Last week I expressed concern that It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia might be flagging a bit. Even though all the puzzle pieces seemed to be there, the magic formula that made the show so funny just wasn’t there.

My fears were somewhat alleviated by this week’s episodes, “America’s Next Top Paddy’s Billboard Model Contest” and “Mac’s Banging the Waitress.” While neither reached the heights of some of the show’s earlier classics, such as “Frank Sets Sweet Dee On Fire,” they were much funnier than the first two. Perhaps the show is, once again, hitting its stride.

In “Model Contest,” as usual, the gang divides into two distinct groups to try and solve a problem. In this case, the problem is the fact that Paddy’s Pub is hemorrhaging money (and everyone’s use of the “company credit card” on frivolous expenses isn’t helping). They agree that they need to advertise, and Frank’s idea is to create a billboard that features him giving a double thumbs-up between two bodacious beauties. Dennis points out (rightfully) that Frank is ugly, and that he should be front and center instead.

But when the auditions are held for the billboard stars, Dennis is floored to find that Frank is auditioning for male models, too. Dennis insists on participating in the competition, while Mac decides to hold a Bachelor-style elimination to pick the female models.

Dee, on the other hand, plans to draw customers to Paddy’s with a viral YouTube video. But with Charlie’s help, she soon discovers that the only videos to get hits are the ones where she is pathetic and humiliated. Her desire for fame wins out over dignity, and soon PatheticGirl67 becomes a runaway success. But will it help Paddy’s?

Next up is “Mac Bangs the Waitress,” an episode focusing on Mac, Dennis, and Charlie (Frank and Dee do not appear at all). In it, Charlie gets wind of his love interest, the waitress, seeing a new boyfriend. He enlists Mac to find and punish the man, but there’s a problem - Mac is the man. And Dennis knows.

True to form, the three men scheme and attempt to harm and humiliate each other in every possible way. Partially due to its focus on the single plotline, “Waitress” is not a particularly strong episode, although it does bring the laughs.

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