Author Topic: I watched the first ep of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia last night (Read 6691 times)

TVC15 · « **on:** October 15, 2007, 01:06:30 PM »

Yes, it's taken like 2-3 solid years of recommendations, and the worst new television season in a long fucking time, but I've finally given It's Always Sunny a shot. There was nothing else to watch due to the awful new TV series, I got the DVDs cheap, and hey, a half hour show is easier to watch than an hour.

The first episode left a strong first impression, and I am sure it gets better from here, because that's how pilots work. It was clearly heavily influenced by Seinfeld (because it has the group dynamic) and CYE (because it's more assholish and mean than Seinfeld), but I'd like to say that I think there might be a Coupling influence, too. In particular, the show is not afraid to make the characters really, really dumb, far dumber than they normally are, far too dumb for believability, in order to make a gag, sometimes even a single scene gag, work. While this is not a bad trait (one of the great parts of being a writer is that you can make your characters as stupid as you'd like to suit your own needs), there were one or two times in the first episode where the characters were made, well, too dumb. There is a line. But again, this is the first episode and I am sure they were testing the waters with many elements, and the bits I am talking about are fairly obvious sore thumbs. I'm not even worried about this.

The only thing that truly worries me. . .is Danny Devito in season 2. He can be a very funny man, but between his lack of visibility in recent years, and the already fairly tight ensemble, well, he's THE WILDCARD here.

cubicle47b · « **Reply #1 on:** October 15, 2007, 01:18:02 PM »

The characters only get dumber and more depraved. I like Devito's character and think he fits in well on the show.

Saint Cornelius · « **Reply #2 on:** October 15, 2007, 01:19:32 PM »

After watching just one episode - "The Gang Gets Invincible" - it's become one of my favorite shows. Oh and Danny Devito fits in perfectly.

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #3 on:** October 15, 2007, 01:26:11 PM »

Danny is often the ringleader of the madness. He'll come up with some insane idea, and the other three will implement it.

cubicle47b · « **Reply #4 on:** October 15, 2007, 01:29:26 PM »

I think 'Mac Bangs Dennis' Mom' and 'Hundred Dollar Baby' are my favorites. There are a lot of great episodes in season 1 and anything with the McPoyle brothers is awesome.

cubicle47b · « **Reply #5 on:** October 15, 2007, 01:30:01 PM »

Quote from: Phoenix Dark on October 15, 2007, 01:26:11 PM

Danny is often the ringleader of the madness. He'll come up with some insane idea, and the other three will implement it.

Dennis?

BlueTsunami · « **Reply #6 on:** October 15, 2007, 01:35:59 PM »

I'm buying this today just because of the Nightman vs. Dayman youtube vid. Fucken hilarious

Robo · « **Reply #7 on:** October 15, 2007, 01:37:13 PM »

The stupidity and the depravity are the very basic elements of the show and are key in every event that takes place. Charlie's stupidity is taken to more depressing extremes as he apparently can't read or write and frequently huffs glue and other fun stuff.

Saint Cornelius · « **Reply #8 on:** October 15, 2007, 02:08:17 PM »

Quote from: cubicle47b on October 15, 2007, 01:29:26 PM

I think... 'Hundred Dollar Baby' [is one of] favorites.

Dude I saw that last night and I was fucking DYING

"I'm going to eat your babies, bitch!!"

TVC15 · « **Reply #9 on:** October 15, 2007, 02:42:44 PM »

Cool, I figured Danny Devito couldn't be that detrimental since the show appears to have kept its fanbase. I was just mildly concerned that such a retooly element was added after the first season. And Devito is cool with me, it's just I haven't heard from him in some years and that makes it difficult to consider him a reliable bringer of the funny.

I wanted to watch the second episode last night, but I really needed to get to bed.

BlueTsunami · « **Reply #10 on:** October 15, 2007, 03:04:53 PM »

Just went out and bought it. First TV Series on DVD purchase I've ever done.

The first episode was hilarious. Holy shit at the end of the episode "So all black people really are related!"

BobbyRobby · « **Reply #11 on:** October 15, 2007, 04:37:47 PM »

Quote

In particular, the show is not afraid to make the characters really, really dumb, far dumber than they normally are, far too dumb for believability, in order to make a gag, sometimes even a single scene gag, work.

This gets more severe in the second and third seasons, and it bothered me a bit at first, but usually the joke works and it's for the greater good.

Also, like you said, the characters are more asshole-ish, but I've found that they are still almost always likeable.

Quote from: BlueTsunami on October 15, 2007, 01:35:59 PM

I'm buying this today just because of the Nightman vs. Dayman youtube vid. Fucken hilarious

One of the best scenes in the entire run of the show. I love how Charlie has that cloakish thing on playing the piano and the spraypaint on his face from huffing. It's perfect.

CajoleJuice · « **Reply #12 on:** October 15, 2007, 09:12:00 PM »

I don't have much to add other than what's been said already. I've said a decent amount about it here and on GAF already anyway. As already been said, if you think the characters are dumb now, it only gets more ridiculous - particularly in the second and third seasons. The show has lost almost all believability in my eyes, which took me a season to accept. The addition of Danny Devito didn't help, but I guess I've grown to accept him now. Watching the show from the very first episode when it originally aired might have something to do with my feelings towards Devito joining the show. I felt the first season was perfect without him, so I felt like FX was ruining a good thing by bringing him in. I think they've learned to utilize him better in the third season, though. But as I said, the show is pretty much a different animal these days. Still funnier than pretty much anything on TV. (I haven't had a chance to d/l this season's Curb episodes)

Saint Cornelius · « **Reply #13 on:** October 15, 2007, 10:06:25 PM »

Some fun facts from Wikipedia! Enjoy with a grain of salt.

Quote

The show began as a pilot called "It's Always Sunny on TV" and was shot on a digital camcorder by Day, Howerton and McElhenney. After viewing the pilot, FX Networks executives ordered the first season. Although it is often stated publicly that the pilot was shot for $200,[1] the makers of the show have claimed that the cost was much lower because the only costs were videotapes.[2] Danny DeVito, who joined the show in season two, said on The Daily Show (August 3, 2006) and on Late Show with David Letterman (September 6, 2007) that the cost was only $85.

Quote

# The series does not have a soundtrack of its own. The show's theme is a piece of production music called "Temptation Sensation" by Heinz Kiessling, controlled by Extreme Music LLC. All other music on the show is also generic library music.

# Charlie's "war hero" costume in the episode "Charlie Gets Crippled" is based on famed Vietnam war protester and writer Ron Kovic.

# Each episode ends with the RCH production logo, with the actors in hooded sweatshirts with a sound clip played backwards.

* In Season 1, when this is played forwards, it says "You are stupid for playing this forward." At the end of the first-season finale "Charlie Got Molested", the message had an echo.
* In Season 2, when this is played forwards, it says "Is it brown? Is it brown? Is it brown? Good work. Is it brown? Is it brown? Is it brown? Good work."
* In Season 3, when this is played forwards, it says "Make it brown. Make it brown. Make it brown. Make it brown." but done in a songful tune.

# There have so far (excluding the yet unnamed final two episodes of season 3) been only four episode titles without "The Gang" or a character’s name in it (103, 105, 205, 305). Dennis' name has appeared four times, Dee's name has appeared six times (seven if you include "The Aluminum Monster"), Mac's name has appeared three times, Charlie has appeared in five titles, and Frank has been in one. "The Gang" has been in 12.

# The original title for "Hundred Dollar Baby" was scheduled to be "Sweet Dee Takes Steroids", but was changed as a play on words to the movie, Million Dollar Baby.

# Most of the show is shot in Los Angeles, though the opening sequence and occasional exterior scenes are filmed in Philly.

# Danny DeVito was only available for 20 days of shooting for all of season two.

# For the episode "Dennis and Dee Get a New Dad", the webpage created on MySpace for Frank actually exists. He only has one friend, Tom.

# The gang often sings a cappella or with the accompaniment of music. Songs that have been sung during the show are:

* "Never Gonna Give You Up" by Rick Astley
* "Just A Friend" by Biz Markie
* "More Than Words" by Extreme
* "Greatest Love of All" by Whitney Houston

* Other notable songs used in the show: "Forever Young" by Alphaville and "You're The Best" by Joe Esposito

# The current promotion for season 3 includes clips of the cast making random noises and it being edited into a beat box. This was inspired by the video "Hyperactive" by Lasse Gjertsen. (which is fuck awesome btw, check that shit out)

I totally want to have this shows' babies, omg I can't believe I slept on it for so long!

CajoleJuice · « **Reply #14 on:** October 15, 2007, 10:09:20 PM »

BTW, I'm gonna call it now. TVC will bitch about this show a few episodes into season 2. Maybe even earlier.

TVC15 · « **Reply #15 on:** October 15, 2007, 10:37:08 PM »

Quote from: CajoleJuice on October 15, 2007, 10:09:20 PM

BTW, I'm gonna call it now. TVC will bitch about this show a few episodes into season 2. Maybe even earlier.

Any reason aside from what you said before?

CajoleJuice · « **Reply #16 on:** October 15, 2007, 10:45:22 PM »

Not particularly. I just remember complaining a bit over at GAF during the second season about what I just touched upon, so I figure if I was disappointed, you'll probably rip it apart. But I'll be totally satisfied even if you don't bitch, because then that means my suggestion was a good one for you.

TVC15 · « **Reply #17 on:** October 16, 2007, 06:15:04 AM »

Just watched episodes 2 and 3, and holy shit is this show hilarious.

I am still a bit wary of Devito. The core cast works so perfectly that I really don't see why they made any changes

Episodes 2 and 3 were really awesome. Charlie is the best.

CajoleJuice · « **Reply #18 on:** October 16, 2007, 10:04:59 AM »

"This is a list of all the doctors I'm going to kill."

"There's two already crossed off."

"I know."

But yeah, Charlie rocks.

Also, just imagine how I felt when I watched the entire first season as it aired and then they dropped Danny Devito into the mix.

MrAngryFace · « **Reply #19 on:** October 16, 2007, 11:08:01 AM »

Ive always been anti-danny which is while ill probably avoid it.

The Fake Shemp · « **Reply #20 on:** October 16, 2007, 11:25:27 AM »

I like DeVito in the new episodes. The episode where they were all held hostage, while DeVito was in the air ducts with a light and walkie-talkie like Die Hard was sexcellent.

MrAngryFace · « **Reply #21 on:** October 16, 2007, 11:26:13 AM »

like die hard, oh man that will bring ME the lolz. Oh wait, I dont like the Die Hard movies

TVC15 · « **Reply #22 on:** October 16, 2007, 12:54:58 PM »

I bet Danny won't be that bad, if bad at all. It will just bug me that they made a major cast change after like 8 episodes. This is one of the better casts on TV for playing off of each other, so I dunno, I am disappointed there's such a drastic change so early on.

BlueTsunami · « **Reply #23 on:** October 16, 2007, 03:17:35 PM »

The "Underage Drinking" episode had me dieing

brawndolicious · « **Reply #24 on:** October 16, 2007, 03:57:18 PM »

Quote from: Weighted Companion Cube on October 16, 2007, 11:08:01 AM

Ive always been anti-danny which is while ill probably avoid it.

he's actually pretty good in this.

CajoleJuice · « **Reply #25 on:** October 16, 2007, 10:16:53 PM »

Quote from: Willco on October 16, 2007, 11:25:27 AM

I like DeVito in the new episodes. The episode where they were all held hostage, while DeVito was in the air ducts with a light and walkie-talkie like Die Hard was sexcellent.

As I've said, they've learned to utilize him better in Season 3.

MAF, you are quickly falling off my COOL LIST.

Ichirou · « **Reply #26 on:** October 16, 2007, 10:18:21 PM »

Ugly Betty is better.

Saint Cornelius · « **Reply #27 on:** October 16, 2007, 10:24:25 PM »

It's like one step forward, a three-mile hike back with you, isn't it?

TVC15 · « **Reply #28 on:** October 16, 2007, 10:43:17 PM »

Quote from: Ichirou on October 16, 2007, 10:18:21 PM

Ugly Betty is better.

That show is like barely even a comedy.

Van Cruncheon · « **Reply #29 on:** October 16, 2007, 10:46:26 PM »

jesus, ugly betty? th' fuck!

i picked this show up today and will watch a few eps tonight with the little lady.

Ichirou · « **Reply #30 on:** October 16, 2007, 11:04:03 PM »

Goddamn, a reaction from everybody except the person I wanted one from (CajoleRicanJuice).

aoi tsuki · « **Reply #31 on:** October 16, 2007, 11:05:38 PM »

i'd like to see what you think of the show after watching the first season. i really wanted to like the show. i really did. i chuckled a few times, but it didn't register as great by any means. Dumb characters, sure, but it was like there was no end to how low they could go. Normally i like that, but the entire show just felt sophomoric and unbalanced. It felt like there was no real consequence to the character's actions, which gave no real weight to the outcome of the circumstances of the characters. It worked for Seinfeld, but not for this. i do plan on watching season three, partially because i saw the first two seasons, and partially because i really do like the characters.

Ichirou · « **Reply #32 on:** October 16, 2007, 11:07:10 PM »

For the record, I haven't seen Ugly Betty or It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. I just wanted Cajole to say "wtf Ugly Betty sucks" so I could call him a race traitor. Same reason I asked him if he was going to buy El Cantante on DVD but he doesn't fall for any of my traps anymore.

CajoleJuice · « **Reply #33 on:** October 16, 2007, 11:08:18 PM »

Ichirou · « **Reply #34 on:** October 16, 2007, 11:10:50 PM »

I will have to start thinking of non-shitty things to get you to comment on. Next time, Cajole! Next tiiiiiiiime!

CajoleJuice · « **Reply #35 on:** October 16, 2007, 11:12:02 PM »

Ichirou · « **Reply #36 on:** October 16, 2007, 11:13:34 PM »

lol, I just realized the crap flying forth at the yellow smiley is the stuff Vader threw at Luke during their duel in Empire Strikes Back. I always thought it was a glitch in the gif for some reason.

TVC15 · « **Reply #37 on:** October 16, 2007, 11:47:42 PM »

Quote from: aoi tsuki on October 16, 2007, 11:05:38 PM

i'd like to see what you think of the show after watching the first season. i really wanted to like the show. i really did. i chuckled a few times, but it didn't register as great by any means. Dumb characters, sure, but it was like there was no end to how low they could go. Normally i like that, but the entire show just felt sophomoric and unbalanced. It felt like there was no real consequence to the character's actions, which gave no real weight to the outcome of the circumstances of the characters. It worked for Seinfeld, but not for this. i do plan on watching season three, partially because i saw the first two seasons, and partially because i really do like the characters.

I was actually thinking about this last night. Like, just from what has happened in 3 episodes, there's really little that can be shocking. Pulling off something like, say, the finale of Seinfeld would be expected at this point, not surprising. So I think the show is pretty funny so far, but when you know something will always go for the lowest blow possible, that means it could get predictable quickly.

But again, it's a sitcom, so I find it difficult to reallly criticize.

BlueTsunami · « **Reply #38 on:** October 17, 2007, 05:24:21 PM »

I don't know how far along you are TVC but yeah, Devito feels like he was shoehorned into the "Gang" $:-\$

TVC15 · « **Reply #39 on:** October 17, 2007, 05:43:12 PM »

Last night I watched up to the episode where they find a dead guy in the bar

spoiler (click to show/hide)

and they find out Dee's grandpa was a Nazi

[close]

.

So far, so good. I think the show has gotten better as it's gone on, although I think there's only one last episode before season 2 (Charlie gets Molested is the last one, right?). The only real weak link was the Charlie Gets Cancer episode. The whole thing with it all being a scheme so Charlie could sleep with the waitress was a bit too distinguished mentally-challenged, and not in the funny way. It honestly would have worked out better, I think, if it was a misdiagnosis or something.

My favorite episode is still the underage drinking episode. Possibly the gun episode.

Van Cruncheon · « **Reply #40 on:** October 17, 2007, 05:52:01 PM »

underage drinking was the best. i liked charlie gets an abortion and the gang gets a gun, too.

Saint Cornelius · « **Reply #41 on:** October 17, 2007, 05:54:03 PM »

What about The Gang Gets Invincible? "LIZARD! Am I standing in poop?"

Frank: "Is anything kicking in yet?"
Charlie: "...You mean, the beer?"

Charlie as Green Man: "Anyone mind if I do a little dance?"

And of course, Mac blasting Dee (before the whistle, of course) only to be blasted by Doyle McPoyle.

It is the episode that is directly responsible for me going nuts over this show.

BlueTsunami · « **Reply #42 on:** October 17, 2007, 06:51:41 PM »

"Underage drinking" was hilarious and I love that the main female in this sitcom is actually funny

CajoleJuice · « **Reply #43 on:** October 17, 2007, 07:34:23 PM »

Quote from: Saint Cornelius on October 17, 2007, 05:54:03 PM

What about The Gang Gets Invincible? "LIZARD! Am I standing in poop?"

Frank: "Is anything kicking in yet?"
Charlie: "...You mean, the beer?"

Charlie as Green Man: "Anyone mind if I do a little dance?"

And of course, Mac blasting Dee (before the whistle, of course) only to be blasted by Doyle McPoyle.

It is the episode that is directly responsible for me going nuts over this show.

Well, these guys don't have that episode on DVD. :p

I really need to get around to watching Seasons 1 and 2 again now that I own them on DVD.

And

BlueTsunami · « **Reply #44 on:** October 17, 2007, 07:43:03 PM »

The chick who plays the cheeseburger in "Charlie gets Cancer" gives me a boner. I heard a rumor that the characer is based off Junpei.

TVC15 · « **Reply #45 on:** October 17, 2007, 08:45:57 PM »

Quote from: BlueTsunami on October 17, 2007, 07:43:03 PM

The chick who plays the cheeseburger in "Charlie gets Cancer" gives me a boner. I heard a rumor that the characer is based off Junpei.

It's so awesome when it zooms in on her package.

Mac walking up to her and going "Is that a penis in your pants?" is awesome

BobbyRobby · « **Reply #46 on:** October 17, 2007, 11:11:17 PM »

Quote from: BlueTsunami on October 17, 2007, 07:43:03 PM

The chick who plays the cheeseburger in "Charlie gets Cancer" gives me a boner. I heard a rumor that the characer is based off Junpei.

There is a myspace exclusive episode where Mac is seeing the cheeseburger again.

TVC15 · « **Reply #47 on:** October 17, 2007, 11:45:45 PM »

Charlie Got Molested might be the best one yet. I nearly shit laughing.

TVC15 · « **Reply #48 on:** October 18, 2007, 12:34:34 AM »

Just watched the first devito episode. Not bad at all, really. That episode was definitely like the most ridiculous one yet, but it was really funny.

TVC15 · « **Reply #49 on:** October 18, 2007, 12:57:23 AM »

Charlie is so awesome. Want fuck charlie

Van Cruncheon · « **Reply #50 on:** October 18, 2007, 01:21:45 AM »

omg charlie's molestation intervention

"slower...slower..."

TVC15 · « **Reply #51 on:** October 18, 2007, 01:34:23 AM »

That was the scene that had me totally bustin' up.

Van Cruncheon · « **Reply #52 on:** October 18, 2007, 01:40:48 AM »

"show us on the doll where he touched you"
"..."
"do i need to turn it over"

TVC15 · « **Reply #53 on:** October 18, 2007, 01:43:55 AM »

Did you say "we just got out of the shower?"

BlueTsunami · « **Reply #54 on:** October 18, 2007, 08:38:16 AM »

Quote from: TVC 15 on October 18, 2007, 01:43:55 AM

Did you say "we just got out of the shower?"

Those two were so fucken creepy

CajoleJuice · « **Reply #55 on:** October 18, 2007, 09:46:58 AM »

Wooo. Everyone loves it.

Van Cruncheon · « **Reply #56 on:** October 18, 2007, 01:02:52 PM »

season 2 went into clearly distinguished mentally-challenged country, but they were still funny. charlie trying to pick up chicks by posing as a wheelchair-bound vietnam vet and "the gang gives back" were awesome. "the gang goes jihad" was kinda zzzzzz, though.

TVC15 · « **Reply #57 on:** October 18, 2007, 01:07:42 PM »

Dennis and Dee Go On Welfare and Mac Bangs Dennis' Mom are fucking awesome episodes. The Gang Gives Back is also for the most part hilarious.

It seems like season 2 is kind of higher risk with the stupid premises. It is fully cool with going with an absolutely distinguished mentally-challenged premise if it holds the potentail for laffs, and like any high risk gambit, it has its good bits and bad. Though I don't think any of it has been too bad. And Devito is mostly cool in my book, though in a few scenes (maybe 3 total), it seems like he is sleepwalking through scenes with little effort.

cubicle47b · « **Reply #58 on:** October 18, 2007, 01:25:38 PM »

Hundred Dollar Baby should be up next.

TVC15 · « **Reply #59 on:** October 18, 2007, 01:52:08 PM »

How may eps are on disc 3 It was 2AM when I finished disc2 and I needed to go to sleep. I watched like 5 eisodes straight.

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Author Topic: I watched the first ep of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia last night (Read 6691 times)