The typically hilarious antics of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” are no less hilarious in the latest season finale.
But the episode sounds a mournful note, too.
Lynne Marie Stewart, who for 20 years played Bonnie Kelly, Charlie Kelly’s (Charlie Day) mother on the show, makes an appearance in the episode, filmed before her February death at 78.
The “Golden Bachelor”-themed finale of season 17 sees Danny DeVito’s Frank Reynolds pick a potential mate.
In the episode, titled “The Golden Bachelor Live,” which is dedicated to Stewart, the eternally cheerful, sweet Bonnie is brought in as a last-minute “wildcard” addition to the reality show within the episode. She’s thrown into the mix of ladies Frank has to pick from on the show, mostly because of her previous dalliances with him.
This displeases her son Charlie, who proceeds to dramatically throw a salad bowl and its contents out of rage.
At the end of the episode, there is a tribute to Stewart, who is also known for playing Miss Yvonne opposite Paul Reubens’ Pee-wee Herman in “Pee-wee’s Playhouse.”
“For our sweet Lynne,” the segment begins, cueing up a series of scenes from her many memorable appearances on the show.
“We’ll love you forever,” concludes the montage, set to the song “Always on My Mind” (watch below).
Stewart joined the cast of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” in 2005, at the beginning of the long-running show, which was created by Rob Mac (who recently changed his name from Rob McElhenney). The comedy series started out on FX before moving to FXX, and now airs on both channels and streams on Hulu.
But that isn’t the only sentimental moment in the season 17 finale.
Carol Kane, Danny DeVito’s co-star from “Taxi,” also makes an appearance as Sam, one of the women on “The Golden Bachelor.”
Kane played Simka Dahblitz-Gravas, girlfriend and eventual wife of Andy Kaufman’s mechanic Latka Gravas, on “Taxi” from 1980 to 1983.
DeVito played dispatcher Louie De Palma in the sitcom from 1978 to 1983.
In the “Always Sunny” finale, Kane’s Sam and DeVito’s Frank have a surprisingly genuine, truly touching connection … which is not something that often occurs between characters in the show, especially not with new ones who aren’t part of the original cast.
“Taxi” co-stars Carol Kane and Danny DeVito reunite as sparks fly between their characters in the season finale of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.”
It’s all the more surprising since Frank, staying true to form, starts his “Golden Bachelor” episode by asking “where are all the broads?” (He doesn’t realize that the women on the show would be around his age, not much younger, which he would prefer.)
But Sam and Frank hit it off in their own twisted kind of way.
Kane, 73, and Asbury Park’s DeVito, 80, continue to be magic onscreen — not just because they’re comedy veterans, but also because of that shared TV connection all those years ago.
In 1981, DeVito won an Emmy for his performance in “Taxi” (outstanding supporting actor). Kane won for her role in 1982 and 1983 (outstanding lead actress in a comedy, then supporting actress).
Carol Kane in “Taxi” with Andy Kaufman, left, and Danny DeVito in the same sitcom.
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Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at [email protected] and followed at @AmyKup on Twitter/X, @amykup.bsky.social on Bluesky and @kupamy on Instagram and Threads.
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