Shameless was either okay tonight, or has successfully lowered my standards enough that a few reasonably strong moments are enough to impress me.
The Mother of All Mothers
We finally got some insight into how Frank (William H. Macy) got that way, as his mother, Peggy (Nurse Ratched herself, Louise Fletcher), showed up, fresh out of prison and looking to collect on some debts. Like any Grammy, she spoils (or maybe the correct term is "bribes") the grandkids, but she really gave Frank a terrible time, not just taking his ice cream, but at one point stabbing him in the leg to get him to cough up the money he tried to hold back from her. Fletcher is a great actor, and definitely elevates things a bit by her presence.
Double Trouble Date
Fiona (Emmy Rossum) went on a double date with Steve (Justin Chatwin). Unfortunately, Fiona's date was Adam (James Wolk), and Steve brought his new bride, Estefania (Stephanie Fantauzzi), apparently the daughter of a dangerous Brazilian drug lord. Just a business thing, I guess. Lip (Jeremy Allen White) was still feuding with Ian (Cameron Monaghan), and if the writing was stronger, I would be able to explain why. Veronica (Shanola Hampton) and Kevin (Steve Howey) found out that Ethel's (Madison Davenport) sister wives wanted to take her back to the cult.
Frank's Mommy Issues
Karen (Laura Wiggins) married Jody (Zach McGowan), while poor Sheila (Joan Cusack) looked on from the stairwell. Worse yet, Sheila and Peggy didn't exactly hit it off, and apparently when that happens with Peggy, there is often gunplay involved. At one point, Frank pointed Peggy's gun at her sleeping head. Pretty deep, that. Later, when Frank found out that the late Eddie made Karen the beneficiary on his life insurance, he freaked out at Jody, and Sheila (finally) realized that Frank is not exactly an "angel." I generally like Cusack, but her character seemed to have reached a dead end on Shameless. I'm glad she kicked Frank out.
I like the idea of Frank moving back in with the kids. I like Fletcher, and I'm actually kind of excited about Peggy sticking around to make Frank's life hell. He deserves it. This is as promising as the show has been so far this season. I'm kind of looking forward to seeing what happens next!
Best Lines:
"Just for the record, many great men have been well-lubricated. Henry Ford. Scott Fitzgerald. David Hasselhoff. They all kept a bottle close."
--Frank responds when Sheila explains that she doesn't want him handling their finances because he's an alcoholic.
"You can touch it, but never put your finger on the trigger unless you're gonna shoot someone."
--Peggy lets Carl (Ethan Cutkosky) touch her gun.
"Honey, parties are always in the living room. This would be unique!"
--Sheila wants the wedding reception to be held in her bedroom, and tries to persuade Karen.
"I thought I was gonna have to shoot myself. Are you sticking it in that? B___ just took ten years off my life."
--Peggy complains to Frank about having to chat with Sheila while waiting for him.
"Oh, it's nice to put a face to all that bailout money."
--Steve, when he finds out that Adam is an investment banker.
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