‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’s Rob McElhenney Responds to Rumors That He Is Related to This ‘Shōgun’ Character

If It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’s Ronald “Mac” McDonald landed on the shores of Japan in 1600 instead of John Blackthorne, maybe Mac would have had an easier time adapting to his new surroundings — he already has the right sword.

Right now, the historical epic Shōgun is the most talked-about series on FX, and many critics and viewers consider it to be the best show currently on television. However, these are the same tastemakers who have denied the other most talked-about show on FX its flowers for sixteen Emmy-less seasons, so take their opinions with a grain of salt. The internet has compared Shōgun to the HBO mega-hit Game of Thrones for its political intrigue, moody atmosphere and painstakingly crafted aesthetic — and, of course, for the fact that it may have featured a secret cameo from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia star and co-creator Rob McElhenney.

Tuesday night’s episode of Shōgun, titled “The Abyss of Life,” featured the debut of a new character called Tomono who looks suspiciously similar to the most ineffective bouncer in Philadelphia — so much so that even McElhenney had to give Tomono an ocular pat down.

On Shōgun, Tomono is a general of the head honcho Yoshi Toranaga who refuses to accept his master's decision to surrender to his enemies on the Regents. Tomono is played by Japanese actor Hitoshi Masaki, who has not yet revealed whether or not one of his distant relatives ever spent significant time in Ireland where McElhenney's family originates.

“Now you have to buy a football club in Japan and make a show ‘Welcome to Edo’” one of McElhenney's fans wrote in the replies to his acknowledgement of the eerie similarities between himself and Masaki, with another remarking, “The signs were there” with a gif of Mac wildly flailing his limbs on It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia in a Karate Kid-esque gi.

Many, many more It's Always Sunny fans suggested that the show should introduce a new cousin to the McDonald family from Japan, similar to how Sean William Scott briefly appeared as “Country Mac” in the episode “Mac Day.” If It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia ever did attempt to draw upon traditional Japanese culture the way Shōgun continues to bring it to life, it's fair to say that the Paddy's Pub gang would go about it in the most racist, embarrassing and hilarious way possible — sushi, anyone?