Fifteen years later,It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphiahas a replacement for a controversial, banned episode. Banning TV episodes is a controversial topic in and of itself, especially when it comes to the FX comedy, a series that’s known for pushing the boundaries of what’s allowed on television. Nevertheless, there are multiple bannedIt’s Always Sunnyepisodes.
It’s Always Sunnyseason 17returned this week with a two-episode premiere, offering the second part of theAbbott Elementarycrossover from January, as well as “Frank Is in a Coma.“In “The Gang F***s Up Abbott Elementary,” we see the R-rated,It’s Always Sunny-style version of the mash-up, and it delivers some fun gags.
Abbott Elementaryis an Emmy-winning ABC mockumentary comedy series set in a Philadelphia public school, with the same city setting allowing the two shows to link together seamlessly. TheIt’s Always SunnyGang arrives at the school to volunteer, and the expected antics ensue. The episodes utilize both shows' styles of humor, allowing fans of both to enjoy them.
“The Gang F***s Up Abbott Elementary” Gives Sunny A Replacement For “Dee Reynolds: Shaping America’s Youth”
The New Episode Sees The Gang Working At A School
Funnily enough,It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphiaalready had an episode where members of the Gang go to work at a local school. However, the episode has been banned and isn’t available to stream on Hulu. Theseason 6 episode, “Dee Reynolds: Shaping America’s Youth,” was removed from streaming servicesdue to Mac wearing blackface.
This episode was actually the latter half of a two-parter, making it all the more frustrating that it can’t be viewed. Its premise is established in “The Gang Gets a New Member,” which ends with Charlie becoming a local school janitor. Dee then takes it upon herself to become the substitute theater teacher in the next one.
Since the story of Dee & Charlie working at a school isn’t available to watch,“The Gang F***s Up Abbott Elementary” is a suitable replacement, providing similar ideas, including members of the Gang taking it upon themselves to educate youths, an inherently comedic premise that has been scarcely used.
If there’s anyone in the world who shouldn’t have any impact on the lives of impressionable children, it’s theIt’s Always SunnyGang. The adults and staff inAbbott Elementary engage insome interesting activities, but they’re nowhere near the immoral levels of Frank or Dennis. We’re talking about proper sociopaths and criminals who think they’re intelligent.
Why “Dee Reynolds: Shaping America’s Youth” Was Banned
The Season 6 Episode Is One Of Five Banned Episodes
It’s actually the separate plotline, which sees Mac, Dennis, and Frank discussing their version of “Lethal Weapon 5,” that led to the episode being pulled from streaming services. The three take it into their own hands to produce the long-awaited action sequel movie, andMac uses blackface to portray Danny Glover’s character.
Although the use of blackface is played for taboo laughs,the episode also involves a lengthy discussion about why it’s racist, and theIt’s Always SunnyGang are the butt of the joke, as usual.The other banned episodes were taken away from streaming and DVD releases for similar reasons, such as the use ofbrownface or yellowface.
Other banned episodes include"America’s Next Top Paddy’s Billboard Model Contest,” “The Gang Recycles Their Trash,” and “The Gang Makes Lethal Weapon 6,” the last of which follows up on the same joke. Season 14’s “Dee Day” is the most recent banned episode, released in 2019, riskily crossing the line again.
The TV series is evidently satirical in its portrayal of unimaginably awful human beings, and even their most daring jokes are made as a mockery of American culture.
It’s important to note that, in an era of film and television stars being subjected to online scrutiny, theIt’s Always Sunnycast is still going strong. The TV series is evidently satirical in its portrayal of unimaginably awful human beings, and even their most daring jokes are made as a mockery of American culture.
The Gang’s Abbott Elementary Volunteering Ends Much Better Than Charlie & Dee’s Season 6 Story
The Crossover Episode Incorporates The Entire Gang
In “Dee Reynolds: Shaping America’s Youth,” Charlie and Dee get fired almost immediately, limiting the potential for humor. In episodes like “The Gang Gets New Wheels,” we get to see the comedic possibilities of the Gang’s immaturity when they clash with children, and doing so in an elementary school is even more hilarious.
“The Gang F***s Up Abbott Elementary” actually brings the whole Gang into a school. Not to mention, they actually completed the week at Abbott without getting “fired” (even though they were volunteers), although they managed to upset or disgust a decent number of the teachers and staff.
Dee has her issues withAbbott Elementarycreator Quinta Brunson’s character, Janine. Charlie, Mac, and Frank attempt to build both a basketball team and a boy band. One of their plans actually worked for once, as they drew the staff away from the school so that Frank could steal the copper wiring in Abbott Elementary’s walls.
I’m certainly not alone in saying that theAbbott Elementarycrossover was one of the tamer episodes ofIt’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, not managing to be nearly as insulting as the banned episodes. However, itmanaged to capitalize on many of the elements that could have made “Dee Reynolds: Shaping America’s Youth” a classic.
