This Shameless review contains spoilers.
Shameless Season 11 Episode 2
“I want some nice things in my life for a change.”
A major hurdle that season ten of Shameless had to work through was not only the loss of Emmy Rossum’s Fiona, but also the idea that some other Gallagher should now take her place as the show’s central protagonist and stabilizing force in the family. Their decision to appoint Debbie to this position did not work in the show’s favor, but season eleven is already off to a strong start by how it’s relegated Debbie back to more of a supporting status. If anything, Shameless’ final season understands that it doesn’t need someone to fill Fiona’s place and that truly showcasing the cast as an ensemble is the strongest way to go out. Lip’s struggles get a little more attention than everything else, but the episode’s reasonably balanced and all the stories are driven by the same economic conflicts and desire for acceptance, whether it’s in a new neighborhood, job, or from a family member.
There’s a strong sense of comedic timing and joke development through many of the scenes, which helps give mundane scenarios a lot more impact. There’s a great running gag in The Alibi Room about Tony and Kermit’s distance that beautifully develops. On that note, Shameless also deserves credit for turning the strange hookup between Tony and Kermit from the premiere into a legitimate storyline. It felt odd and not necessarily earned when it first happened, but I’m now excited to see where it goes. If this season ends with the two of them in a relationship together I’ll be genuinely happy.
Ian and Mickey’s problem becomes representative for many of Shameless’ characters as they all adopt wildly diverse approaches towards economic oppression. It’s worth pointing out that both of the characters with the most conventional jobs are the most frustrated. Carl begins his illustrious career as a South Side police officer and his partner is played by Joshua Malina here who’s in fine form as a deleted character from Grandma’s Boy. Carl’s attitude is incredibly gung ho to get into some real police work, even if he manipulated the system to get this far. Ironically, his partner is the laziest kind of cop that skirts by on the bare minimum and has perfected the art of staying in the background.
It’s an interesting idea to neuter Carl and use the police force to reflect another broken area of Chicago. The premiere hinted that this corruption would be through the police force’s abuses of power, but it’s a more unique turn to have Carl aggravated over the opposite problem. Despite his frustrations, the way in which Carl supports his partner and still finds ways to embody the unity of the police force is really sweet. This camaraderie may inadvertently ruin his partner’s life and solve Carl’s problem in the process, but he only has altruistic intentions here.
Shameless’ biggest weak spots over its past seasons have been its treatment of Frank, Kevin, and V. In Frank’s case, he’s continually paired up with a revolving door of guest stars like Luis Guzman or Katey Segal, only to know that his latest get rich quick scheme will have to come to an end by the season’s close, if not sooner. Kevin and V also continually work through extremely odd jobs that feel like rejected Kramer subplots, most of which are incredibly disconnected from the rest of the series. It shouldn’t have taken Shameless this long to have Frank, Kevin, and V all share a storyline, which easily solves both of those problems.
Liam also attempts to make some easy money off of food, but his product is completely legal and functions more as a commentary on the depressing state of public schools. Liam has become a real joy over the course of Shameless’ latest seasons and the show lucked out with how Christian Isaiah has turned into such a charismatic performer. This energy often sees Liam turn into an inspirational leader and that’s no different here when he transforms subpar cafeteria food into the opportunity to become a martyr. Forget about Ian’s Gay Jesus and get ready for Liam’s Cafeteria Food Jesus.
Liam’s actions bring him together with his fellow student, but Lip and Tami don’t receive the same warm reception from their community. Lip and Tami’s problems with a neighborhood vandal turns into a deceptively deep story. A lot of characters get pushed out of their comfort zones in this episode and slotted into roles that feel foreign to them, but billing Lip as a gentrifier is by far the most extreme example.
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The reasons behind this are crushing in their own way, but Lip is not a character who has fundamentally changed or sold out his values with his new life and house. This turns this episode into more of an examination on false labels and the widespread damage that they can cause. It’s really quite sweet to see Lip side with the greater good and help out his community rather than take pride in the good condition of his new home. In a strange way, the vandalism that adorns his house becomes a badge of courage for how strong Lip’s values really are.
