Throughout 11 seasons, “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” has never taken on the topic of St. Patrick’s day, but “Charlie Catches a Leprechaun” is well worth the wait. This season has struggled with originality, but the latest episode is just what the show needed.
Beginning with one of the best openings this season, the episode sees Dennis (Glenn Howerton) trying to modernize the bar by converting a truck into a mobile bar — called the Paddy Wagon. As an increasingly frustrated Dennis tries to pitch his idea, the rest of the gang argue over St. Patrick’s claim to fame in one of the better exchanges this season.
Mac (Rob McElhenney) and Charlie (Charlie Day) stay behind to run the bar. As stated by the title, Charlie, after getting high on paint, catches what he believes to be a leprechaun and quickly ropes in Mac.
The episode has a great overall flow as both storylines are equally effective. As is usually the case, Dennis’s increasing frustration lets his more psychotic characteristics emerge, and this is complemented well by Dee’s (Kaitlin Olson) recurring attempts to play various stereotypical Irish characters. Not only are Dee’s attempts at humor irritating and offensive to other characters, they serve to fuel Dennis’s ever-present rage.
Frank is used more sparingly as the driver, but he is the source of some nice moments of humor throughout the episode.
Given Charlie’s intellect — or lack thereof — and penchant for hunting for ghouls throughout the series, catching a leprechaun — which is really just a little person — is a natural and effective use of the character.
The storyline also has a great payoff as Charlie channels his inner Mr. Blonde from “Reservoir Dogs.” Aside from being the source of some good lines, Mac is used somewhat peripherally; the show has lost any hint of subtlety in playing on his closeted homosexuality. Nonetheless, every character contributes to this episode, an effort as original and consistently funny as anything yet this season.
While this season has shown its age, as the show is often over-reliant on past highlights, there still have been several effective episodes. Not only is “Charlie Catches a Leprechaun” an example of the latter, but it is probably the highlight of the season so far.
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