Fall TV: Let the "Sunny" Shine In

With all of the networks peddling all of their new shows and competing for America's attention, I for one will not lose sight of the returning favorites - even the ones that are not on the mainstream networks. One such show is the offbeat FX comedy "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" (which I was naturally drawn to being a native to the area).

The crass and inept crew of Paddy's Irish Bar returned to the small screen on Thursday, September 13th at 10PM with 2 new half-hour episodes and they are just as depraved as usual. Where many shows will tap into current topical events and simulate or dramatize them, "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" opts to show just how a pack of unscrupulous half-wits could mishandle such events. In the season openers, one episode deals with environmental issues and an abandoned infant while the other deals with the guys trying out for the Eagles - "Invincible" Style. The first results in Mac and Dee trying to exploit the baby as a potential child star to the extent of trying to tan it so that it can pass as Latino. The second results in none of the guys being athletics enough to be considered for the team and then accidentally shooting one of the guys who actually was. The beauty of this show is that these characters have no qualms about saying and doing things that the rest of us secretly shame ourselves for thinking about ... well at least other people might think those things.

The good news is that with this season opener, "Sunny" is decidedly continuing to deliver the funny and is only getting better with age. I am unashamed to admit that I will be tuning in this season. It is so wrong, but the laughter feels so right.