Ep 9. A Cricket's Tale

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia season 12 episode 9 is titled "A Cricket's Tale". In this episode, we get a deeper look into the life of Rickety Cricket, a character who has been a recurring figure in the show since the beginning.

Cricket has been a constant source of amusement for the gang, often serving as the butt of their jokes and pranks. However, in "A Cricket's Tale", we see a different side of him. The episode starts off with Cricket wandering the streets, dirty and disheveled, and seemingly lost. It turns out that he has hit rock bottom and has nowhere to turn.

The bulk of the episode is a flashback that takes us back to Cricket's past and shows us how he ended up in the state he's in. We see him as a young priest, with dreams of making a difference in the world. However, his life takes a dark turn when the gang gets involved.

It all starts with a plan to steal a flat screen TV from a store. Cricket is hesitant to participate but eventually gives in to peer pressure. This sets off a chain of events that leads to him losing his job as a priest, getting addicted to drugs, and spiraling out of control.

Throughout the flashback, we see the gang pop up at various points, always dragging Cricket down further. They steal his clothes, trick him into taking PCP, and generally make his life miserable. It's hard to watch at times, but it gives us a better understanding of Cricket's character and why he's ended up in the state he's in.

The episode comes full circle when we return to the present day, where we find Cricket on the verge of suicide. The gang appears once more, this time to try and prevent him from going through with it. It's a poignant moment that shows us a different side of these characters, who are often so self-centered and destructive.

There are a few standout performances in "A Cricket's Tale". David Hornsby, who plays Cricket, does a fantastic job of portraying the character's emotional journey. We see him go through a wide range of emotions, from hope to despair, and it's all very convincing.

Charlie Day and Glenn Howerton also shine in this episode, playing their roles as the gang members to perfection. They're both incredibly funny, but they also manage to convey a certain sadness and regret when it comes to their treatment of Cricket.

Overall, "A Cricket's Tale" is a great episode of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. It's a departure from the show's usual formula, focusing on a single character and uncovering their backstory. It's a bit more serious than some of the other episodes, but it's still very funny and entertaining. If you're a fan of the show, you won't want to miss it.