“A Jailbird, Invalid, Martyr, Cutter, Retard and Parasitic Twin”
*Spoilers*
For such a busy episode of Shameless, “A Jailbird, Invalid, Martyr, Cutter, Retard and Parasitic Twin,” wasn’t exactly loaded with great writing.
From Fiona the responsible guardian to Fiona the felon. It was her cushy job at World Wide Cups that led her to this, for a brief moment she knew what “normal” was and she practically ran screaming in the opposite direction. Now a convicted Gallagher, perhaps she’s inadvertently following in Frank’s footsteps. She may have more in common with Frank than she’d like to admit, the apple never falls far from the tree. Genetics aside, Fiona’s “normal” job and “normal” boyfriend were outside her comfort zone and unfortunately people want what feels comfortable even if it hurts them.
Frank Gallagher has the best of luck in the worst situations. Despite his selfish motives and acts, he’s managed to snare the affection of his daughter Sammie, who has idiotically pledged herself to this man. She’s facing her daddy issues head on. Sammie’s overwhelming need of a father figure and yearning to connect with her own father before he’s gone for good are touching. No one should have to die alone, but what Sammie is doing for her father makes her seem like a saint. Frank’s vices will be the death of him, yet he’ll continue indulging until his dying day, which from the looks of it could be anytime now.
The highlight of the episode and perhaps its saving grace, was the moment Lip confronted Fiona, proving the balance of power has shifted. Lip is the new head of the household and he’s telling it like it is. Accident or not Fiona is guilty, and any jury that tries her will condemn her for what she’s done. Lip’s newfound dedication to school has toughened him up, it’s made him realize choices have consequences. And now it’s Fiona’s turn to learn that lesson, if she can.
Yes, Debbie, cutting yourself hurts. She was smart enough to know better, but dumb enough to try anyway – that’s how peer pressure works. Debbie will do just about anything to fit in, it’s too bad she doesn’t have better role models. Here’s where Fiona could step in and be the big sister Debbie so desperately needs.
Carl’s been given such great material lately that this episode was a bit of a disappointment. First of all his revenge on the two kids insulting his “retarded” little brother fell flat. Seriously, this is killer Carl, this kid is a maniacal little deviant who cooks up elaborately twisted schemes and the best he could do for revenge was a head butt? We’ve come to expect more. Carl decides he’s the one with a latent IQ while trying to figure out if Liam is. Is Carl so desperate to figure out where he belongs that riding the short bus makes him happy?
Despite the crucial story points this week’s episode felt mechanical, the characters were just going through the motions. With each new episode it seems Frank is closer and closer to death. Which begs the question, can Shameless survive without Frank Gallagher? We hope to never find out.
Aurora Snow Says
Episode Rating:
[Rating:3/5]