AMERICAN GOTHIC Prime Example of Summer TV in America

Article first published by AMERICAN GOTHIC Review on Seat42F.

Next up in the crappy-summer-shows roster is CBS’ AMERICAN GOTHIC. A soapy murder mystery, I understand why this series was held for burn-off during the hot months because it feels a lot like several other shows that premiered earlier in the year, were soon canceled, and I’ve mostly forgotten about (like The Family). Will this show find an audience and fare better? Probably not, so I wouldn’t blame you if you stop reading now and ignore its existence.

If you’re still reading, let’s talk a little bit about AMERICAN GOTHIC, though. It has a pleasant enough cast, which makes for many suspects, each with their own dark secrets (because no one in a world like this is ever who everyone thinks they are). By making a lot of them related, it’s supposed to be more shocking when things come to light, or harder for the characters to distrust one another, but it’s not because of the very familiar tone. There is a serial killer, but don’t even bother trying to figure out who it is at this stage because there will be a million red herrings and twists.

It’s not very satisfying to watch a show like this because it doesn’t feel like there’s a plan from the start. I could be wrong, and there’s no way to know that until the end of the season, but unlike in the best mysteries, that drop important clues early on, shows like these tend to concentrate more on doing the unexpected than crafting an intricate story. They try to go for the plot that comes out of nowhere, rather than something that naturally flows or was previously hinted at. It makes theorizing with your friends just not that great since no one really has any insight into what’s going to happen. It’s an all-too-common style that we can use less of on television, and the way the pilot plays out all but confirms that’s what AMERICAN GOTHIC is.

I realize I haven’t given you a lot of specifics about why I think the show is bad, but I really don’t want to ruin anything for those who are genuinely interested. Let’s just say there are things involving a cat, a box, and a hospital room that smack as gratuitous and have helped forge the opinion above.

As I mentioned before, the cast is good. With so many quality programs on the small screen these days, it’s not a surprise that even the lesser fare can attract talent. After all, it’s often hard to tell from just a script whether the series will be great or not. AMERICAN GOTHIC does have a solid ensemble, and they sell the material pretty much as convincingly as possible.

The central figure seems to be Alison Hawthorne-Price (Juliet Rylance, The Knick), a wife and mother running for mayor of her city. As the campaign unfolds, we meet the rest of the clan, brought in to help her win. There’s matriarch Madeline (Virginia Madsen, Sideways), former drug-using brother Cam (Justin Chatwin, Shameless), Cam’s disturbed son Jack (Gabriel Bateman, Stalker), elementary school teacher sister Tessa (Megan Ketch, Jane the Virgin), Tessa’s detective husband Brady (Elliot Knight, Once Upon a Time), and long-missing brother Garrett (Antony Starr, Banshee). There’s also a father to the group, who is not in the official cast list, so presumably not a main character, and Cam’s still-addicted ex, Sophie (Stephanie Leonidas, Defiance), soon pops back up.

It is a relatively large family, but again, that’s needed so we have a lot of suspects and a dozen episodes of secrets can come out. After all, a lot of different boxes are checked with the grouping above, no one having a boring life that won’t affect the proceedings, and no two crossing orbits too much. It’s a familiar formula that probably won’t work any better than it usually does.

AMERICAN GOTHIC premieres Wednesday, June 22 at 10/9c.

SHAMELESS Finale Finds Two of "Lazarus"

Article first published as TV Review: 'Shameless' - 'Lazarus' on Blogcritics.

The Gallagher family in Showtime’s Shameless has always had a rough go of things. Saddled with an unreliable, alcoholic patriarch, Frank (William H. Macy), the kids have to take care of themselves. But in the fourth season, which closed this week with “Lazarus,” the obstacles they face get noticeably more challenging and adult. It’s a good thing these characters have plenty of practice hanging tough, so they are likely to survive the increased hardships.

Fiona (Emmy Rossum), is the oldest, and so serves as the mother figure for her younger siblings. This season, though, she gets a taste of a normal life and job, and perhaps feeling guilty for being pulled away from the kids, or undeserving of success, or stressed out from all she’s done, she spirals. “Lazarus” begins with Fiona in jail for a 90-day sentence on a drug charge and breaking probation. Luckily, by the end of the hour, she is released due to overcrowding and returns home, beginning to put her life back together, working as a waitress for Charlie Peters (Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Magic City, Grey’s Anatomy).

I don’t think Fiona has an abuse problem; I think she is just going through something. She may not need NA or AA to stay clean because she’s not addicted to substances, but the program could still benefit her. It teaches one to look for inner strength and to work hard to better oneself. Fiona, now an adult, needs to set the course for the rest of her life, and in a sweet scene with brother Lip (Jeremy Allen White) late in the episode, it sounds like she’s taking the lesson to heart, pulling out of her dive. Thank goodness, because she’s probably the most admirable person on Shameless, prior to recent events, and she deserves to find happiness.

Part of what will help Fiona is to finally realize she doesn’t have to do everything for her family. During her stay behind bars, the household runs just fine. Lip, while busy with college, manages to pitch in and still pass his exams. Debbie (Emma Kenney) and Carl (Ethan Cutkosky), who really grow into their own stories this year, which include romances, are old enough to take care of themselves, rather than being a burden. There’s still young Liam, whose accidental endangerment begins Fiona’s mess, but with so many responsible brothers and sisters, everyone can share his care, meaning it doesn’t all fall on Fiona any more.

It’s really cool to see the other Gallaghers become more responsible. Lip’s college tenure is a success thus far, and for all his girlfriend, Amanda’s (Nichole Bloom), faults, she does help him manage his time effectively. I’m not sure he’ll stay with her, the siren call of Mandy (Emma Greenwell), who needs protecting, tempting him back to his old life, but it will probably be beneficial if he stays where he is. Debbie also matures and goes through her first real relationship, with things not playing out quite as she expects, but she finds within herself the ability to cope and get through troubles. Carl picks a terrible girl in Bonnie (Morgan Lily), but at least he shows compassion when helping out her younger siblings, indicating he will follow in his siblings’ laudable footsteps, not his father’s stumbling ones.

Carl is the most in danger of being like Frank. Unlike the others, he still looks up to the old man. The powerful final scene of “Lazarus,” evoking the installment’s title, in which Frank, who has survived nearly dying of liver failure and a stolen kidney, shouts profanity at the heavens and then begins drinking again, is disturbing, all the more so because Carl stands beside him. Up until now, Carl is rebellious, but he is also sweet, too. If Fiona, Lip, and Debbie get pulled away to their own things and forget about Carl, there is every chance he will continue to be susceptible to Frank’s poor example, which could turn him in the wrong direction. Or maybe he’ll learn the hard way not to be like Frank when Frank finally kicks the bucket, which seems a near certainty in the near future.

While all of these positive things are happening for the Gallaghers, one huge negative rears its ugly head out of nowhere in the Shameless finale. Middle child Ian (Cameron Monaghan), who has been acting strangely all season, suddenly reveals himself as being bipolar. This isn’t something easily overcome with rehab, like a drug problem, and the family is all too familiar with the symptoms, as their absentee mother suffers the same affliction. They may be able to get Ian help and medications to balance him out, but the fact remains that Ian has become the new burden on the family. Thank goodness they love him enough, and are tough enough, to help him.

They won’t have to do it alone. Ian’s boyfriend, Mickey (Noel Fisher), another character who really grows as Ian forces him to step out of the closet, is protective of Ian. He may not understand what Ian is going through yet, and isn’t in favor of medical treatment, but he cares for Ian and seeks to protect him. With these feelings firmly in place, it seems like Mickey can be brought around to what needs to be done, and that he will stick by Ian through this process. I could be wrong, and for drama’s sake, Mickey likely won’t shift easily, but I’m optimistic he can be the man Ian needs him to be.

The Gallaghers may be the center of Shameless, but they aren’t the only characters in it. I’ve particularly enjoyed the dynamic between Sheila (Joan Cusack), now married to Frank, though time will tell if that means anything, and Sammi (Emily Bergl), Frank’s eldest daughter whom he has only recently reconnected with. The two women fight bitterly over how best to take care of Frank, then return home and share a pot roast. Sammi’s fighting drive that causes her to park her trailer outside of Sheila’s house contrasts nicely with Sheila’s need to take care of people, while not really being a pushover. The timing of this latest moment, after Sheila loses a custody battle for five Native American children and Sammi could really use a parent when Frank escapes the hospital and her, couldn’t be better. I look forward to seeing how they develop next season.

Then there’s the bombshell at the end of “Lazarus”: Jimmy/Steve (Justin Chatwin) is still alive. We’ve thought him dead for an entire year, and now he’s in a car on the Gallaghers’ street with an as-yet unnamed woman (Dichen Lachman, Dollhouse). What is he doing here? How did he survive? Why has he come back now? It’s a tantalizing tease for the fans as we wait for the show’s return next January.

Character development and unexpected twists are hallmarks of the high-quality sseries about an at-times heart-warming, low-income family. It’s moving, soapy drama (entered for the first time as a comedy for the upcoming Emmys), but it’s also really developed stuff, making it better than most of its peers. Shameless has been renewed and will air its fifth season in 2015.

SHAMELESS Brings "Pleasure" To Those Who Watch It

Article first written for Seat42F.

Showtime’s SHAMELESS begins its fourth season this week with “Simple Pleasures.” Picking up shortly after last year left off, a lot has changed, despite the relatively short time jump. This season represents a new chapter in the life of the Gallaghers, and I’m anxious to see how it develops.

If this show has one lead, it’s Fiona (Emmy Rossum). She’s never been doing better than she is right now. Similar to how we last saw her, she has a steady job and is dating a good, solid, honest guy, Mike (Jake McDorman). But what we didn’t see before is that her new higher income and social circle have allowed her to actually have a life outside of the home. I don’t think she’ll ever neglect the family she’s in charge of, but it’s nice to see her not solely defined by it.

Part of why Fiona has the luxury of moving forward is because Debbie (Emma Kenney) and Carl (Ethan Cutkosky) are growing more mature. They do so in differing ways, but their emotional and physical development has taken a step forward, making them seem more adult. As such, they should have more solo stories from here on out than previously, on level with Fiona, Lip (Jeremy Allen White), and Ian (Cameron Monaghan), whom they have always seemed to be a step behind. Maybe the youngest Gallagher will even finally get a thread.

Now, neither Carl nor Debbie have left childhood behind completely. In some ways, Debbie and Carl are still kids, which is actually nice, as children don’t grow up overnight. The question is, are they just acting older because Fiona has left them on their own more and they are forced to take more responsibility? Or are they going through normal development at a natural pace?

There is more room for Debbie and Carl because a number of main characters are no longer occupying screen time. As “Simple Pleasures” begins, Frank (William H. Macy), Ian, and Jimmy / Steve (Justin Chatwin) are all missing. This does change the dynamic of the series overall. As viewers, we sort of know what’s happened with them, or at least we have more information than the other characters, but their fates are still unresolved as the episode starts.

Early in the hour, though, one of the three does show up, kicking off what could be a whole new arc for the character. I don’t want to spoil things, so I’ll remain vague, but let’s just say that the person in question has taken the path they were on as far as they can go, and they will either change or be done entirely in the near future. The other two are completely absent for now.

Sheila (Joan Cusack), despite having no direct reason to still be around, maintains a presence on SHAMELESS. She is a lost soul, and with her entire family gone, it makes sense that she would turn to the Gallaghers, whom she has more connection with than anyone else in town. It seems a delicate arrangement, and I’m not sure it’ll last, but I love Cusack, so I’m in no hurry to see Sheila go.

The Milkovichs, long characters on the show, have more of their own story in “Simple Pleasures” than we’re used to. Mickey (Noel Fisher) is pining over Ian, of course, and regretting his marriage, while Mandy (Emma Greenwell) is very much still in love with Lip, who is away at college (yes, the episode follows him there, apart from everyone else). Because the Gallaghers are no longer are serving the same roles as before and Sheila’s loved ones are absent, there’s plenty of room for the Milkovichs to step up, and I am curious where their threads might go next.

Besides all of this, there’s a big twist with Veronica (Shanola Hampton) and Kevin (Steve Howey), someone relatively important dies, and a couple has sex for the first time. So “Simple Pleasures” is eventful on its own, even while kicking off a brand new batch of stories with some changed characters.

SHAMELESS returns this Sunday at 9 p.m. ET on Showtime.

Shameless still not blushing

Grade: 94%

Showtime’s SHAMLESS comes back this weekend with “El Gran Canon,” airing Sunday at 9 p.m. ET. While the Gallaghers may be the same old family they’ve always been, the stakes of season three have definitely been amped up, with real life-and-death danger threatening them all.

I refer, of course, to Steve / Jimmy’s (Justin Chatwin) father-in-law. Estefania’s (Stephanie Fantauzzi) dad blows into town, and, after watching Jimmy for awhile, takes him to Estefania’s apartment and murders Estefania’s boyfriend, Marco (Thierre Di Castro). Then he tells Jimmy that he expects him to watch out for Estefania, and keep his nose clean to avoid trouble with the law, meaning Jimmy will have to get a legitimate job.

Marco’s death is disturbing in that Jimmy is forced to witness it. But Marco is known to be abusive, so despite Estefania’s protests, it’s probably not a bad thing that he is dead.

The point of this really appears to be to put serious fear into Jimmy so that he will do what Estefania’s father wants him to do. This looks to be very effective. Jimmy is noticeably shaken, and while he would have probably helped out Estefania without the threats, he definitely will do his best now.

The thing that goes unspoken between Jimmy and his new “boss” is that Jimmy can continue to live with Fiona (Emmy Rossum) and her family, as long as he puts Estefania’s needs first when she needs him. This is all well and good for Jimmy, but the thing he should consider is, he is putting his new family, the Gallaghers, in danger by hanging around them. If Estefania’s father would kill Marco so callously to manipulate Jimmy, it is likely that he would not be above hurting one of the Gallagher children to continue to do so.

Fiona, for her part, remains oblivious, but she wants to be. As “El Gran Canon” begins, she is bored of Jimmy acting as the house mom, helping with the responsibility, seemingly being a normal, though not legal, husband. The danger presented by Estefania’s father’s surveillance of the house and Jimmy’s disappearance for a day excites her, and she’s soon hopping into the sack with him, whereas before, she made excuses to avoid sex.

Fiona has always seemed the normal, responsible member of the family. It’s a little disappointing when SHAMELESS reveals that she is not much better than the rest. Is her attraction to the danger around Jimmy a character flaw, or just a method to blow off steam? Either way, she is jeopardizing her charges, putting them at unnecessary risk.

Other than that, though, Fiona is doing good, finally moving up in the working world. She has a chance to do a promotion night at the club, and she hands over her last paycheck from a crappy job to do so. Her irresponsibility in not paying the property tax could come back to bite her in the butt, but hopefully, by then she will be making enough money to fix things. One can wish, anyway. At least she might be able to break even, and keep the status quo.

The rest of the Gallaghers are doing what they normally do. Lip (Jeremy Allen White) is getting into trouble with the law, misusing his formidable brains, but never far away from taking the right path. Ian (Cameron Monaghan) continues his affair with Jimmy’s dad, Lloyd (Harry Hamlin), though he is starting to pull away, a good decision, even if Ian may do it for the wrong reason.

Debbie (Emma Kenney), alone, has put her life on hold. Frank (William H. Macy) has been missing for over four months, and while the older children know enough now to worry about him, maybe even hope that he won’t return, Debbie prays at an altar set for Frank, and looks for him every day. It’s sad, knowing that she will be disappointed by her father soon enough. Yet, it’s cool that SHAMELESS lets us see a kid not yet cynical and spoiled by reality, the way the rest of the family is.

Frank is actually down in Mexico, without identification, unable to cross back into the United States after a really bad bender. While this could spell trouble for most, Frank is a conniving sleaze ball. It doesn’t take him long to find passage home, using his anal storage talents, and setting a record in the cocaine smuggling world. This is the comic relief of “El Gran Canon.”

While there is definitely real danger for many of the characters presented in this episode, it’s hard to believe that Frank will ever come to real harm. The good die young, but the bad don’t. Frank always stumbles into something to save himself. His family would be better off without him, but as Fiona promises Debbie, Frank will always find his way home.

Speaking of homes, Sheila (Joan Cusack) seems to be building one with Jody (Zach McGowan) and the baby. I wonder how long Sheila can possibly be happy with her daughter’s immature, hippy ex-boyfriend? At least Jody cares, and appears willing to take on the responsibility of fatherhood.

Lastly, Kevin (Steve Howey) and Veronica’s (Shanola Hampton) latest venture is performing racist, historical, live sex shows on the internet. It’s funny because it’s so wrong. The only complaint I have about this sequence is, how come their “fictional” sex is so much less raw and dirty than their real intercourse? This couple’s passion is renowned, but it’s not very evident here. However, maybe they think of this as a joke as much as viewers will, thus why they aren’t giving it their all.

Because the stakes have been raised, this season of SHAMELESS should grow in ways that will be exciting and feel fresh. Yet, the characters remain true to themselves at their core, bringing the same sensibilities they always have. “El Gran Canon” is a fitting season premiere, and is tantalizing enough to get fans pumped for the rest of the run.

Want to read some of my fiction? It's on my website, JeromeWetzel.com! Also, for the latest updates and article links, as well as commentary on episodes I don't fully review, please follow me on Twitter!

Article first posted on Seat42F

The ashes of Weeds

Weeds is done. Last night, Showtime aired the final hour of the popular series, entitled "It's Time." Rather than an action-packed, dangerous climax, leaving the characters in disarray, as most of the show's season finale have done, instead what is presented is a calmer, more introspective examination of the characters. No earth-shattering events happen, but fans check in with the Botwins years later and see how they end up, as well as the legacy they are leaving behind.

"It's Time" takes place the week of Stevie's (Mateus Ward) Bar Mitzvah. Friends and family have gathered at Nancy's (Mary-Louise Parker) mansion to celebrate. While there are many familiar faces we haven't seen in awhile, such as Dean (Andy Milder), Guillermo (Guillermo Diaz), Sanjay (Maulik Pancholy), Clinique (Julanne Chidi Hill), and Marvin (Fatso-Fasano), it isn't a who's who gallery, but rather a random sampling of guest stars who mostly did not appear earlier in the final season, who just happen to be available for the party, making for a natural feel, rather than a forced look back.

A main theme is the legacy one leaves behind, especially as it pertains to sons. Guillermo talks to Stevie about his birth father, revealing some truths that Stevie did not know. This sparks a self-examination in the boy, who doesn't look very Mexican, nor speak Spanish, even though his father was mayor of Tijuana and a gangster.

Stevie blows off the Bar Mitzvah portion of the event as a reaction against this new information, not sure who he is now, given his different daddy influences. But then a strange thing happens. He talks about how proud he is of his mom, and how supportive she has been. It is a very different parent-child bond then we're used to seeing with Nancy, who screwed up with Shane (Alexander Gould) and Silas (Hunter Parrish) royally, repeatedly.

So Nancy has finally done it! She has settled down enough to act like a real mother. She has raised a son right, who loves and respects her, rather than resents or worships her in inappropriate ways. It's an unexpected, and very sweet ending. Viewers have seen Nancy try to grow in this final season, after being in prison and getting shot. It's very rewarding to see it pay off in the end, even if Nancy herself isn't sure it has.

Nancy hasn't completely changed. She runs a pot empire. But in this future, that's a legal career, and her company is about to be bought by Starbucks, setting up her and her loved ones for life. This is the peace and stability she has longed for. And she can't believe she has it, as insecure as ever, and worried about the men that once loved her who no longer hang around. When Stevie leaves for boarding school soon, she will be all alone.

Yet, Nancy is not alone. What she fails to see is, no matter how many mistakes she makes, those men still love her. Stevie proclaims it publicly, and the others do it more subtlety. Silas has a good life, and even though his wife, Megan (Shoshannah Stern), hates Nancy for everything she did to Silas, he doesn't hold a grudge. Shane is on the wrong track, but when his mother intervenes, he agrees to go to rehab. The final scene, where Shane, Silas, Doug (Kevin Nealon), and Andy (Justin Kirk) gather around Nancy on the porch makes it clear. She did good, and not just for Stevie.

Ah, Andy. He finally grew a pair and left Nancy. When he did, he found his joy, raising a daughter in Renmar. It's interesting that, in the end, Nancy is the one trying to win Andy, and he resists. Does Nancy really want him, or is she just trying to hang on to someone, feeling like her world is slipping away? It doesn't matter, because this is what Nancy has always done, so her emotions are real, whether she's stick with him romantically for life or not. It's too bad that Andy is the only one that realizes that love isn't enough, and that they are better off apart than together.

Doug, the lone main character who isn't a Botwin who stays for the length of the series, has his own legacy to worry about in "It's Time." He is happily succeeding in his latest scam, a cult-like religion that he runs. It will fall apart eventually, as it always does, but at least this time Doug has a family. He makes up with his son, Josh (Justin Chatwin, not seen since the Weeds "Pilot"). Doug has his biological family and his adopted one, the Botwins, meaning that no matter what happens, he will be fine.

Weeds can be crazy, and a couple of those outrageous elements are present in "It's Time" in Stevie's speech and the cool new cell phones. But it chooses to focus on the heart in the end, and while that's not been the obvious tone of the show up til now, it's always been an underlying theme. At the end of the day, it's not drug kingpins and burning suburbs that will define Weeds, but rather the rich characters it follows. These people were a bunch of weeds, but they're finally blossoming into something better, especially Andy and Silas. Nancy helped them get to that point, and they're grateful. So Weeds goes out on a very touching moment, not with the world perfect, as no world is, but with it realistically working out.Awesome.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Check out my website, JeromeWetzel.com! First posted on TheTVKing

'Fiona Interrupted' is Shameless

Showtime's Shameless brings its second season to a close with "Fiona Interrupted," which finds many of the Gallaghers (and their friends) contemplating change. Frank (William H. Macy) is intent on breaking Monica (Chloe Webb, China Beach, Twins) out of the mental hospital, but finds most of his children unwilling to help. Fiona (Emmy Rossum) determines a new list of priorities, which Jimmy / Steve (Justin Chatwin) hopes to be included on. Lip (Jeremy Allen White) also has some tough choices to make concerning his romantic life. Karen (Laura Slade Wiggins) gives Sheila (Joan Cusack) an ultimatum: the baby goes, or Karen will.

What does Karen expect when she makes Sheila choose between her and the baby in "Fiona Interrupted?" Karen is pretty much grown, and has proven repeatedly that she doesn't need her mother. The baby, on the other, definitely does need someone to love and care for it. Considering that he has Down syndrome, he isn't likely to be adopted. Sheila does the responsible thing by taking in her grandson, and the police, when Karen calls them, agree. Sheila makes the only decision she can here.

Why does Karen hate the baby so much? Is he a reminder of the person she is? Does she not like herself or her promiscuous ways? When she sees the baby's face, is she reminded of the drugs that she consumed during pregnancy? Surely Karen's anger is directed at least as much at herself as at the infant. Otherwise, her character has become a psychopath, and there's no reason for her to continue on Shameless, as no viewer will like or relate to her.

Lip loves Karen. He wants to be a father, too, but he also genuinely adores Karen herself. Even as Karen pushes him away over and over, Lip is willing to stand by, and likely would, even after he learns that baby is not his. However, these monstrous actions by Karen in "Fiona Interrupted" drive him away. That's not to say that Lip is done with her forever. But it will certainly take a lot of time and apologizing for the eldest Gallagher male to consider getting back with his first true love.

Might Lip find a replacement companion in Mandy (Emma Greenwell)? Mandy is just a warm bed for Lip, but she really seems to be interested in something more with him. And while Lip initially shoves her off and avoids talking to her about a relationship, he seems more accepting by "Fiona Interrupted." Does this mean he is warming up to her? Might he consider something more than a friends with benefits arrangement? He should have already considered this, seeing how dangerous her family is, and if he isn't ready to be serious, he needs to find a way to let her down gently.

Emma Greenwell has now played Mandy in more episodes of Shameless than Jane Levy (Suburgatory) did before leaving the show. Despite this, it's still hard not to see Levy in the role, and miss her. Greenwell does fine, but she seems to lack that extra spark and subtle layers that Levy brought to the part. One wonders if Greenwell would be better received had she been the one originally cast as Mandy. This situation brings to light the problem with recasting. Bottom line: avoid it at all costs!

Fiona has Steve, er, Jimmy back. Will Shameless ever pick a name for him? Jimmy makes the most sense, given that it is his real name, and someone else is now using the identity of Steve. But since he is called Steve for all of season one, there will be an adjustment period for the audience, which is probably why both names are currently being used. Either way, Fiona gets back with the guys she loves.

When Shameless begins season two, it is kind of nice to see Fiona play the field. She has a lot of responsibility, and deserves some fun. Settling down with one man is kind of a grown up thing to do, and Fiona does enough grown up things in her life already. Which does not mean that she doesn't deserve love. Fiona, more than any other character in the series, sacrifices everything for her family. That's why, despite how fun it is to see wild and free Fiona at the beginning of the season, it's also a bit of a relief to hear Jimmy confess his love, and to see her accept it.

Of course, there is always a wrench. In the final moments of "Fiona Interrupted," Fiona's happy ending is interrupted by the appearance of a battered Estefania (Stephanie Fantauzzi) at her door. Technically, Estefania is married to Jimmy's Steve identity, and because of the time she spent with Jimmy, he feels obligated to do something. This is reasonable. Even though Fiona has enough drama to deal with, she should be OK with this because she won't want to see anyone get hurt, and Estefania's guy, who is now using the Steve identity, is hurting her. But will she regret Jimmy helping Estefania if things get too hairy? And how long can Estefania stick around before Fiona gets too jealous?

What's more, Estefania isn't the only problem. Ian (Cameron Monaghan) sleeps with Jimmy's father, Lloyd (Harry Hamlin, Army Wives, Veronica Mars, L.A. Law). This happens before the Gallaghers meet Jimmy's family in "Fiona Interrupted," though Lloyd is interested in continuing the affair. Ian seems reticent, thankfully, now that he knows about Lloyd's wife and kids. But Fiona is bound to be upset, and Jimmy must be told. Without knowing more about Jimmy's family and home life, it is impossible to know what repercussions may arise from this situation.

Which is just plain sad. As mentioned, Fiona deserves her happy ending. She has to give up a good job, and likely, dreams of college, to continue in her role as the caretaker of the family. Thus, her love life should not be a chore, too. And clearly, there will be a bumpy road on the way to happiness, if she stays with Jimmy. If she doesn't... Well, let's just hope that her future suitors are better matches than the batch of guys that she has dated this year.

And Ian should get a little cheer, too, which he won't with Lloyd. An affair with an older, married man who has his own family is bound to end in disaster, which Ian should already know, based on past experience. Hopefully, he will not repeat his mistake.

Frank is lost without Monica in "Fiona Interrupted," and assumes that his kids will be, too. Surprise, surprise, only Debbie (Emma Kenney) agrees to help Frank carry out his "rescue" plan. Why does no one else care?

The Frank and Monica drama is old hat to the elder Gallagher offspring. They have seen the rollercoaster ride that their parents take them on, and want nothing more to do with it. Debbie, on the other hand, does not have those clear memories of what it is like to be with both of her parents. She is really enjoying having her mother back at home, despite the Thanksgiving suicide attempt, and would like to continue this living arrangement. Who can blame her? Kids crave their parents until they learn better, as Debbie's older siblings have, repeatedly.

Debbie and Carl (Ethan Cutkosky) are deeply upset by Monica cutting herself in the kitchen. This should be a sign that helping Frank get Monica back is a mistake. It's not like Frank has become a loving father with Monica around, though he is home more. Monica buys her children things (with the money that she stole from them), but, as a bi-polar drug user, is in no shape to take care of them. Thus, while it's nice to have a mother and a father in the house, Debbie and Carl are without their parents around.

But Debbie helps Frank bust out Monica anyway. The family's happy reunion lasts all of two minutes, until Monica takes off with her new girlfriend, Jill (the amazing, hilarious Jenna Elfman, Dharma & Greg). Jill is a deeply disturbed individual, waiting to see if she's competent to stand trail for violence against her husband. Monica knows how to pick 'em, doesn't she? Is Monica in danger, running off with Jill? Who knows? But that's a plot for another season. What's shown in "Fiona Interrupted" is that Monica's behavior is erratic, and she has no problem abandoning her family. Again.

As soon as Monica is gone, though, Frank returns to the total loser that he is, and soon enough, his kids carry him out and dump him in the alley. Frank is better with Monica around, but only slightly, so it's not with a great sense of loss that he is put back on the street. Losing Monica is a serious blow to Frank's happiness, as Monica is the only woman he seems to care about. His other trysts all have ulterior motives, but with Monica, Frank shows his heart. To the extent that Frank can, that is.

Debbie, Carl, and the others will be OK. No matter how terrible their parents are, they have older siblings who are dedicated to making sure they grow up all right. Let's just hope that these latest shenanigans don't scar them too much.


Shameless has been renewed for a third season, and will return to Showtime.

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Shameless ends with "Father Frank, Full of Grace"

     What an exciting season finale that Showtime's Shameless gave us Sunday night! So much development, and some nice endings to a few plots. Unlike other shows, Shameless doesn't so much have little stories or mysteries that must be summed up in an episode, or even a couple of weeks. It's more a series of events in the lives of the Gallagher family. As such, the finale doesn't feel too much different than a regular episode, not feeling obligated to do the big stunts that most shows do. But Shameless has been enjoyable since the pilot, and continued that run with the talent viewers have grown accustomed to.

     Last week, Lip (Jeremy Allen White) and Ian (Cameron Monaghan) are arrested while driving a stolen car for Steve (Justin Chatwin). Rather than this being an extended legal battle, for which the family could never realistically pay, family friend (and cop) Tony (Tyler Jacob Moore) convinces the investigating officer to drop the charges. After all, Tony is after Steve, not the brothers. No needless drama or strung-out hype forced upon us. But the sequence of events does go in Tony's favor, as it scares Steve enough to leave town, after signing over his house to Tony in exchange for getting the charges dropped. Steve doesn't know Tony has already had this done, and Tony doesn't correct him, taking the house.

     The house happens to be next door to Fiona (Emmy Rossum), who is the whole reason for the feud between Tony and Steve. Even with Steve's secrets, and his "profession" as a car thief, I like him better for Fiona than Tony. Steve will have to go straight in the long-run to be good enough for Fiona, she certainly doesn't need the headaches and threats of illicit activities, but he understands her more. Tony is too straight-laced. Fiona and Steve have passion. Sure, passion may burn out, and Tony is the more stable guy. But for Fiona, being with Tony would be settling, and not love.

     Steve asks Fiona to leave town with him, and she considers it. She even packs a bag and heads to the train station, but just can't bring herself to go to the airport. I never expected her to. I'm surprised she even toyed with the idea. I guess it can be excused because Lip and Veronica (Shanola Hampton) were assuring her that everything at home would be just fine without her, and encouraging her to go. But I found this the one weak part of the episode. If there's anything Fiona would never leave, it's her family. And she's right when she says that the children do not need abandoned again. It would be fine for her to go in a few years, but not now.


     The closest thing to a cliffhanger we get is the effect of Debbie (Emma Kenney) telling Jimmy's mom that her son is living in Chicago under the name Steve. I assume that this is a set up for next season, which gives me hope that Steve will return, something I wasn't sure about at the end of the episode. Surely, his mother will be looking for him now, and run into the Gallaghers, learning about the life 'Steve' was living. Perhaps he won't remain a main character, but we'll have to see him again. I don't blame Debbie for spilling the beans, but it did spoil Steve's clean get away.

     In a lovely, understated scene, Ian reveals himself as gay to Fiona. She already knows, of course; what attentive parent wouldn't? But it's nice to hear him say it. The fact that she has never brought it up, but has waited until he is ready to tell her, speaks volumes about their relationship. Sometimes I forget that Fiona is taking care of the older children as well as the three younguns. But she is. The moment the two of them share, full of love, and absent of judgment, is one of the sweetest scenes in the entire first season. It beautifully demonstrates who Fiona and Ian each are, and how they feel about each other. Kudos, indeed.

     I am really surprised to see how quickly the friendship is growing between Fiona and Jasmine (Amy Smart). Veronica obviously feels threatened, and I expect it will become a plot pursued next season. Jasmine doesn't ring quite right. She seems to have an attraction to Fiona that is more than friendship. She also pushes Fiona to do things she really doesn't want to do. Jasmine is good because she is pulling Fiona into a more secure middle class, especially after helping her get a job, but I don't think they have the elements needed for a long-term, sustained relationship. Veronica need not worry. It's only a phase.

     Speaking of Veronica, though, I am sad that we haven't gotten any development between Veronica, Kevin (Steve Howey), and Ethel (Madison Davenport). It's such an interesting story, though I admit I may just be missing Big Love. I know the series is more about the Gallaghers than their friends, but I wanted to see more of the trio settling in together. Clearly, Veronica hasn't kicked the girl out after a week, as she had planned to do. What's next? Did they get Ethel's baby, too? Definitely great writing was shown previously in this case, as I am extremely interested in what we didn't see.

     I am very worried about Karen (Laura Slade Wiggins). She has gone off the deep end, for sure. I mean, I can't imagine how it would feel to have your own father think you are a whore, let alone say it out loud to a whole group of people. Of course she is now even more damaged than before. I think it is a crying shame that she pushes Lip away; he wants to help her, and she needs him. Her mother Sheila (Joan Cusack) also tries to get through to her. I guess it's more realistic that Karen must act out and sort through her own feelings before allowing others in, but she acts in such destructive ways! Now that Lip and her have made up, hopefully she will begin to heal, but it won't be a quick, easy road. She is the truly tragic story thus far.

     Eddie (Joel Murray) is not a bad guy. In fact, while he was at first portrayed as mean and overly strict, he has done everything he can to try to win his family back. His outburst and name calling of his daughter is inexcusable, but also, it has to be hard to sit and listen to your daughter's sexual exploits. I really wish they would have had time to work things out. Eddie's decision to end his life, I think, stems more from embarrassment in front of his co-workers and anyone who saw the video, than the actual act. He could get over it, where his daughter is concerned anyway, had he not been publicly humiliated. Now it's too late to work anything out.

     Luckily, it's not too late for Frank (William H. Macy) and Lip. We have never seen Frank have much humility before he stands in the yard and yells up to Lip's window, begging for forgiveness and taking responsibility for his actions. In truth, Frank was drunk and drugged, so at most, the blame should be minimally his. He even said stop, and was in no condition to physically make Karen not have sex with him. But Frank's ability to suck it up and be truly sorry actually endeared me to him. It doesn't make up for all of the bad things Frank has done, but it does reveal heart, and an actual man who does care somewhat about his children. Unexpected, but great.

     The big question left is, will Sheila ever find out that Karen and Frank had sex? Now that Eddie is dead, it is unlikely to come out anytime soon. Sheila still can only go a dozen steps from her front door, so she won't hear it from the neighbors, and Lip and Karen certainly will have no motivation to tell her. Lip seems to have somewhat forgiven Frank, with the slight smile after the golden shower, and Karen likes Frank, who has been kind to her. I do not know how Sheila will learn the truth, but I expect it will be at least late into next season before she does, if not much longer than that. The fall out will certainly mean the end of Frank and Sheila permanently, and I don't know that the show is ready to go there. I have little doubt that it will someday, but not now.

     The show also stars Ethan Cutkosky as Carl Gallagher. Shameless has been renewed for a second season to air next year on Showtime, and I greatly look forward to it.

Article first published as TV Review: Shameless (US) - "Father Frank, Full of Grace" on Blogcritics.

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Shameless - "Pilot"

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     There was a LOT going on in the first episode of Showtime's new drama, Shameless. With a staggeringly large cast, including the huge Gallagher family at the center, my biggest worry going forward is how everyone will get a fair shake. And yet, so much was packed into the first hour, and so many characters got to shine, that the worry is minor, at best. It was a delightful romp, full of all the delicious sin you want in a pay cable show, plus some real, gripping story. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and know already that this will quickly become one of my favorite shows. It is based on a long-running British series, and after last night, I know I'd like to see that, too.

     At the center of the Gallagher family is patriarch Frank (the incredible William H. Macy), although I use the term 'patriarch' pretty loosely, because it's not like Frank does anything to care for his boisterous brood. Frank got some funny bits, but no real plot of his own in the pilot, though next week's episode is called "Frank the Plank", so I assume that will change soon. The series would not dare waste a great like Macy, and it has already been said that Sheila (Joan Cusack) is in the cast as a love interest for him, not just some girl's mom. Which makes sense, because I was curious on why someone with the gravitas of Cusack took such a small part in the pilot. However, for now I am content to watch Frank fall over, and the scene where he found the new washing machine probably defines the character best.

     The real center of the Gallaghers is eldest daughter Fiona (Emmy Rossum, The Phantom of the Opera), who raises Frank's other kids as if they were her own. While it is unclear how old exactly Fiona is, she is certainly far too young to be taking on the responsibilities she does. Following her example, all of the kids make money however they can, and kick together a pot when bills are due. Frank does not contribute. To get him to even pay for a field trip, Fiona shook his pants leg while he was passed out and picked up the coins that rolled out. Luckily, Fiona seems to have a life outside of her hell beckoning to her in the form of Steve (Justin Chatwin), a car thief who likes her and wants to shower her with gifts, so far in the form of the aforementioned washing machine and a big breakfast for the family. These two are a real joy, with authentic chemistry.

     My favorite story in the first episode, though, was between brothers Lip (Jeremy Allen White) and Ian (Cameron Monaghan). Lip found gay porn stashed away by Ian, and set about trying to get confirmation on Ian's sexuality. Lip took him to Karen (Laura Slade Wiggins), a girl Lip tutors that doesn't mind handing out blowjobs, and his suspicious were put to rest. What was sweet, though, was that after Lip got over his initial shock and disgust, he found a way to accept his brother for who he was. The tough world Lip and Ian inhabit can't be kind to homosexuals, but Lip put family first. He loves his brother, and will stand by him, no matter what.

     That's what holds the Gallaghers together: love. Despite their crazy, messed up world, love was a theme that shone through in the pilot. They are a family, much more realistic than many on TV. They're lower class, struggling to get by, but by sticking together, they manage to. Everyone helps out where they are needed, with the typical sibling squabbling, of course, but won't abandon the others. Fiona could have, should have, left when she reached adulthood sometime recently, but she didn't. She cares too much about her brothers and sister.

     Of course, there are plenty of other elements. Like in most Showtime shows, there is lots of drinking and other drugs, though Frank is the only one who takes them too far. Sex is a part of their life, and I find that enjoyable and realistic, too. Already in the pilot, we saw neighbor Kev (Steve Howey) passed out naked, two boys got oral sex, and Fiona and Steve got it on on the dirty kitchen floor. Rossum, who has avoided nudity up til now in her career, said the writing makes it worth it; the scenes that are shown are important to the story. She's right. If the Gallaghers were sanitized, they wouldn't be who they unapologetically are, and the series would suffer.

     Although adapted from a British series, the world the Gallaghers live in is also very specific. It's a Chicago neighborhood, and there's a tone that is very clear. The setting feels like a character, more than just a place they live. The neighbors build a rich tapestry around the Gallaghers, and the cops are integrated, not willing to toss their people in the clink for minor crimes. There is a bigger community there, inspiring in its bonds.

     The series also stars Shanola Hampton, Jane Levy, Tyler Jacob Moore, Ethan Cutkosky, Emma Kenney, and Brennan Kane Johnson and Blake Alexander Johnson as baby Liam. See? I told you it was a big cast.

     I look forward to the next Gallagher story. Shameless airs on Sunday nights at 10 p.m. on Showtime.

Article first published as TV Review: Shameless - "Pilot" on Blogcritics.