The real reason to isolate
Most of the gang wants to protect its singing voices. Frank fears the flu itself.
Supporting source ↗CASE FILE · S09 E07
The Gang Gets Quarantined
S09 E07Photograph not available
When a severe flu outbreak sweeps Philadelphia the gang voluntarily quarantine themselves inside of Paddy's in an attempt to keep their singing voices pristine for an upcoming competition, although they have trouble adhering to the strict rules they've set for themselves.
THE SHORT VERSION · SPOILERS AHEAD
INSIDE THE CASE.
A different explanation
Their apparent flu improves after drinking. The gang recognizes withdrawal, then dismisses what that means.
Supporting source ↗Protection gets theatrical
Charlie and Mac shop in translucent suits, while the bar’s quarantine leaves people crowded into its bathroom.
Supporting source ↗Purity taken literally
Frank’s shaved appearance gives way to a trail of sanitizer and a slippery bathroom discovery.
Supporting source ↗THE EVIDENCE
THINGS IN THIS EPISODE.
Characters
Charlie Kelly180 other recorded episodes
Charlie drinks from a white cleaning-product bottle.Source ↗
Dee Reynolds179 other recorded episodes
Dee is confined to the bathroom.Source ↗
Dennis Reynolds176 other recorded episodes
Dennis looks exhausted beside the bathroom sink.Source ↗
Frank Reynolds171 other recorded episodes
A shaved Frank lies on the slippery bathroom floor.Source ↗
Locations
Paddy’s Pub147 other recorded episodes
The group finally leaves the bar’s bathroom.Source ↗
Objects
Costume sketchesOnly recorded here so far
Charlie displays a drawing of one shared outfit.Source ↗
Hand sanitizerOnly recorded here so far
Frank covers himself and the floor in sanitizer.Source ↗
Sleeping bags1 other recorded episode
The group brings bedding for the quarantine.Source ↗
Food & drinks
Crème de mentheOnly recorded here so far
Mac admits hiding mint liqueur behind the jukebox.Source ↗
Schemes
QuarantineOnly recorded here so far
Dennis is shut inside the bar bathroom.Source ↗
Running jokes
Hidden boozeOnly recorded here so far
Charlie reveals his concealed whiskey supply.Source ↗
Costumes
Bubble suitsOnly recorded here so far
Mac and Charlie wear bubble helmets while shopping.Source ↗
Matching stage outfitsOnly recorded here so far
Their red caps, bow ties and white cardigans match.Source ↗
Rubber gloves8 other recorded episodes
Mac and Charlie shop in brightly colored protective gloves.Source ↗
Music
MotownphillyOnly recorded here so far
The gang rehearses Motownphilly for a singing contest.Source ↗
Miscellaneous
Alcohol withdrawalOnly recorded here so far
Drinking leads the group to recognize withdrawal.Source ↗
FOLLOW THE THREAD
CONNECTED EPISODES.
S04 E04 Connected through Sleeping bags, Pizza, Paddy’s Pub and 3 more.
S12 E08 Connected through Whiskey, Paddy’s Pub, Frank Reynolds and 4 more.
S14 E02 Connected through Whiskey, Paddy’s Pub, Frank Reynolds and 4 more.
S15 E04 Connected through Whiskey, Paddy’s Pub, Frank Reynolds and 4 more.
SOURCES & NOTES.
Tags document researched occurrences, not every appearance. Read the research notes and attribution.