I watched season 1 of this show and quite liked it but didn't totally see what everyone else seemed to be seeing. I had been told how hilarious and clever this show was and had expected a bit more than I got even if I still enjoyed it. Season 2 hits the ground running though and lifts the bar to a standard that it hits consistently episode after episode for the whole season. The plots are essentially of the same ilk as season 1 but they are stronger than before and shored up by improved dialogue throughout. The politically incorrect plots involve political corruption, physical disabilities as a way of getting girls, exploitation of religious visions, steroid abuse, crack abuse, sexual relationships with parents, gambling on community work and other such things – all of which last for more or less one episode before the slate is wiped clean for the next one.
On paper it may seem a bit like Sarah Silverman's act in how it has people doing and saying morally outrageous things without a thought for others but it is better than that because this is not just about the shock value. The characters are too strong for that because every plot and every line of dialogue is informed by the uniformly morally bankrupt characters and their morally bankrupt motivations. It works because they are this way to the extent that it is funny rather than unpleasant and there is a narrative joy in seeing how far things go every time. This is the sweep of each episode but the show is filled with dialogue (either related direct to the plot or just throwaway) that is funny, hits the spot and is followed up quickly with more of the same. The improvement in this regard is immediately obvious in the first few episodes and it doesn't dip from there - indeed even the titles of the episodes are used as punchlines at the end of each opening scene.
The cast cannot be talked about without mentioning Danny Devito. He is a great addition to the cast as it not only alters the dynamic somewhat but has also clearly brought with it greater resources to the show as a whole. He delivers each line really well and has great comic timing. This is not to take anything away from the original cast though, all of whom nail their morally-broken and exploitative characters really well and make the best of the improved material with great timing and performances.
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia has improved a lot moving into season 2. It has kept the rough edge and dark comedy that worked in the first season but the addition of Devito, the increased resources and the improved material all works to make each episode punchy, inventive and really very funny. Great season.