It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, currently in its sixteenth season and beyond, holds the prestigious title of being the longest-running live-action sitcom in television history. This FX series has captivated viewers by presenting itself as a conventional sitcom, only to spiral into wild and outrageous shenanigans. The show’s success lies in its ability to push boundaries and be unapologetically offensive, all while facing the consequences of the gang’s despicable actions.
Throughout the years, the gang has engaged in various perilous endeavors, but one particular episode stands above the rest. In this episode, siblings Dennis (Glenn Howerton) and Dee (Kaitlin Olson) devise what they believe to be the most brilliant scheme imaginable to exploit government benefits.
It’s worth noting that It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia didn’t progressively escalate its storylines from tamer origins. From the outset, the show embraced provocative narratives. The gang, consisting of Dennis, Dee, Mac (Rob McElhenney), Charlie (Charlie Day), and Frank (Danny DeVito), does not hesitate to put themselves or others at physical risk if it means attaining their desired outcomes. They fearlessly engage in a plethora of outrageous activities.
For instance, one episode involves Frank intentionally setting Dee on fire not once, but twice, while Charlie records it with hopes of gaining fame. Another episode features the gang discovering a baby in a dumpster and inexplicably deciding to keep the child as a model. They even go to the extreme of kidnapping a restaurant critic to ensure a positive review for Paddy’s Pub. Dee even goes as far as faking a baby’s death to evade an audit. In an attempt to establish themselves as home makeover professionals, they break into a family’s house and hold them hostage while demolishing their property. These activities, although shocking, pale in comparison to the time Dee and Dennis concocted the idea to indulge in crack cocaine to exploit welfare benefits.
This episode occurs in the second season of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Frank, now the owner of Paddy’s Pub, faces rebellion from Dee and Dennis, who grow tired of his domineering ways. As they depart, a fitting title card emerges on the screen: “Dee and Dennis Go on Welfare.” They opt to claim unemployment benefits temporarily to pursue their dreams. Dennis sets his sights on becoming a veterinarian, while Dee aspires to become a Broadway actress. However, things take an unexpected turn when Dee discovers she is eligible for $400 in weekly government assistance. Overwhelmed by the amount, Dennis proposes a new plan: welfare.
In the subsequent scene, Dee and Dennis leisurely listen to Biz Markie’s “Just a Friend” on a boombox while sipping alcohol from brown paper bags, relishing in their unemployed lifestyle. This episode subtly touches upon racial implications, a recurring theme in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
Mac, unexpectedly the voice of reason, admonishes them for their reckless behavior, reminding them that unemployment benefits eventually expire. Unfazed, Dennis assures Mac that they will simply transition to welfare once that happens. Mac exclaims that welfare is reserved for individuals in genuine need, such as the economically disadvantaged or those battling addiction or mental health issues. Ignoring Mac’s words, Dee and Dennis continue singing along to the music.
The subsequent scenes take place at the unemployment office, where stereotypical characters, including an overweight man and a sleeping African American, populate the environment. Mac and Charlie devise their own scheme, attempting to recruit individuals from the office to work for free at the pub in exchange for a tax break. Mac condemns Dee and Dennis once again, asserting that welfare is not meant for them. Undeterred, Dee confidently puts on a backward bike helmet, and the siblings approach the counter. Dennis shamelessly announces, “Hello, I’m a recovering drug addict, and this is my intellectually disabled sister whom I care for. We would like to apply for welfare, please.” Their plans come crashing down when the welfare office employee demands documentation of Dee’s disability and proof of Dennis’ crack addiction.
Leaving the office, Dee expresses frustration, as welfare was her ticket to Broadway. In search of a solution, the siblings decide to take drastic measures. “If they want to play rough, we can play rough,” asserts Dee. “Let’s go buy some crack.” Thus, Dennis drives them to a dangerous neighborhood, and they park to discuss Dee’s upcoming doctor’s appointment. A large African American man approaches their car window, startling them. In an attempt to clarify their non-racist intentions, they stumble over their words before realizing that the man is a drug dealer. Dennis reluctantly orders “one, please”, revealing their naivety regarding the appropriate quantity of crack. The dealer seizes the opportunity to con them, offering a two-for-one deal at the exorbitant price of $200.
The subsequent scene shows Dee and Dennis waking up in their apartment the following day at 4pm. They remained in a drug-induced stupor, missing Dee’s doctor’s appointment. Their appearances are disheveled, with pale skin, sunken eyes, and trembling bodies. Dennis curls up on the couch, and Dee slumps in a chair while admitting that she may have urinated in her pants. Realizing that they need cocaine in their systems for the upcoming appointment, they decide to get high once again. Returning to the dealer, they proceed with another two-for-one deal. This leads them to a dilapidated alley accompanied by a mangy stray dog. In this delirious state, Dee fervently speaks while Dennis struggles to maintain consciousness. Dennis announces his intent to purchase more crack once they receive their welfare money. Despite their misery and appearance, addiction has ensnared Dennis.
In an unexpected turn, Charlie and Mac arrive in a chauffeur-driven limousine, adorned with top hats and accompanied by beautiful women. Dee and Dennis approach them, desperate for money. Unmoved by their plight, their friends laugh, roll up the window, and drive away. The episode ends with Dee and Dennis slowly shuffling down an alley towards Paddy’s Pub, their emaciated frames resembling zombies. They summon all their remaining energy to discuss returning to work. Dennis agrees, albeit reluctantly, suggesting that they work temporarily until they can accumulate enough money to purchase more crack. Dee suggests considering rehab alongside their welfare and career plans, to which Dennis agrees half-heartedly, postponing the matter to a future date.
Despite the inherent danger and the implied repercussions, Dee and Dennis survive their crack cocaine addiction, ensuring their return in subsequent episodes. Their desperate pursuit of free money leads them to the brink of self-destruction. While the gang’s actions may be treacherous, the series intelligently explores the absurdity of such extreme behavior.
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Khushi Patel is a science fiction author who lives in Austin, Texas. She has published three novels, and her work has been praised for its originality and imagination. Khushi is a graduate of Rice University, and she has worked as a software engineer. She is a member of the Science Fiction Writers of America, and her books have been nominated for several awards.
