[s5e3] The Great Recession -

Frank is saved when he receives a massive government "bailout"

A shanty town of newly impoverished people forms outside the bar, leading to Charlie living in a cardboard box and trying to sell "local Delaware runoff crabs" (which Dee notes look like sea scorpions). [S5E3] The Great Recession

To save money, Mac and Dennis "fire" Charlie and Dee, leading to the creation of a "self-sustaining" internal economy using Paddy’s Dollars . Frank is saved when he receives a massive

The episode is famous for its heavy, overt product placement for Dave & Buster's and Coors Light . While intended as a meta-joke about the show needing money during a recession, creator Glenn Howerton noted the joke was somewhat ruined because the network (FX) ran real commercials for those same brands during the broadcast. Quick Breakdown Parody Subject The 2008 Financial Crisis & Bernie Madoff Business Venture Frank and Dee's "family business" involving runoff crabs Resolution While intended as a meta-joke about the show

In the episode "The Great Recession" (Season 5, Episode 3), the Gang attempts to navigate the 2008 financial crisis with their typical brand of misguided logic and self-interest. Key Plot Features

Frank Reynolds loses his fortune in a Ponzi scheme (a direct parody of the Bernie Madoff scandal) and unsuccessfully attempts to hang himself, though his neck is "too thick" for the noose.