Review: Shameless on Showtime

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Review: Shameless on Showtime

When Frank Gallagher's not at the bar spending what little money the family has, he's stirring up trouble. But he's not the only one who keeps things interesting. Lip uses his smarts to get what he can, Ian's exploring alternative sexuality, Debbie's got her hand in the donation jar, Carl's breaking every rule he can find, and toddler Liam's just along for the ride. Good thing the family has Fiona, the eldest daughter who dutifully keeps them all together, even as she tries to figure out where and how she fits in to her own life.

Frank Gallagher is the proud single dad of six smart, spirited, independent kids, who without him would be... perhaps better off. A hopeless alcoholic and troublemaker, when Frank isn't at the bar spending what little money the family has, he's usually passed out on the floor. Frank is careless, selfish and completely narcissistic, and he hasn't done anything but collect disability checks and get hammered for years. But he is also a gentle, harmless soul who loves his kids more than anything. Although he provides nothing in the way of parenting or financial support, Frank has a good, big heart, and his kids appreciate him for it. He's also really fun to party with...
Frank is played by William H. Macy and he does a fantastic job as a drunk father who feels that the world owes him. He created six very unique children who in spite of everything look up to the man who gave them life, even when that man is passed out in the middle of the kitchen floor.

Fiona is in the difficult position of being the oldest Gallagher child, so most of the responsibility and child-rearing falls on her young shoulders. This blossoming young woman takes it all in stride — she's clearly been doing it for a long time. She works a few dead-end, minimum wage jobs to bring in money and enjoys going out dancing with her girlfriends. But she does suffer from insecurity and feeling less-than when it comes to men, especially when cute, privileged Steve starts showing interest.
Fiona (Emmy Rossum) has been given the job of raising her brothers and sister because her father is too intoxicated and irresponsible to do it himself. She makes raising kids and taking care of a house look so easy and that could be because she does take a little time to have fun.

Short for Phillip, Lip is the second Gallagher child and the most academic. He's a straight A student with big plans for himself, and he's a whiz at science. He earns money tutoring his classmate Karen in physics, and she returns the favor in unusual ways.

Lip (short for Phillip) is a brilliant child who sells his smarts to earn some extra cash. One afternoon he's tutoring his friend Karen and the next he's taking a classmate's test. He's a fun character who would do anything for his family.

Ian is the third Gallagher child, and apparently the most like their mother. He's in Army ROTC at school and works at a local grocery store. He's also having a secret affair at work, which his brother Lip discovers and questions him about relentlessly.

Ian has more to deal with than a lot of teens. His secret sexuality and secret affair with his boss may make some teens uneasy, but he has no problem following his heart.

Carl is the second youngest Gallagher child. He shares a room with older brothers Lip and Ian, who try to keep their more adult interests from him. Carl has a few secrets of his own, including breaking every rule he can find.

Carl is an entertaining troublemaker.

One of the middle Gallagher children, Debbie is helpful and has a good heart. She's willing to bring her baby brother to school for show and tell when there's no one else to watch him, put a pillow under her father's head when he's passed out on the floor, and collect money for charity year round — only some of which she keeps for herself.

Debbie learned from her dad, she takes what she wants when she wants. She's a really sweet kid.

Steve is a handsome, well-bred guy with a lot of moxie. He's pursuing Fiona hard, and he's not afraid to punch out and moon a notorious bouncer to defend her honor. He drives a sports car, wears an expensive watch and throws money around liberally, which Fiona finds off-putting. But he might not be all that he seems...

Who wouldn't want this guy following them around doing everything he can to win your affection? Steve is a cutie and my eye candy for this show. Plus, they picked the perfect guy for this role - he's yummy and talented.

The Gallagher's neighbor, the sassy, sexy Veronica is always willing and able to lend a hand, go dancing with gal-pal Fiona or party down with Frank. She's smart and wants to pursue a medical career — if only she hadn't gotten fired from the hospital for stealing supplies. Veronica and her man Kev are totally hot for each other, and their wild sex life borders on adventuresome.

Veronica is such a giver and helps the Gallagher family out every chance she gets.

Kev is the bartender at Frank's bar and the Gallagher's neighbor and friend. He's a good guy who's willing to give Frank drinks on credit and cash his disability checks for him. He and Veronica have a crazy hot sex life and he's totally into her, as long as she's not implying that he's stupid.

Even though Kev tries to come off as annoyed with the Gallagher's always taking his stuff, he cares for them and does what he can to help.

I got to see the first three episodes of Shameless and I was addicted after the first twenty minutes. The cast is great and the plot is very entertaining. I am dying to see the fourth episode! The family chemistry is unlike anything I have ever seen before. I definitely recommend this show, highly!