1704 - Thought Leadership: A Corporate Conversation

Written by: Charlie Day & Rob McElhenney 

Directed by: Zachary Knighton

Airing as Episode 4 on July 23, 2025

Synopsis: Desperate to stave off a public relations nightmare, the Gang embraces their newfound corporate professionalism to strategically scapegoat one Paddy's employee to fall on the proverbial sword. 

What we know:

• This episode was filmed, at least in part, on November 1, 2024:

Via Zach Knighton on Instagram

• The Gang are wearing matching, navy blue vests:

Via Zach Knighton on Instagram

A look spotted in the trailer!

• A (now deleted) picture on Instagram from an extra revealed Paddy's Pub t-shirts displayed on the wall (and loaded in boxes) inside the bar:

The actor who shared this photo was also spotted in the trailer! 

Solidly linking the fighting scenes to this episode. Which means all of the "Paddy's fight scenes" from the trailer are part of this episode... including the Waitress!

• There are many stunt performers connected to, or credited on, this episode, including a stunt double for Mary Elizabeth Ellis.

Predictions:

• The Gang attempt to take advantage of Paddy's longevity in South Philly as a "local, small pub" that's managed to survive multiple recessions and a pandemic by offering some kind of class/seminar on "thriving" as a family-owned business
• There will be some kind of fight/brawl between attendees and members of the Gang Confirmed to have some kind of fighting aspect
• Could the Lawyer be in this episode? He has a right to receive 100% of any merch Paddy's sells, and based on the pics above, it looks like Paddy's is selling merch! (The Lawyer is confirmed to be in Episode 3, Mac and Dennis Become EMTs, though I wouldn't rule out him being in two episodes!)

Questions:

• Is Zach purely directing or will he return as his iconic character, "not Bruce Mathis"?

Notes: