A remembered beginning
The threatened rink recalls the gang’s last visit in 1998.
Supporting source ↗CASE FILE · S15 E03
The Gang Buys a Roller Rink
S15 E03Photograph not available
It's the 90s, and the Gang hangs out one last time at the local roller rink before going their separate ways. An innocent young Dennis learns the horrifying details of Frank's business, a truly sweet Dee is excited to head off for Hollywood, while Charlie and Mac's jobs at the roller rink are in jeopardy, leaving them to figure out their next move.
THE SHORT VERSION · SPOILERS AHEAD
INSIDE THE CASE.
Two careers collapse
Dennis misunderstands Frank’s work; Charlie and Mac botch a drug sale.
Supporting source ↗Helpful sabotage
Charlie loosens Dee’s skates. Her fall precedes a sudden personality change.
Supporting source ↗They buy the wrong business
Smokey sells Paddy’s. Charlie’s larger contribution never earns a fair ownership discussion.
Supporting source ↗THE EVIDENCE
THINGS IN THIS EPISODE.
Characters
Brad (roller-rink customer)Only recorded here so far
Brad waits in the car during Charlie’s first drug sale.Source ↗
Charlie Kelly180 other recorded episodes
Young Charlie works behind the skate counter.Source ↗
Dee Reynolds179 other recorded episodes
Young Dee leads her friends in a skating routine.Source ↗
Dennis Reynolds176 other recorded episodes
Young Dennis sits stunned after misunderstanding Frank’s meeting.Source ↗
Frank Reynolds171 other recorded episodes
Frank argues with Dennis in the hotel room.Source ↗
Locations
Paddy’s Pub147 other recorded episodes
The prospective owners enter the bar for the first time.Source ↗
South Philly SkateOnly recorded here so far
Skaters circle the brightly lit rink.Source ↗
Objects
Coins2 other recorded episodes
Charlie explains that saved quarters funded his larger investment.Source ↗
Mac’s gun handleOnly recorded here so far
Charlie inspects Mac’s incomplete gun.Source ↗
Mobile phones2 other recorded episodes
Dennis answers his large cellular telephone.Source ↗
Roller skates1 other recorded episode
Rows of brightly colored rental skates fill the counter wall.Source ↗
Vending machines1 other recorded episode
Dennis and Charlie stand beside the snack machine.Source ↗
Food & drinks
Sandwiches3 other recorded episodes
Dennis and Mac distract Charlie from discussing his ownership share.Source ↗
Costumes
Mac’s Hornets jacketOnly recorded here so far
Mac wears the Hornets jacket while selling drugs.Source ↗
Referee uniforms3 other recorded episodes
Charlie wears a striped rink-official shirt.Source ↗
Music
Big Yellow TaxiOnly recorded here so far
Joni Mitchell’s recording accompanies the ending.Source ↗
Just a GirlOnly recorded here so far
The song plays during Dee’s farewell routine.Source ↗
Praise YouOnly recorded here so far
The song introduces Charlie policing the rink.Source ↗
Miscellaneous
Flashback stories2 other recorded episodes
The gang remembers buying Paddy’s in 1998.Source ↗
FOLLOW THE THREAD
CONNECTED EPISODES.
S09 E05 Connected through Vending machines, Marijuana, Paddy’s Pub and 5 more.
S10 E02 Connected through Whistles, Paddy’s Pub, Frank Reynolds and 4 more.
S09 E06 Connected through Roller skates, Frank Reynolds, Dennis Reynolds and 3 more.
S07 E05 Connected through Flashback stories, Paddy’s Pub, Frank Reynolds and 4 more.
SOURCES & NOTES.
Tags document researched occurrences, not every appearance. Read the research notes and attribution.