ThomasNATION Classic Reviews - Philip's Number
January 10, 2026
Philip has always worn the number 68 and he begins to question why he's been given such a specific number. And...that's basically it.
Yeah, this isn't really the most interesting story you'll find from this character, and a big reason why is, in my opinion, the mere concept. A story is only as good as the idea behind it, and this one...I don't get it. Was anyone even questioning why Philip was numbered 68? Was there really some kid out there who couldn't sleep at night without knowing why Philip had that number? It just seems like a weak excuse to give Philip an episode because...they needed a Philip episode. And in execution, it does come off as a little slow, with Philip meandering around trying to find out why he's numbered 68. It becomes one of those episodes where nothing really happens. Even the message of "it doesn't matter what number you are" doesn't go anywhere and gets contradicted by the episode's ending.
However, what does elevate this episode a little is the ending. After Philip saves 68 sheep from being run over (which, by the way, 68 sheep? That's not contrived at all), he declares 68 his lucky number and we don't find out the real reason. It's left entirely to the imagination. I personally think it's because it's the number before 69. Also, one part of the episode I thought was kinda cool was when we go into Philip's psyche and he starts imagining the hypotheticals that are presented to him. I remember when this episode dropped, these scenes got a bit of flack for being too unrealistic, but you guys do know they're in Philip's imagination, right? I mean, I once imagined going apple picking with Ronald Reagan using a LEGO brick as a boat, that doesn't mean it's gonna happen...mostly because Reagan is still dead, but why are we splitting hairs?
Overall, Philip's Number is kinda mid. It's a rare case where the episode gets a touch better as it goes on, but the weak story and idea, slow pace, slightly contrived ending and contradictory message make it a fairly mediocre watch. I guess if you're a hardcore Philip stan, I can't stop you from watching it. But as for me, there are far better options than what you get with this one, so I'm gonna give this a 2.5/5. I guess I'll say this about the episode...at least Philip isn't numbered 67.
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