Dennis Takes a Mental Health Day

Probably the only episode of the season that didn't have a rushed abrupt ending and actually felt like a full story start to finish. It was a breath of fresh air to get an episode like this thrown in to a season that just felt a bit slow and tame compared to all the previous seasons. Not only can you relate to Dennis's anger towards modern society and almost feel bad for him even though he is a terrible person, you also get another look into his unhinged mind which is constantly getting more and more out of control and elaborate! Personally I think it was a solid finale and hope the next season ramps it up a notch!

The whole season feels like the gang has moved on to bigger and better things but still hang out on the set of the show. It does not feel like the show is being filmed or that the characters are acting. It just feels like they are being stupid on camera. And that feel lasts me through most of the season.

But this finale episode had me laughing almost constantly. Why do we have so many customer service systems that are so...out of whack that you would have thought the devil himself came up with them. And yet we still have them and they are not going away...despite how strongly they turn customers off...why why why.

12 perfect seasons-then a weaker Season 13 followed by a very weak season 14 and really bad 15 and I was dreading watching this season-the first episode was terrible and I figured these guys are done-then somehow starting with the second episode until this one the once great show is back somehow. It was like watching a once great athlete deteriorate steadily over a span of three years and then suddenly get a second wind. I was dreading watching season 16 and now I am looking forward to season 17. Big surprise. IMO what they need going forward is more strong role players-bring in some new talent to replace the hole left by the departure of Bill Ponderosa and even his sister Maureen-and get Cricket more involved-he brings a lot to the table.

This is not formulaic IASIP, so I understand why some reviews are negative. But I've slodged through the last few years waiting for something reminiscent of the old magic - when the show was fresh and original - and this was worth the wait.

A) well structured: pacing is great, tension build is steady, callbacks and foreshadowing are nuanced, and the ending is provocative. New meaning to the phrase "I'll rip your heart out."

B) character balancing: There is a classic A storyline and B storyline, with one character dominating the A line but with interface to the B line. It's much more watchable rather than each of the 5 characters getting exactly 20% of the jokes as the writers often strive for lately. And it lets the B storyline steal the show with comedy gold because of the change of pace.

C) plot: The MacGuffin of "system" overload is relatable, and yields the naturally outrageous situations, but Howerton's range to showcase his struggle to manage them during his zen time is just beautiful. And I really enjoyed the ending FWIW, but familiarity with The Usual Suspects helps.

Others are calling this the season finale. If so, my only minor complaint is while it's very memorable it doesn't close out a season with any grand flourish. But I'll take it over a clunker any day.

Finally, an episode where Dennis can show off his psycothic behaviour untethered, with his rage knowing no bounds. Once again, Glen Howerton delivers a great performance. Did you know he went to Julliard?

Very relatable episode that gives us a glimpse into the mind of our favorite psycopath: Dennis. The episode is even funnier when you realise many of the things brought up in the episode come from Glen Howerton's real life experiences, as he discussed on the It's Always Sunny podcast. His frustration with apps and technology making everything more complicated really shine through.

Only thing missing is the rest of the gang who just appears for a few seconds!