The Ultimate Showdown: Unveiling the True Villain in It's Always Sunny - Dennis or Sinned?

In It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia season 16, the SINNED System is introduced as a successor to the infamous DENNIS System, sparking a debate on which one is worse. The gang's actions in the DENNIS System have been widely criticized, considering the already terrible nature of each character. However, in season 16, episode 4 titled "Frank vs. Russia," the SINNED System is unveiled, posing a serious challenge to its predecessor. The episode follows Frank Reynolds and Charlie as they dominate a chess tournament in Philadelphia, while Dennis tries to assist Dee and Mac in finding dates, using a supposedly foolproof method that cleverly references the DENNIS System.

Dennis Introduces A Second System Of Seduction After 14 Years In It's Always Sunny Season 16

The DENNIS System, introduced in It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia season 5, episode 10, is a renowned seduction system. Dennis claims it is an infallible way to attract women and often utilizes it to secure dates. The method involves six steps: demonstrating value, engaging physically, nurturing dependence, neglecting emotionally, inspiring hope, and ultimately separating entirely. However, Dennis acknowledges that this approach only works on women. To assist Dee and Mac in attracting men, Dennis introduces the SINNED System.

The SINNED System draws inspiration from the DENNIS System, as evidenced by the word "SINNED" being a backward spelling of "DENNIS." Nevertheless, it introduces some alterations to cater to men. This system comprises six steps: suppressing instincts, inflating his ego, needing his power, negating his power, engaging physically, and asking, "Do you want a tissue?" Though the SINNED System may not be as straightforward as its predecessor, it proves effective, adding to the humor and brilliance of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

The SINNED System Isn't Nearly As Bad As The DENNIS System

The SINNED System and the DENNIS System are both flawed approaches, but the DENNIS System is significantly worse than its counterpart. Both systems involve manipulation and generalizations, where the user strategically influences the victim's thoughts to achieve their desired outcome. However, the DENNIS System takes it to another level by isolating and making a woman completely reliant on the user. This system utilizes negging, neglect, and reinforcing negative beliefs about the victim's self-worth, making it an abhorrent practice that should never be employed in real life.

On the other hand, the SINNED System, while still not ideal, is an improvement over the DENNIS System. Instead of tearing men down, the SINNED System focuses on boosting their ego. Interestingly, the user of the SINNED System is the one who ends up being demeaned. Although the SINNED System does still incorporate some strange Freudian concepts, it is nowhere near as harmful as the DENNIS System. This suggests that the characters in It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia may have made some progress.