It’s Always Sunny in PhiladelphiaandAbbott Elementary’s crossover storyline almost expanded upon a 14-year-old episode of the dark sitcom’s strangest flashback. The two sitcoms collided with a two-part storyline in each show’s respective seventeenth and fourth seasons. In the crossover,theAlways Sunnygangvisits the elementary school as part of their community service.
The two episodes, “The Gang F***s Up Abbott Elementary"and “Volunteers,” explore the same day from the viewpoint of each show’s cast. As expected,the gang brings more trouble to the school’s staff, with extreme conversations about conspiracy theories, attempted trysts, and garden sabotage.Even without a cut storyline, the crossover perfectly takes each group out of their comfort zones.
Abbott Elementary & It’s Always Sunny’s Crossover Cut Frank & Mr. Johnson’s Connection To Shadynasty
Mr. Johnson Almost Played A Key Role In Frank’s Backstory
While Frank (Danny DeVito) and Mr. Johnson’s (William Stanford Davis) storyline revolves around a plan in the community garden, the pair almost had a shared backstory established.Abbott Elementaryexecutive producer Patrick Schumaker revealedin January, following the airing of “Volunteers,” thatJohnson was almost a former lover of Shadynasty (Naturi Naughton), a character fromAlways Sunnyseason 7:
We did at one point have a whole backstory between Frank and Mr. Johnson that they did know each other. It was that they went to high school together. They dated the same woman who was a canonical character in Sunny, this character Shadynasty. That ended up falling away just as a function of, “Hey, we can’t tell that story. Maybe let’s save it for another time.” 21 and a half minutes is not a lot of time to tell a story.
In season 7’s “Frank’s Brother,” Frank’s older brother Gino (Jon Polito) visits Paddy’s Pub, and the pair’s feud dives into Frank’s past. In the 1960s, Frank and Gino both fell for singer Shadynasty, who became the main singer of their own jazz club. However, several mistaken showdowns with former business partner Reggie (Lance Reddick) push the group apart.
Having shot Reggie after thinking he was going to hurt Gino, Frank runs to Columbia, driving him and Shadynasty apart and kicking off Frank’s drug addiction. When Frank returns to the club in the 1980s, he sees that Gino and Shadynasty have gotten together, breaking his heart. The brothers then have a bitter feud going into the present day.
However, “Volunteers” almost expanded the love triangle by establishing that Johnson knew Frank from their time in high school. Like with Frank and Gino,the pair would have found themselves fighting with each other over Shadynasty’s heart.As such, their reunion would have reignited the rivalry, but was ultimately cut for time.
Shadynasty Needs To Finally Return To It’s Always Sunny After Her Season 7 Story
Despite Her Role In Frank’s Downfall, The Characer Has Only Made A Single Appearance
While the two series' respective lore would have made the story inconsistent, it is interesting that a return to “Frank’s Brother” was envisioned in early drafts.The season 7 episode concludes with a reunion with Shadynasty,even if the feelings are long dead. As such, many may wonder if the story could be revisited.
After the older Shadynasty (Clara Golidy Holmes) reunites with Frank and Gino, it is revealed that she didn’t love either of them. Instead, she had been waiting for Reggie’s (Mike Ivy) release. Despite reuniting with her love, he is quickly apprehended by the TSA due to being on a no-fly list.
Because of this,there is the opportunity to bring Shadynasty back in a futureIt’s Always Sunny In Philadelphiaepisode.As seen with Carmen’s (Brittany Daniel) surprise return in season 6’s “Dee Gives Birth,” the series isn’t afraid to give its guest characters closure. As such, Shadynasty and Frank could still leave things on better terms.
Alternatively, there is still roughly three decades between the final “Frank’s Brother” flashback and the present-day story. Naughton could reprise her role to explore a previously unseen meeting in the 90s or early 00s, asFrank dives further into dodgier dealings. Regardless of how, Shadynasty’s return could further enrich Frank’s backstory beforeIt’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Cast
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is a television series that premiered in 2005, chronicling the chaotic lives of four self-involved friends running an Irish pub in Philadelphia. Their misguided decisions and skewed perspectives often result in amusing and uncomfortable situations, complicating their professional and personal relationships.
Abbott Elementary
Abbott Elementary is a mockumentary comedy series centered around a group of dedicated teachers at a struggling public school in Philadelphia. The show highlights their efforts to overcome bureaucratic challenges and underfunding, while showcasing their commitment to making a positive impact on their students' lives.
