Review: It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, "The Gang Goes to a Dog Track" | Season 17, Episode 5

This place makes animals of us all.

A few episodes ago, I complained that the Always Sunny crew were subbing in volume, manic energy, and performing commitment for the sort of tightly plotted chaos that’s marked them at their best.

"The Gang Goes to a Dog Track” makes “Mac and Dennis Become EMTs” look like "Charlie and Dee Find Love.”*

I’ve reviewed more than one extremely long-running and beloved TV show over the years, and believe me there’s nothing more unenlightening and dull than the “not as good as it used to be” chorus. Sometimes, that complaint comes from viewers unable to evolve with a still great series. And, sure, sometimes, it comes from viewers who are dead on the money. The thing is, I do not think that It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia isn’t as good as it used to be. But this episode sure looks, sounds, and likely smells like an episode of a once-great show that’s run out of creative juice.

Sunny is an unlikely TV classic, a ramshackle project sprung fro…