Dinner becomes a production
The gang recruits a focus group to perfect its appearance during Frank’s television hometown visit.
Supporting source ↗CASE FILE · S17 E07
The Gang Gets Ready for Prime Time
S17 E07Photograph not available
Upon learning that Frank's making a "Hometown Visit" with his Golden Bachelor partners, the Gang rehearses their family dinner to appeal to America.
THE SHORT VERSION · SPOILERS AHEAD
INSIDE THE CASE.
Actors replace the missing guests
Artemis plays Frank and the Waitress plays his date during the rehearsals.
Supporting source ↗Appearance overwhelms personality
Hair loss, tanning, facial tape and forced comedy turn the gang into increasingly unnatural performers.
Supporting source ↗The rehearsal misses the event
After weeks of preparation, they discover Frank already filmed the visit with a replacement family.
Supporting source ↗THE EVIDENCE
THINGS IN THIS EPISODE.
Characters
Charlie Kelly180 other recorded episodes
Charlie arrives with his hair removed.Source ↗
Dee Reynolds179 other recorded episodes
Dee wears a checked blazer for her rehearsed persona.Source ↗
Dennis Reynolds176 other recorded episodes
Facial tape stretches Dennis’s face as he addresses the audience.Source ↗
Frank Reynolds171 other recorded episodes
Frank appears in the dating-show interview playing on television.Source ↗
Jesse Palmer1 other recorded episode
Jesse interviews Frank on television.Source ↗
Mike (focus-group moderator)Only recorded here so far
Mike addresses the assembled focus group.Source ↗
The Waitress38 other recorded episodes
The Waitress plays Frank’s date in a gray wig.Source ↗
Locations
Charlie’s apartment48 other recorded episodes
The apartment becomes a rehearsal space with spectators.Source ↗
Paddy’s Pub147 other recorded episodes
The gang plans its television appearance at Paddy’s counter.Source ↗
Objects
Rubber chickensOnly recorded here so far
Dee incorporates a rubber chicken into her comedy.Source ↗
Touchscreen phones22 other recorded episodes
A phone shows Frank’s replacement family.Source ↗
Volleyballs2 other recorded episodes
Charlie holds two volleyball puppets with hair and glasses.Source ↗
Costumes
Facelift tapeOnly recorded here so far
Visible tape pulls at Dennis’s temples.Source ↗
Miscellaneous
Dinner parties2 other recorded episodes
The staged meal includes a fully dressed dinner table.Source ↗
Family Fight1 other recorded episode
Dennis recalls his humiliating game-show appearance.Source ↗
Focus groups1 other recorded episode
An audience watches the rehearsed dinner.Source ↗
The Golden Bachelor2 other recorded episodes
Frank’s television interview triggers the family’s preparations.Source ↗
FOLLOW THE THREAD
CONNECTED EPISODES.
S17 E08 
Connected through Jesse Palmer, Nair, Dinner parties and 9 more.
S14 E02 Connected through Focus groups, Touchscreen phones, Paddy’s Pub and 5 more.
S10 E08 
Connected through Family Fight, Paddy’s Pub, Frank Reynolds and 4 more.
S09 E09 Connected through Volleyballs, Artemis, Paddy’s Pub and 5 more.
SOURCES & NOTES.
Tags document researched occurrences, not every appearance. Read the research notes and attribution.