It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphiaseason 17 continues to parallel its classics with the latest installment. “The Gang Goes to a Dog Track” is the fifth episode ofIt’s Always Sunnyseason 17, and the release has already been met with widespread praise from audiences, celebrating it as a return to form.
It’s Always Sunny’sbest episodesare almost all from several years in the past, but it’s worth noting that this series is the longest-running sitcom of all time. Even if the Golden Age of Sunny is behind us, it’s still the same cast and creators as it’s always been, and they’re still creating hilarious comedy.
“The Gang Goes to a Dog Track” seestheIt’s Always SunnyGang get tricked by Frank into visiting a dog race track. There, he tricks his children into a quick gambling addiction, which forces them to demean themselves to get out of debt, while Charlie and Mac meet a curious man named Sparky, who meets a dark end.
“The Gang Goes To A Dog Track” Has Several Similarities To The Gang’s Stories In “The Gang Gets Whacked”
This Is A Worthy Follow-Up To A Classic Two-Parter
While these are ultimately very different episodes, there are several elements in common. In “The Gang Gets Whacked,“Charlie goes to the racetrack and takes an interest in the horses and jockeys, similar to his new experience with Sparky and the dogs in season 17.
Frank gambling and having all his associates bet on Dennis and Dee committing unspeakable, humiliating deeds is similar to him becoming Dennis’ “pimp” in the season 3 classic, which he does to pay off a drug debt to the mob.
The pimp plotline also connects tothe Gang trying to fit in at a country club, similar to Dennis and Dee dressing lavishly for the Kentucky Derby. Of course, they don’t end up at the horse racing event they planned for, but they spend the episode hilariously out of place in fancy clothing.
The Gang’s Debt Problems In “The Gang Goes To A Dog Track” Were Much Less Extreme Than In Season 3’s Two-Part Episode
Frank Isn’t As Threatening As The Mafia
Both of these episodes see the Gang in a debt issue with a formidable foe. In the most recent episode, however, the stakes are a fair degree lower, as it’s just Dee and Dennis in debt to Frank, who’s essentially the source of all their money to begin with. In “The Gang Gets Whacked,” it’s the mafia they contend with.
TheIt’s Always Sunnyversion of the mafia ends up being quite comedic, but the risk of death is undoubtedly there for the Gang. Frank might be one of the worst television fathers of all time, but he likely wouldn’t kill his kids for owing him money. He’d only make them do… that… to a dog.
