Austerity for someone else
Mac and Dennis fire Charlie while continuing their restaurant meetings. His maintenance explanations reveal how precariously the bar operates.
Supporting source ↗CASE FILE · S05 E03
The Great Recession
S05 E03Photograph not available
With a shantytown taking shape outside, Mac and Dennis try to keep Paddy's going in tough times. Meanwhile, Frank and Dee start a family business.
THE SHORT VERSION · SPOILERS AHEAD
INSIDE THE CASE.
The product demonstration
Frank cuts a shoe in the camper and demonstrates a vacuum. The pair later bring their sales routine into Beth’s home.
Supporting source ↗Money that stays in the bar
Paddy’s Dollars circulate successfully, but return without generating actual cash. Mac and Dennis cannot explain their own economic model.
Supporting source ↗A brief life by the water
Charlie’s riverside shelter becomes headquarters for a crab-selling idea. Frank drops it immediately when news of a bailout arrives.
Supporting source ↗THE EVIDENCE
THINGS IN THIS EPISODE.
Characters
Bonnie Kelly18 other recorded episodes
Bonnie tells Charlie that his old room is occupied by Uncle Jack.Source ↗
Charlie Kelly180 other recorded episodes
Charlie meets Frank and Dee beside his makeshift riverside shelter.Source ↗
Dee Reynolds179 other recorded episodes
Dee stands beside Beth during the disastrous house call.Source ↗
Dennis Reynolds176 other recorded episodes
Dennis carries stacks of the homemade bar currency outside Paddy’s.Source ↗
Frank Reynolds171 other recorded episodes
Frank uses a shoe to demonstrate his knife inside the camper.Source ↗
Uncle Jack13 other recorded episodes
Uncle Jack sits at the kitchen table with Charlie.Source ↗
Locations
Dave & Buster’sOnly recorded here so far
The D&B logo is visible above the waterfront restaurant entrance.Source ↗
Paddy’s Pub147 other recorded episodes
The familiar green entrance is flanked by boxes on the sidewalk.Source ↗
Objects
Dave & Buster’s Power CardOnly recorded here so far
Dennis holds the small arcade card while explaining his idea.Source ↗
Knives8 other recorded episodes
Frank cuts at Dee’s black shoe during his product demonstration.Source ↗
Motorhomes2 other recorded episodes
A motorhome is parked directly outside the bar.Source ↗
Paddy’s DollarsOnly recorded here so far
Dennis displays bundles of bright green paper money.Source ↗
The closed signOnly recorded here so far
The word CLOSED is visible in the window behind Dee.Source ↗
Trash bags7 other recorded episodes
Charlie holds a large black trash bag while addressing his replacements.Source ↗
Wet vacuumOnly recorded here so far
The vacuum head passes over the pink shoe on the camper floor.Source ↗
Food & drinks
Schemes
Crab peopleOnly recorded here so far
Charlie and Frank propose selling the catch from the runoff water.Source ↗
Door-to-door sales2 other recorded episodes
Frank and Dee bring their knife pitch into Beth’s home.Source ↗
Running jokes
Charlie work13 other recorded episodes
Charlie explains the bar’s improvised maintenance after being fired.Source ↗
Charlie’s illiteracy22 other recorded episodes
Charlie mistakes the closed sign for a Coors sign.Source ↗
Miscellaneous
BailoutsOnly recorded here so far
Frank announces that the government will reimburse his losses.Source ↗
Video games5 other recorded episodes
Colorful arcade machines surround the dining area.Source ↗
FOLLOW THE THREAD
CONNECTED EPISODES.
S08 E02 Connected through Door-to-door sales, Trash bags, Paddy’s Pub and 5 more.
S04 E01 Connected through Steaks, Knives, Paddy’s Pub and 5 more.
S03 E02 
Connected through Motorhomes, Paddy’s Pub, Frank Reynolds and 4 more.
S04 E02 Connected through Door-to-door sales, Paddy’s Pub, Frank Reynolds and 4 more.
SOURCES & NOTES.
Tags document researched occurrences, not every appearance. Read the research notes and attribution.