Dark clouds of irony
Few
apart from insomniacs, dyed-in-the-wool fans and nursing mothers
are likely to have encountered this dark comedy from the US –
but it is there. It’s tucked away in the bowels of Sunday
night between episodes of Cheaters and sports replays.
But despite its almost-terminal obscurity, It’s Always
Sunny in Philadelphia is worth catching if you’re up
at that hour.
This show has entered TV folklore because the pilot
was apparently shot for only $200 before being picked by the FX
channel in the US. In that, it has a lot in common with independent
movies – it’s small, character-driven and relies heavily
on the strength of its writing.
The title is of course intended to be ironic, as
it’s both literally and figuratively false. The city of
the title is just as prone as anywhere else on the US East Coast
to foul weather; and more importantly, the characters who populate
the show are anything but sunny.
Set, naturally enough, in Philadelphia, the series
revolves around a group of rather egotistical types who own –
and spend a lot of time hanging out in – a bar and generally
discuss the meaning of life as they see it. Their attempts at
interaction with the world outside the bar invariably falter on
their own inexperience or lack of insight.
The
Gang, as they’re known, consists of long-time buddies Charlie
(Charlie Day), Mac (Rob McElhenney) and Dennis (Glenn Howerton),
and Dennis’s sister Dee (Kaitlin Olson). These four formed
the core of Season 1; but for Season 2 (now showing on Seven)
the producers have upped their industry cred by drafting Danny
DeVito into the cast as Frank. If you’re familiar with the
kind of low-lifes DeVito has occasionally played on the big screen,
you’ve got a pretty good idea what Frank is about.
Viewers with delicate sensibilities should note
that the series is decidedly politically incorrect. The fact that
some of the episodes carry titles like ‘Charlie Gets Crippled’
and ‘The Gang Exploits a Miracle’ should give some
clue as to what it’s like. The writers like to hold up a
mirror to some of the hot-button issues – then laugh at
them. The show is a bit like a modern day child pointing out that
the Emperor really isn’t wearing any new clothes.
The largely unknown cast make the edgy comedy look
easy. For some reason, I’m quite impressed by Rob McElhenney,
who plays the repulsive Mac; while experienced comedian Kaitlin
Olson has a lot of fun as Dee. But Danny DeVito really makes the
show as the odious Frank.
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
is a darkly funny series that really deserves better than it’s
getting from Seven. Like so many smart and edgy shows, this could
easily replace some of the dross that currently clutters prime-time.
Until that epiphany happens (don’t hold your breath), set
your recorder.
Phil James
