It’s Always Sunny season 16 episode 7 recap: The Gang Goes Bowling

In this season 16 escapade of the FX series It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, the Gang sets out for a night of bowling, and as always, hilarity ensues.

The episode kicks off with the iconic tune “Hip to Be Square” playing in the background as Frank (Danny DeVito), in his usual fashion, wants to order a plate of chili cheese fries, prompting a debate about the ideal consistency of fries – Mac (Rob McElhenney) is insistent they shouldn’t be mushy. Meanwhile, Dee (Kaitlin Olson) has some fancy plans with what she presents as secret, high-society friends but lacks the funds to cover her expenses.

Decked out in an overcoat and a somewhat questionable bowling outfit, Dee attempts to persuade her pals to chip in from the cash register. Of course, true to the Gang’s dynamic, they mercilessly mock her, suggesting she not go bowling or spend time gallivanting with her “fancy” friends.

In an unforeseen turn of events, after Dee mockingly says she’ll head out bowling as the gang hangs around with their “ding-dongs” in their hands, the Gang reveals that they were indeed all shamelessly engaging in some personal “hand activities” at the same time. Cue the awkwardness.

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia season 16, episode 7 recap: Classic characters return!

Cut to Dee on the bowling lane, teamed up with Artemis (Artemis Pebdani) and Gail the Snail (Mary Lynn Rajskub) – a unique trio to say the least, with a bowling team aptly named “Fridge-It Bitches.” Dee impresses everyone with a strike, setting the stage for the main event: the arrival of Dennis, Charlie (Charlie Day), Frank, and Mac, ready to showcase their bowling prowess. Liam (Jimmi Simpson) and Ryan McPoyle (Nate Mooney) make an appearance as the bowling alley managers, adding their signature oddness to the mix. In her own odd moments, Artemis assumes the alter ego of Donna Brunswick, a supposed heiress to a bowling empire.

Ever the sadist, Dennis seizes the opportunity to mess with Dee by mockingly chanting “gutterball,” leading to her downfall in a cascade of failed rolls. Meanwhile, Charlie’s attention drifts to a lively birthday party in the adjacent lane, and Gail the Snail delivers an uncomfortably explicit line about her feelings for Mac.

This sparks a debate about the sexual tension inherent in male-female interactions during sports, as Frank manages an impressive slow-roll strike. Frank’s flirtatious advances toward Artemis lead to an awkward encounter, reinforcing Dennis’s belief that men and women can’t compete together due to the distracting dynamics (Frank really wants a quickie with Artemis between his throws).

Competition heats up

As the competition heats up, Dennis continues his mockery spree, ultimately causing Dee to throw a gutterball after swearing he wouldn’t taunt her. Dennis then redeems himself with a skillful strike, rubbing salt in the wound by claiming that women are devious and destructive in competition with each other, thus giving men an even stronger advantage.

However, Gail the Snail takes a jab at Mac for his perceived lack of finesse in bowling, and Dennis advises Mac against altering his game strategy. Charlie, on the other hand, falls victim to the manipulative waitress, who sows seeds of nervousness by seeking his advice and placing the onus of responsibility for her game on him (a pretty genius move, actually).

Frank’s ingenuity shines as he combines his love for chili cheese fries with his bowling ball. The Gang’s competitive spirit extends beyond bowling, with the waitress challenging Dennis to a punching bag contest. Dennis emerges victorious, using his win to assert male dominance across athletic endeavors. In an unfortunate turn of events (or a fortunate one, depending on one’s point of view), Dennis breaks his hand during the contest, declaring himself unable to bowl.

The chili cheese incident

Next, in a greatly anti-climactic story, the McPoyle brothers share a bizarre anecdote involving chili cheese fries and an unfortunate finger-pinching incident. However, Dee seizes an opportunity to shine when Ryan injures his hand, and with a little imagination, envisions Dennis as the bowling pins, helping her secure an unexpected win!

When the dust settles, only Dee and the waitress remain at the alley, due to a questionable escapade involving Frank, Artemis, and Gail the Snail. In true It’s Always Sunny fashion, the Gang’s bowling outing takes unexpected twists and turns, offering a comically absurd take on competition, gender dynamics, and of course, chili cheese fries.

Be sure to tune in to the next episode for more outrageous shenanigans with the Gang from Paddy’s Pub!