Shameless - "Nana Gallagher Had an Affair" Review

“Whores don’t get cars!” -Eddie

In last week’s review I stated that the episode seemed very jam packed and that it could have been conceivably two episodes. After tonight’s episode, I stand by that claim. The introduction of Monica was a big event, yes, but I think we could have put it all in one episode. Much of tonight’s episode was all resolution of just figuring out when Monica was going to leave. I actually would not have been surprised if she took Liam with her as I’m sure the logistics for a network to keep a baby on set is tough. Not to mention he’ll grow at a faster pace than the show goes. This episode overall was largely resolution of Monica and exposition about other characters. Nothing *really* changed.

At this point in a series we have to start looking at what stories we’re most invested in. What more do we want to see? Personally, I’m very involved in the Fiona/Steve relationship. There’s still a lot of secret and mystery there. Fiona is ok with slowly detaching herself from the family so long as she has Steve there to fall back on. That won’t be the case by the end of the season. She will inevitably find out and it will undoubtedly come at the hand of Fiona’s old love, Tony. I envision this leading to Fiona needing Frank in some way. And that is a dynamic I think the show can lean on in season two. How do Fiona and Frank work together? Maybe Fiona falls off a bit.

I think we’re all pretty involved with Lip and Ian’s stories as well. Both seem to be sharp enough to better their situation. It’s not that I desire them to get better, but I do find the constant search for what they want out of life to be entertaining. With Lip comes Karen. I only care about Karen as she pertains to Lip. I found her story line tonight to be almost uncomfortable. I’ve seen some “purity ball” type things before at church and they are nothing like that. It seemed a little “child porn-y” to have what’s supposed to be a high schooler talking explicitly about her sexual exploits to a bunch of stuffy old men. I’m no prood, but that left me uneasy.

But I think what we ultimately take away from this episode is that Fiona realizes her place. Before she viewed taking care of her family as part of her duties. Something she had to do because her mom left them to fend for themselves. But seeing the prospect of Liam being taken from her, she realized that she actually takes care of the family out of love. I’ve said it before, the Gallagher’s view of the world is skewed, but they definitely hold family values very close to their hearts. Values of course is subjective.

Other thoughts:

The family dinner scene was a nice one. It was an obvious joke but I found it funny that Frank was more upset that Monica did PCP without him than the fact the she slept with his brother.

Ian is now not Frank’s kid. I wonder what that dynamic will do? My guess is nothing right away. Probably just a few jokes here and there.

Frank is at his most detestable when he’s lusting after money. The only thing he cares more about than booze are those dollar signs. I think Frank is at his best when he’s given a particular task for episode, so long as it isn’t a quest for money that hurts the family. He’s done enough damage and I think the show would be better if he was used in ways that seemed selfish, but actually provided for the family.

So apparently the black baby Liam is the product of Frank and Monica. It was explained in one line that Nana had an affair. So I guess Frank is half black? Yet no other kids have any resemblance to an African American. We know Lip is Franks, but no one else. I find this story element to be a bit too much of a stretch.

Sheila finds herself out of the house again as she throws Eddie out in defense of her daughter Karen. So if we’re keeping track, she’s gone outside twice and both in defense of children. Looks like we know the secret. Seeing Frank happy for her was actually a nice moment.