Manifest Destiny

Marshall and Gunter openly admit they don’t really plan episodes — which honestly explains a lot. Fresh off their Olive Garden adventure (yes, go back and listen), they try another Italian restaurant and quickly become invested in a couple who appear to be on one of their first dates. When the woman says, “You have to be mature to act childlike,” Marshall has thoughts. Of course he does. Marshall declares college athletes are loud jerks, they share a surprisingly good story about a McDonald’s employee in northern Illinois, and wander into a discussion about how “insensitive” the 80s were. The nearby date continues providing material — especially when the woman mentions she considered joining the Air Force just to travel. Gunter is convinced Marshall is seconds away from jumping into their conversation. Statistics come up. That sets Marshall off. Gunter even jumps in with a few strong takes of her own. They also update listeners on the bathroom renovation nearing completion and explain that they had planned a special Christmas episode… but it never happened because Gunter broke her ankle. So yes, that one is on the shelf. Marshall closes things out by butchering song lyrics and performing a few showtunes — in full Marshall fashion. Unplanned. Observational. Slightly theatrical. Entirely Northern Aggression.