It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (TV Series) Charlie Has Cancer (2005) User Reviews

This one surprised me

[thefoochie · 7/10 · 13 January 2023]

I always get scared when watching an old show with a trans character because im worried they'll be the butt of the joke. While there were a couple insensitive moments that I didn't find funny, the show surprisingly did a decent job knowing it came out in 2005. Mac is clearly the one being made fun of, not the trans woman, such as when he punches her and says "it's okay because she's a dude!"

The main storyline was also enjoyable, albeit predictable. It's clear from the start that Charlie is faking having cancer to generate sympathy from the waitress. Even tho I predicted it, the gang's reaction to finding out Charlie was faking is hilarious. The ending was also pretty funny, where Dennis and mac try to get the waitress' money back because she didn't have sex with Charlie. I love how Dennis kept insisting that "she's just getting the money" after she slammed the door on them.

Overall, out of the 4 episodes I've seen so far this was definitely the weakest, although I'll give it a 7 instead of a 6 because the trans rep pleasantly surprised me. To the guy who gave it a 2/10 because the "transsexual guy's" (geez, what are you, 80? Get your terms right lol) presence is disgusting, you shouldn't be offended by someone's existence. And I feel sorry for you. But I don't expect anything more from someone who gave ozymandias a 4 out of 10.

1x4: Charlie Has Cancer

[FriedToast02 · 7/10 · 17 March 2022]

I enjoy it, it's really hard to find an episode of the show that I can't find something about it that I enjoy and there is still some funny parts in it. I do have to give this episode props for the scene with Charlie telling Dennis he has cancer being a huge part of the show becoming of what it did. One of the creators Rob McElhenney dreamt this scene one night and when he woke wrote it down. The original pilot not The Gang gets Racist, "It's Always Sunny on TV" (2004) is a very similar plot to this episode.

Prolly the best scene of the episode is the iconic scene of Charlie telling Dennis he has cancer. I mean we knew the characters were unlikable but I feel like this really shows the characters more especially Dennis reaction by slowly walking out, it's perfectly acted by Glenn and Charlie. Some other great stuff is of course the introduction of Artemis brilliantly acted by Artemis Pebdani and the beautiful Brittany Daniel portraying the trans woman Carmen. Also the waitress is always great. Honestly other than what I've mentioned this episode is one that I would call somewhat forgettable there isn't to many funny moments and I feel like a lot of the B plots in this season is the guys going to get girls which is fine just they kind of all jumble together. This is a very predictable episode even for sunny standards. Charlies reasoning was also eh I mean i get it for the waitress it just didn't lead to too many memorable jokes which this show is usually fantastic at. I would say the weakest of the season for me but still not bad. Also the scene with Charlie telling Dennis he doesn't have cancer is kind of ironic for what dennis reaction is and how in a few seasons faking cancer would be one of the least worst things they have done. Some of the best side characters in any show I've ever watched and they come back so consistently for a long time, I feel like in the last couple of seasons there hasn't been to many side character appearances besides the waitress.

The Master Plan

[Samuel-Shovel · 7/10 · 13 August 2017]

This is one of the weaker episodes of Season 1. Charlie's friends attempt to cheer him up after Charlie informs Dennis that he has cancer.

While it isn't one of the best episodes, it really shows the gang's terrible ethics and conduct. Charlie's deceitful plan to get what he wants out of exploiting his friends, Dennis' lustful needs that he will pursue no matter what, etc. These characteristics will only get more extreme as seasons progress.

Clever Charlie

[injury-65447 · 10/10 · 14 June 2020]

This is a fantastic episode.

We start off feeling sorry for poor Charlie only to realise that he has a master plan and is proven as despicable and irredeemable as the rest of the gang.

I love how the show tackles his revelation.

The subplot about Mac and the transsexual is also great.

We also get a nice bar top show from Artemis.

Funniest episode yet. This show starts so strong and isn't afraid to tackle controversial subjects.

Series 1 alway missing Frank

[paudieconnolly · 6/10 · 15 December 2021]

This was supposed to be episode 1 . I think even though the current episode 1 really has no introduction to the characters. It was a wise choice not to start here, a hard subject and the treatment of Charlie could get you to dislike the gang if that how it started. They put the best episode first a wise move. For me it does not really begin until series 2 These episode are all missing a small piece of the puzzle and until he arrives it's not really all that sunny.