Showtime series Shameless

[Alan T]

Is anyone else watching this? I was surprised to not see a thread on this show yet here. I think this would be right up most people's alleys here. I am really digging this show thus far (It has been on four weeks now). I think William H. Macy is brilliant in his role, and I also am really enjoying Emmy Rossum in this series too.

It is based on a UK series of the same name from about 7 years ago. It is a family that the mother pretty much abandoned and the father (William H. Macy) is a fall down worthless drunk. Leaving the 5 or 6 (or however many there is) kids to pretty much have to deal with everything themselves.

This is one of those rare shows that I find myself really enjoying nearly every character in the show, and really getting into. Surely there has to be more people here watching this...

[Logan]

Been watching since the beginning based on the promise of Emmy Rossum kitchen floor sex, and she delivered (and has again since). I definitely like it but at the same time, the show kind of drags for me. Last night's episode was about 45 minutes and still felt like a full hour.

[stevew]

I have it on the Tivo, but haven't watched it yet. I liked Episodes, which I finally watched yesterday.

[jeff061]

What's that about Emmy Rossum now?


Will check out.

[DaddyTorgo]

Episodes is painful.

Shameless is great. Really enjoying it.

[tyketime]

Originally Posted by DaddyTorgo

Episodes is painful.

Shameless is great. Really enjoying it.

I agree with you completely - we are struggling with Episodes (I think it better deliver on the next episode or I will cancel my Season Pass). Conversely, we definitely enjoy Shameless. We are big William Macy fans anyway, and I've already nominated Emmy for the Emmy!

Spoiler

It was so sad on last week's episode when the young daughter curled up next to her "Aunt". She desperately wants a mother figure, and while Fiona is doing the best she can, it's just not the same.

[DaddyTorgo]

Yeah - I agree with you on both counts tyketime. Episodes is kind of reaching that point with me as well.

[Logan]

Feel the same way about Episodes but it's only 7 shows long so I'll likely just ride it out. Thought it got enjoyable last week when it was just Matt and the guy writer, but then dropped back down this episode. The wife is just so dreadful and all of the filming of the actual show is a disaster that it doesn't leave much to enjoy.

[Johnny93g]

Shameless is my most anticipated show of the week. I love it.

[sachmo71]

We like the show, but it seems to be missing something or perhaps trying too hard.
Maybe the house isn't messy enough. Maybe the kids are too clean. Not sure, but it keeps me from really liking it to being a little "meh".

[MikeVic]

I watched the first episode and while it was OK, there were quite a few things I didn't like and decided not to watch again. I don't want to list the things that bugged me since either a) I've forgotten details or b) this show seems to have a positive following here on FOFC so I just don't want to post my nit pickings.

I did like the Rossum scenes though, but not because it was awesome acting or anything. She's just very attractive.

[Logan]

FYI, I've enjoyed all the episodes more than the pilot. I said before that the show drags for me a bit...well, the pilot basically crawled in my opinion but has since gotten better. I almost wrote it off myself but stumbled on the second episode.

[Johnny93g]

The Pilot seemed to be setting up the the characters, the background, how bad a dad Macy is. The episodes after seems like a different show. Macy's actually conscious with dialogue now. I think it works great.

[Tim Tellean]

The show is following the UK version in setting up the characters, in the UK version the Fiona character left after only a few seasons so it will be interesting to see if they follow the pattern in coming seasons.
If you like the Showtime version check out the British version on BBC America. The latest season should be on by summer. It is quite different and frankly better. But alas Emmy Rossum is hot and can sing. 12 octave range!

[PurdueBrad]

Based on the comments here, I watched the pilot of Shameless last night. I really, really enjoyed it. I thought they threw a ton into the pilot in terms of story but I really enjoyed it, thought it walked a nice line of being funny and sad without being corny or melodramatic. I'll be running through the next couple episodes this week, particularly if we get snowed in.

As for the Episodes discussion, I've really been enjoying that show. I thought I would hate it but gave it a shot. I've got to say, the second episode is probably one of the better television episodes I've seen. I laughed from beginning to end. The third was a bit of a letdown after that and I'm yet to watch the newest one but have it on DVR.

[DaddyTorgo]

Definitely getting better. Really enjoyable show.

Love the fact that Cash's wife finally figured it out - and I LMAO at the deal she made with the two of them.

[Bad-example]

I'm still fuzzy on some of the character names but I'm enjoying Shameless so far. The girl that plays Fiona is mighty hot. I'm disturbed by how much of myself I see in the main character.

[DaddyTorgo]

I must say I'm disappointed that they seem to have taken the easy way out with the Frank/Butterface storyline. Would have been more powerful if he went over there planning to weasel his way in to get her $$ or house or whatever, but then found he couldn't do it when her pager went off.

Would have given his character some (IMO) much-needed depth.

[Johnny93g]

Originally Posted by DaddyTorgo

I must say I'm disappointed that they seem to have taken the easy way out with the Frank/Butterface storyline. Would have been more powerful if he went over there planning to weasel his way in to get her $$ or house or whatever, but then found he couldn't do it when her pager went off.

Would have given his character some (IMO) much-needed depth.

Frank's moment's of humanity are few and far between. The easy way out would have been him doing what most TV characters would have done, which is to fuck up, come clean and find a way to get her the heart.

The depth your looking for is Frank doing the terrible thing, feeling bad, and then going with it. That's Frank. He tried convincing himself he did the right thing at the bar right after, and obviously struggled with what he did the remainder of the episode.

Great show, it's my favourite show right now.

[DaddyTorgo]

Originally Posted by Johnny93g

Frank's moment's of humanity are few and far between. The easy way out would have been him doing what most TV characters would have done, which is to fuck up, come clean and find a way to get her the heart.

The depth your looking for is Frank doing the terrible thing, feeling bad, and then going with it. That's Frank. He tried convincing himself he did the right thing at the bar right after, and obviously struggled with what he did the remainder of the episode.

Great show, it's my favourite show right now.

Valid point I suppose.

[Johnny93g]

Season 2 finale is on this weekend, and I can't wait.

This is easily my fav show. It fits my sense of humour.

Last episode was easily the best of the series. It was incredibly sad and moving. The music fit perfectly.

We got to see a different side of Frank, which made what happened a bit more heartbreaking then it already was.

[Marc Vaughan]

If you can handle the raunchier nature of European/UK shows I heartily recommend misfits by the way ....

Its a fantastic show, drama rather than comedy about a group of young petty criminals working in the community who get caught in a freak storm and acquire super-powers (which are based entirely upon what the person was thinking about at the time the storm struck) .... the first series especially is fantastic.

(I warn you about the raunchier nature because theres a fair bit of 18+ rated (by US standards) stuff in there)

[DaddyTorgo]

Woo - sounds good MV!

[larrymcg421]

I actually thought Frank was a big weakness in the first season. They played him too often for buffoonery and it worked sometimes, but he was fairly one dimensional for the most part. However, this season they've been exploring him in a much more balanced way, with lots of dark humor and some genuine pathos. Can't wait to see what happens in the finale.

[korme]

Originally Posted by larrymcg421

I actually thought Frank was a big weakness in the first season. They played him too often for buffoonery and it worked sometimes, but he was fairly one dimensional for the most part. However, this season they've been exploring him in a much more balanced way, with lots of dark humor and some genuine pathos. Can't wait to see what happens in the finale.

I agree. My biggest criticism of S1 was there was absolutely nothing to like about the show's #1 star. This season it's more opened up.

Poor Lip.

He's my favorite character, too.

[Qrusher14242]

wow, what a powerful episode. Just loved it

[Johnny93g]

The first 15 minutes of the finale, wow, just wow. When Debs and Carl brokedown with Fiona, I'll admit, i got teary eyed.

I like Jimmy/Steve back in the picture completely now. I also don't believe the Lip/Karen storyline is close to over, he's gonna keep running back to her for the life of the show.

Oh, and something I never thought i'd say..Jody is awesome!

What a great season, I can't wait to see what's coming up in season 3. To me, this show has no deadspots, no boring characters, and the perfect amount of comedy, drama, and tragedy.

[PurdueBrad]

The last two episodes were certainly the pinnacle of this series thus far. I certainly can't wait for season 3. Outstanding.

[Qrusher14242]

It almost seemed like a series finale in a way...just so moving.

I almost felt bad for Frank when when Monica left again...almost. But he's done so much shit, he deserved it. Gonna be a long wait till S3. At least Game of Thrones is starting up again!

[DaddyTorgo]

Need to watch the last two episodes that occured while I was away from home. Guess I could have watched them on the new Showtime app, but I didn't want to.

[Johnny93g]

My fav show is back for season 3. Watched the premiere yesterday. Loved it like always.

Fiona turning into Frank?
Jimmy's in some serious trouble.....
Debbie's voice is changing!

Who's watching.....

[rockboy70]

Yeah, I need to start watching. My Goddaughter will have a reoccurring role on the show starting Feb 3rd. Can't wait to see that.

[korme]

I'm watching but I don't necessarily love the show. The only people I'm really invested in is Lip/Fiona/Jimmy

[Jas_lov]

The first episode was all over the place but I'm glad it's back. Is Fiona turning into Frank or is it Lip who is? Fiona is the responsible one, Lip seems content with doing nothing.

[chinaski]

Loved the premiere, the Lip storyline was a little weird though.

[RainMaker]

You guys have convinced me to get into this show. That and Emmy Rossum is perfection.

[Jas_lov]

Great episode last night. Lip with the hot pedophile and Frank telling Carl he has cancer were funny. They do a really good job mixing comedy and drama in the show.

[korme]

Last night's episode was one of the best

[RainMaker]

Halfway through season 1, what a good show. I don't find it laugh out loud funny, but it's humorous. Just some great characters and great stories.

[Jas_lov]

The show just keeps topping itself every week. Kev and V's baby storyline and Carl with the gay couple were hilarious. Can't wait for next week now that Fiona knows what Frank did. Great season thus far.

[Young Drachma]

Been looking for a new show. So going to check this out. Thanks nerds.

[chinaski]

Originally Posted by Jas_lov

The show just keeps topping itself every week. Kev and V's baby storyline and Carl with the gay couple were hilarious. Can't wait for next week now that Fiona knows what Frank did. Great season thus far.

It gets better and better every episode. Next week looks awesome. Go Fee!

[INDalltheway]

I love this show. That's all I got.

[korme]

Agreed on all accounts. Even with the absolute crudity of much of the storylines, I am shamelessly (see what I did there) hooked on this show. Carl was great this week. Jimmy and Fiona are so damn likable. And I was pumped to see Lip and Ian in that D&D house - I knew they could hold their own. Ian's a gay little bad ass.

[Johnny93g]

Last two weeks have been home runs.

Carl has had a great season. The camp episode was pretty awesome. I wanted to give him a high 5 when he got the camp counselor topless.

Debbie getting Gallagher revenge last week was pretty perfect.

The Kev/V baby storyline, while disturbing, is pretty damn entertaining.

Jimmy's in alot of trouble. They have played down Beto's presence the last few weeks, but I'm waiting for it to pop up again soon.

I'm expecting Fiona to tear Frank apart next week. He deserves it. The way he took his drug test this week.....wow, that's dedication!

This is around the time where something happens to shape the last half of the season. I'm expecting it to be pretty bad, whether it involves Jimmy, his father, Este...something in there.

I feel like i could talk about this show forever, there's just so much going on, and it's all great.

[korme]

Originally Posted by Johnny93g

The Kev/V baby storyline, while disturbing, is pretty damn entertaining.

Kev: Wait, are you crying?

Was such a great moment

[Johnny93g]

Kevin's DEFCON 5 line was awesome!!!!

So, any guesses on the fate of Jimmy/Steve. Really great stuff in this episode. I was on the edge of my seat. Loved Beto telling him it's time to be a man. He's either dead, or being forced to live with Este for a year or so....

Oh, that reminds me...."My BIRTHDAY'S CHRISTMAS" hahahaa!

Shit pretty much hit the fan on all front's. So much going on. Lip is in such a tough spot, he's gonna break soon. Ian...well, he already broke.

Frank somehow redeems himself for Carl at the end. Great moment for him.

[RainMaker]

They aren't going to kill him off, so my guess is they'll have him disappear for next episode and the start of next season only to have him pop up near the end. Similar to Season 2.

[Jas_lov]

I think the Jimmy/Steve character has run its course so they should kill him off. But more likely they keep him alive and work out a deal with the INS. His wife's father will move him elsewhere in the country and he'll return when Fiona finds a new love interest.

Frank finally did something good for his kids. It seems he really does care about them, Carl and Debbie especially. It'll be interesting to see what happens with Lip, Mandy and Karen. I thought Lip would leave for college and take one of the girls with him but that doesn't seem likely now.

This has been a really good season. The show does as good a job as any mixing the comedy and drama.

[RainMaker]

Yeah, I'm tired of the Jimmy/Steve character. They need some new blood.

And I just assumed Frank did that so he could get a bed to sleep in and some food.