straight man to the group in several episodes before breaking up with Mac and citing the weirdness and awfulness of the group and the fact that they are unwilling to change, while still allowing for the fixing of Mac and Dennis’ relationship like you suggested!

[@phoebecurless658]

Also, I’m so glad that you mentioned “Get her, bitch” because that line brought me so much joy and made me laugh out loud

[@hhometownnn]

i am “get her, bitch” ‘s number one fan

[@spicedch4i]

This is one of my favorite video essays of all time. I've watched it at least 3 times, it's so well-done!!!

[@hhometownnn]

WOW thank you so much, as someone who has a handful of comfort video essays i rewatch all the time that really means the absolute world to me ❤️❤️❤️ part two coming soon 😳

[@Thalvia]

Ive had a bit of a denial that the latest seasons were any different or worse from other seasons, this video threw me through the motions. I didnt agree or understand at first but theres an incredible amount of time and research and passion in your explanation is admirable, I finally understand

[@binnedbag]

i agreed completely but i didnt wanna hear it

[@magpieMOB]

Me: "Holy Shit........I get it"

[@annarabelo8392]

i LOVED this video and would love your episode! my jaw was on the floor as you were pitching it, so intelligent and it would be a PERFECT return to The Golden Age.

[@alexcarrillo6804]

This is fantastic, really summed up how the recent seasons have felt.

[@raccoonlad5685]

not finished with the vid yet but the gang texts is one of my least favorite eps of the show, and the mistreatment and punching down on mac since coming out is part of what has soured the show so much for me. there are still things i enjoy about it but it is hard not to just feel sorry for mac most of the time. also charlie being the straight man 90% of the time in recent episodes has gotten a bit old, i want silly and naive charlie back! edit: also, i thought it was interesting you pointed out dennis and mac's relationship becoming so meanspirited bc although i did notice that, i have much more of a problem with charlie and mac's relationship these days- it's like charlie genuinely hates mac for no reason and it makes me kind of sad when they were once best friends and their fights were just petty and fun. now they dont even like each other, it's just sad.

[@StevoIDH]

When you described the paper straws being dumped in and now clouding the tank so much you can't see the shark I genuinely laughed, it's not only a good episode premise I think it is just a good episode

[@disliked1390]

I think her premise about the bisexual person episode is actually genius. Less a fan of the shark idea.

[@magpieMOB]

They could make it a Jaws reference "You can't even see the shark!" "I dunno, I feel like maybe that's better? Like, this shark isn't as impressive as I expected, maybe we leave it up to people's imagination?"

[@grottopills]

It makes me sooooo mad that they took away so many of Charlie's series-long bits in such a short amount of time. His obsession with the waitress, finding his father, and losing and regaining his illiteracy is so heartbreaking from a comedy standpoint.

[@D__S__]

what an incredible video. couldnt agree more with basically everything you said, it feels like listening to my thoughts about my favorite constant comfort show but they have been expressed in words in an organized way i dont think i ever could. it really shows how much work you put into this. also i really like how you categorized the various era's and you managed to even point out a few things i missed despite watching this show lliterally hundreds of times. i can only hope the writers and creators watch this, your episode ideas made me laugh more than the first 2 episodes of season 16. FIVE STAR VIDEO!

[@triddle5593]

nothing brings me joy more than seeing a small creator make a ridiculously long video essay on a (some would say) silly topic. Keep up the awesome work!

[@hhometownnn]

thank you kindly !!

[@user-hc2tu7ul7j]

You are a 5 star man and this episode is fitting for a golden god.

[@angelene85]

You are a minor genius. I like your show ideas better than the last 2 seasons.

[@handpuppetsbybrett]

i’ve been looking for a video like this for a while and it was GREAT you literally voiced everything i have being feeling and put in to words why i was feeling that way about it. i have a slight bit of hope for season 16 by looking at the episode descriptions and other promos that have come out ,i think it helps that rcg have the podcast and are rewatching it especially the earlier seasons considering the fact that they are bringing back some recurring characters like the mcpoyles ,gail the snail and ofc ARTEMIS (i’m honestly just excited to see her again )and are also fixing some continuity errors (CHARLIES SISTERS) idk i feel like they could be rekindling old “the gang” pairings/dynamics that they haven’t done in a while also considering the fact that some of the main writers from the golden years of sunny are coming back ,idk tho it’s probably me overanalysing it and trying to get excited about a new season of my favourite show but we will just have to see first episode of season 16 drops in a few days ! I LOVED THIS VIDEO SO MUCH THANK U

[@TheDannyMcGee]

I am so glad the algorithm surfaced this video for me. I've been paused in the middle of Dee Sinks in a Bog for two years now and felt weirdly bad that I couldn't seem to bring myself to finish it. But not only did you give voice to some feelings about the show that I didn't even know how to articulate, you also gave me the cliff notes on the rest of the season (all... *Googles* 1.5 episodes, lol, whoops), so now I can just skip right ahead to season 16.

[@eeejjj6378]

Unjumping the shark is a really clever way to subvert the trope. The Fat Moe episode is a play on Waiting for Godot which has these post modern absurdist themes that the show was exploring that they play with. Unlike Godot, Fat Moe does arrive and that alters everything. I'm not saying it's a good episode but it's an interesting note.

[@spadinnerxylaphone2622]

Dennis wanting to be a father absolutely makes sense for his character. Hes not an emotionless psychopath, he's a person with such big emotions and trauma that he WANTS to be one. He's selfish, predatory, and vain; but in the moment he'll convince himself he wants something pure like love. See his marriage to Maureen Ponderosa; he's convinced after a day that he wants to marry her, then when reality sets in he wants out. Him having a son brings him face-to-face with his childhood self; neglected by his father and abused by that librarian. He's able to empathize by projecting that onto this little boy. It of course doesn't last, because once the emotion wears off and he actually had to do the day-to-day monotony of fatherhood, he hightails it back to the Gang. But it makes sense with who he is.

[@kayleighwales5964]

i can't express enough how excited and happy i was to see a TWO HOUR LONG always sunny video essay in my youtube recommended. Thank you so much for this, it made me so happy and validated to hear someone as passionate and appreciative about this show in the way I am describe better than I ever could exactly what is good about sunny and make very valid criticisms about the latest seasons. I was laughing so much at your ideas for the gang going to a drag bar and 'mac jumps the shark', god i wish those were real episodes! You really understand the show and characters so well in a way the creators have themselves lost in the past few seasons and it warms my heart to listen to someone care about the quality of sunny this way i do. I especially appreciated how in depth you went about how they seem to punch down on aspects of Mac's character, especially in the later seasons with his queerness. It sucks that Mac's coming out, which was something really special to me, was the turning point of the show that made it go downhill. Because it's really not Mac's open gayness inherently alone that made the show bad, but how they allowed that to change the show too much tonally and abandon long established aspects of his characters which they could have EASILY kept combined with his open queerness. And it sucks the most that the gang moved to hating him after he came out even though they constantly have the gang insist its not because he's gay, but because he's annoying. Like you very well expressed, this outright hatred of Mac by the other members of the gang, especially Dennis and Charlie, makes little sense because at the end of the day the gang are MEANT TO GET ON and it's their friendships and dynamics that drive the show. More than anything really wish they would handle Mac's open gayness better in line with his other character traits and other relationships in the gang and I so appreciated how you highlighted this. I'm still REALLY looking forward to S16 more than anything at the moment and I'm kind of hopeful from their talk and rewatching of old episodes on the podcast will make good on some of the points you made in this video 🤞 I also STRONGLY appreciated your love for Artemis

[@tekashto]

It's so nice to see a commentary video that actually does fair commentary instead of an attempt to dunk on an IP/creator so they can slap "worst" or "downfall" in the title. 1000% agree Mac needs a boyfriend; there's been talks about Ryan Reynolds taking the role, which would make sense as they obviously have the chemistry. I don't think, however, that Dennis would ever respect Mac, gay or not, so I think the logical conclusion is that Mac, his boyfriend, and Dennis end up a love triangle of sorts. It would open up an interesting opportunity to explore how Dennis handles no longer being Mac's FP, and which emotional needs Mac tries to fill through his codependent relationship with Dennis, and which he tries to fill through his boyfriend. From a social commentary side, it could easily explore the idea that Dennis (as a straight-identifying or at least passing man) feels entitled to Mac's affection as a gay man, even just to make a display of shooting it down. I also think that Mac, a baby gay with a history of difficulty in picking up on social cues, isn't really the best option for the queer-literate character of the group. If not his boyfriend, then I think having Artemis fill this role and form a bond with Mac because of their mutual understanding would be believable and fun to watch.

[@JayKayEllEmm]

Mac actually had displayed a liking for dance in little bits and pieces. In the season 7 finale, he’s the one that suggests they do their elaborate dance routine (that of course ends up going to shit) and in the quarantine episode, Mac once again suggests and is seen working on a dance routine. Now, he was never any good at it, but it had been there for a while.

[@horrorhistory7342]

Also Mac has said all the way back in season seven that he can’t express himself well with words and is clearly shown loving performances with the gang goes to hell and in the gang turns back he’s the one talking how they’re in a musical and seems more hyped, now it is old black man’s dream but he’s been around Mac for some time so to have that in his dream seems tos how that Mac has talked about performing and musicals around him.

[@ImmaURq]

I feel like the guys have been wanting to change stuff up and have themselves changed a lot since the start of the show. Like now they are all successful actors/ writers and also parents and spouses and have so many different projects. I feel like the show is like trying to pack old stuff into their new lives? Idk how to explain it. They’ve grown so much, the show is shifting. They need to find a new balance. Also, I may be reading too deep, but Rob has made comments of how he thinks he’s the least funny on the show and that he’s always felt like that. I feel like that maybe that insecurity has influenced Mac losing some character. Which sucks bc I adore Mac. Also I love this show so so so much too. I love your ideas!! I hope this season turns the tide.

[@PeePeePrivate]

I know what you mean.

[@rosieevans8960]

Mary you're a star! This was so fun and well done!

[@hhometownnn]

thank you!!!