Shameless: Is Change Possible? | Video Essay

We discuss what we've learned about William H. Macy's Frank Gallagher, Emmy Rossum's Fiona, Lip, Ian and the rest of the Gallagher clan over the seasons (up to season 8). "Shameless" is a show about addiction, about poverty, about family. It’s a show about whether change is possible. Every character wrestles with bad habits and self-destructive habits as they cope with their environment. "Shameless" show how difficult and rare it is for people to truly change.
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[@thetake]

Support ScreenPrism on Patreon (Thank you!): www.patreon.com/user?u=7792695 Visit our friends at Wisecrack: wscrk.com/SbscrbWC Subscribe to keep up with all our videos, and let us know what you want to see next!

[@priceless2353]

You guys seem to be promoting wisecrack pretty often lately are you guys like sister channel now?

[@thetake]

Hey Purple Serenity, we love Buffy and we may have something Buffy-related in the works :)

[@pranavkhismatrao5227]

Do this for HOUSE MD

[@thetake]

Priceless23, we're just friends with them and love their stuff!

[@priceless2353]

ScreenPrism ohhh cool! Already subscribed to them so it works out either way

[@emiliohidalgo5927]

I've met many people like Frank in my life, and the majority of them seem to be really smart people. But the thing about smart people is how they can easily fall into a state of nihilism, when they are too aware of how meaningless our struggles are when the end result never changes, so they just say "fuck it" and just live out their lives in pure hedonism.

[@thetake]

Absolutely, Emilio. We actually have an essay coming about two characters who think this way, stay tuned.

[@ashham9183]

ScreenPrism rick and frank?

[@nevermind-he8ni]

You say that like its a bad thing.......

[@asnab140]

in therory i kind of like that, in practice it seems like hell

[@NEDMKitten]

fuck

[@WiseAilbhean]

"drinking turns the volume down. Makes the world more tolerable." That is way too true.

[@Beforethecredits]

Shameless is the best accidental watch I ever had. I hope the new season is good.

[@Liphzzy]

Same. Remember when I first saw it in tv at like 1 in the morning and I thought "W T F is going on in that show", and I was even more suprised when I googled the show and found out that it had 6 seasons at that point.

[@thetake]

We really hope so too!

[@Liphzzy]

That would be a pretty long song though.

[@stinkyassclown4602]

PariSitic Pictures I hope it never ends lol

[@kaitlynmckessy5772]

Before The Credits please, look at my profile on here

[@jamesgleyo4470]

This show is truly underrated. You feel and understand what this show is about, the frustration of how each and every character in this show tries to pull themselves up from their own lives.

[@thetake]

Absolutely!

[@hippiecheezburger5457]

Imagine rewatching the show in 10-20 years, this has got to be one of the most well written shows about characters and life ever created. I love it and after 9 seasons it has never once disappointed me

[@Toocoolforschool573]

People hate on it and this really is a good show

[@lukedaley17]

This American adaptation of Shameless is great at representing Addiction, working class and poverty just like the original UK did.

[@DCMarvelMultiverse]

Sad that Shameless is the most realistic TV view of poverty.

[@dylanmaes98]

Lost Age Comics not so much now but the first three were very realistic

[@irishwilliams28]

they're not really in poverty anymore

[@50ShadesOfEndo]

Dylan Maes What makes the following seasons less realistic?

[@A.C._]

Albin Lundholm The fact that they're all still alive lol

[@sir_aken9706]

Having been in poverty, I wouldnt say this is a great picture of it but it’s a good picture of the habits that perpetuate poverty.

[@muhetojess7105]

don't you guys see it , give Frank a portal gun and he is Rick sanchez

[@thetake]

We do see it, stay tuned :)

[@itsDjjayyArt]

Basically

[@JulietteVeronica1201]

"We're all addicts, someone's vices are simply more healthy than with others." This sentence (commented from David Orvik before me) hit home with me, because I often self indulge myself with music and characters from stories since I was in 4th grade and now it has evolved into Broadway. I love to get into each character's head, dig into their minds, find out their demons, find out their backgrounds, watch each actor take on their own part of the role and try to separate them from each other, etc. It has become into addiction, and the reason why I do that is because it distracts me from my own insecurities so I often dig into someone else's problems. I do the same thing with literature, movies, tv. I love picking apart stories and getting into the writers' minds and learning. It's my break away from my own problems. I'm not saying my "addiction" is equivalent to alcoholics or drug addicts, or even food addicts, at all but it is crazy how one thing can consume everything else in your entire life and you don't even realize it.

[@TheAnnoyingRyan]

I really thought i was the only one who felt that way for a while and maybe still now I saw it as a flaw, and i still somehow really hate that part of myself that commits so much to fictional characters just to avoid building my own self or fixing it, i just attach myself to whoever i can relate to and go deep in that character's psyche just to try to like myself more by giving myself traits characters i admire have. A year ago i met someone like that and it did change the way i viewed it but just like you for me it started in 4th grade and now as a 21 year old i still can't escape that, nothing has changed except the fictional characters i attach myself to, it used to superheroes and cartoon characters and now it's characters like Lip or Don Draper or Tyler Durden, and I find myself doing dumb shit like smoking and doing drugs just because i try to attach myself to something that is not me and holy shit some days it hits and i feel devoid of personality. Thank you for this comment, posted on the only good exploration and analysis on the internet about my favorite show

[@Melissa-tw2gp]

The most real and relatable show about living poor I’ve ever seen.

[@NoName-vl4lv]

Melissa I’ve had friends and family in similar(less exaggerated) situations and yes they got as close as they could while still being entertaining

[@camiloarango9943]

Poor in the U.S hahahaha

[@camiloarango9943]

@Joey you're right, I'm just saying is not as bad

[@camiloarango9943]

@Joey I actually agree, sorry that comment was kinda in the moment

[@bluecomet1109]

For me it was malcolm in the middle

[@realSimoneCherie]

Even if you aren't a fan of Shameless, it's character development paints the most accurate picture of poverty in popular television in a long time. It's not as simple as just a tale of addiction. Substances and crime are frequent in many neighborhoods, and income (or lack thereof) is the consistent, punishing force at play in these neighborhoods - across races, sexuality, generational differences, and differences in intellectual ability.

[@QazwerDave]

We're all addicts, someone's vices are simply more healthy than with others.

[@thetake]

True true

[@thebeastlyape]

Amilliya Sadeh you're gay

[@BoRickersonMcFoosters]

Amilliya Sadeh fuck no the actors are horribly cringey

[@dakodabaldur3037]

Amilliya Sadeh That's why it has so much lower rates than us shameless

[@freshnigiri]

David Orvik nice pfp

[@MLSoll]

The thing about Shameless is that the most messed up couples are the best ones: Ian and Mickey, Fiona and Jimmy, Mandy and Lip... I mean you REALLY appreciate characters like Mickey when Ian is pared up with characters like Trevor

[@queenmaoasada8447]

A.M Lash Mandy and Lip??? I could never buy him liking her... They made a big mistake with the casting of Mandy #2... Seemed like they were trying to find someone with Mandy #1’s general vibe, instead of casting another really talented actress. After Season 1, everything Mandy-related is painful IMO. Lip and Karen had an awesome and very fucked up relationship that was interesting from start to finish. And if you haven’t checked out Black Sails, I highly recommend it, not only ‘cause it’s an excellent show but because Zach McGowan (Jodie) is an excellent and unrecognizable actor.

[@rumblefish9]

Mickey and Ian ended up to be the most fulfilling and strong relationship in the show. No matter how fate kept them apart, they were always drawn to each other.

[@Gabriel-rb8tw]

Kev and V are the best couple by far, they got through the most messed up arc maybe in TV shows history and stuck together by each other’s side. They always remained so supportive towards one another. Goated couple in my opinion

[@mint139]

seriously..very underrated and my guilty pleasure...

[@priceless2353]

mayur reddy i to watched this show before they put it on Netflix; its crazy how much it has blown up since last fall

[@hush64]

It's not underrated

[@mikeandkimarecool]

pssst yeah it is .... i mean its blowing up now .... 8 seasons in lol ..... The fact that Emmy Rossum hasn't won an Emmy yet is a travesty.

[@qu4droph3nia]

Why is your guilty pleasure?

[@acsicnarflen5398]

Because it's probably something you can't watch with your parents

[@---fn7lh]

At the end of shameless season 8 it is reviled that Frank went to college and would of had a very successful life then he meet Monica

[@exfactorygirl]

Yeah... It broke my heart. I have always put all the shame on Frank. Sometimes you forget Monica is to blame too. Sure, she had mental illness but still...

[@orangewerty]

@@exfactorygirl monica isnt really to blame. In previous episodes we can see that frank is severely abused and hes been drinking since hes a kid. I feel like he blames monica for his downfall bc he knows that hes gonna fall into addiction anyway and its easier to blame someone than bllames himself. Hes a narcissicist through and through

[@lingeringquestions519]

This sums up the repetitive strikes against the characters and the silver linings perfectly. We want them to succeed and we have to understand why they don't.

[@BeGlamourlicious]

Frank is an absolute trashy dad. He is a narcissist and never ever done something nice for anybody. Something I loved about the show was the unconditional love between the sibling. That makes it so good and more bearable.

[@camilledeleon4535]

A lot of these points make me realize why I'm still not finished with this series, even though I like it. The frustration of them not changing or changing too quickly in a way I wasn't expecting is hurting my chances of continuing on with the story or not.

[@starboy7318]

"the system is rigged against them" *pans over to Fiona going to jail because Liam got into her coke*

[@lachlanhargrave3193]

sarah left-wing empath free thinker provocateur accepting any responsibility whatsoever might actually mean they’d have to change their behaviour lol

[@TiciTotyTony]

Frank: Gluttony Fiona: Pride Lip: Wrath Ian: Lust Debbie: Sloth Carl: Greed Sam (Franks other daughter): Envy

[@TiciTotyTony]

I did not include Liam cause he is too innocent.

[@GrammarNazi49]

Tony Lawliet fiona should be lust lol

[@jbasti227]

Damn that's actually really accurate

[@kittygrimm7301]

I actually thought Lip was more Lust and Carl more Wrath.

[@Xineal]

I don't particularly think Debbie's slothful, she was shown from the beginning to always want to grow up too soon, she just wasn't ready for the consequences of it. I think envy is more her thing, bc she spent a lot of seasons comparing herself to the only other woman she really knows, Fiona, who always (seems to) have shit put together and is beautiful to boot. Sam doesn't count. Sam never counts.

[@hollzee7181]

the message of the show is you can't change anyone if they don't want to. in the orignal show frank does not change til he loses all of his kids. as they have grown up and moved on. in this version we see that small glimmer in frank that he truly wants to change but is afraid to do so. it would be so good if they do the gallagher kids justice and give them their father. and give us fans the happy ending we all desire for them

[@isabellabornberg2153]

This analysis is very good, you put into words what I always feel when I watch it

[@thetake]

Thanks Isabella!

[@luciienprinc3-molina359]

This video is amazing, I always wondered why I kept coming back to this show season after season even though they would constantly frustrate me

[@thetake]

Thanks Lucien

[@Vedurin]

The show always gives us the hope that change is possible time and time again, because that's actually what it takes to really change. If you give up changeing once your fail, you will never change a single thing.

[@elliepaterson0420]

Carl is working up to be the family redemption

[@hippiecheezburger5457]

Gotta say I think Shameless is one of the most well written shows I have ever seen and will ever see. I love how it shows life as it really is, people who are not perfect just trying to pull it together and be better then they were yesterday.

[@pinkysaints2309]

I would love to see an episode on Ian and Mickys relationship through the seasons it’s a super interesting relationship

[@zombelladonna]

I identify so much with Fiona, and I guess I feel a bit differently about the show; because I’ve lived it. Good video though, pretty accurate and well thought out

[@rachelgpryor]

I always have a hard time watching it because of that. It's like looking in a mirror for me, and is this reminder that I'm never truly out of the cycle mentally as hard as I keep trying to be.

[@jif635]

12:11 I think that's a very good point about the movies and why they always left me kind of bitter lol. As if people could really put the past where it belongs, I'm not saying we're all slaves to our past traumas, but it'd be nice if movies captured how trauma does linger, how people relapse; it doesn't all just go away with one "life-changing" experience.

[@mintyglitches]

i always think about how frank could have been an amazing business man or professional con artist but because of his world views he behaves as if he were one but without any professionalism behind it and ends up having to struggle through life as a result of it

[@GirlDo3]

He would've been an amazing politician. Corrupt, good speeches, fake promises that people eat up. Frank would've become the fkn president.

[@Gabriel-rb8tw]

I always thought that he would start a cult at some point.

[@georgech6006]

"Wold views" "could have been a good something?" Really?. he is a typical alcoholic and a horrible father, equally horrible human.

[@aliahpater3176]

Are you guys going to do a character analysis series when the show is over like you did with Mad Men? I feel like it would be well worth it, after 11 seasons it would be great to see an in depth analysis of every character. Thank you and I love this channel so much !!

[@Miriam-ys9pp]

Mickey deserves so much better

[@ghaddy9979]

Miri Jdowokadbakoy .. Sooooo right.. Noel need to come THE FUCK back!! #gallavichEndgame ❤ #Gallavichforever ❤ #Bringmickeyback ❤

[@queenmaoasada8447]

Ghadeer Gallavich I know Noel Fisher has “made it,” but I don’t think he’s appreciated nearly enough. He’s *amazing* in every role, and totally different. He was so good on The Riches. He was the only palatable thing about Hatfields & McCoys. He is one of the best young actors in Hollywood, IMO.

[@darleneeverson4733]

@@queenmaoasada8447 I thought this comment section was about shameless! what, are we going to discuss every actor that plays a character on the show? Why turn it into Noel this and Noel that and Noel played this role and was best in that role in that show. My God, give it a rest! Yes he is a great actor and Mickey is a lovable character but damn get a life! Now go sound the alarm with ur hashtag alerts to bash someone with a grip on reality!

[@angiepangie9106]

@@darleneeverson4733 this is literally a comment about his character??? why are you mad they’re talking about the actor man?

[@naturalQueeP]

Your addiction dictates your lifestyle and outcomes.

[@mieshonwalker8635]

Mickey was the best thing to happen to Ian!

[@queenmaoasada8447]

Mieshon Waller Noel Fisher is a treasure

[@fedelrux_hsl]

Hell no! Maybe they live one of the best romance of all the show (my fav one stays the kev/Veronica one - they stay together all along the show) but Mickey was, from the start and then became more and more, unhealthy to Ian. Until the last time that he goes to jail I thought that Ian could have changed him, but as we see him become responsible, meet Trevor, etc, I just had that feeling that, yeah, even though his feelings for Mickey were more intense than for any other guys, Mickey still was pulling him under. Sorry for my wrong English ^^

[@aifos01]

Rachel Schol lmao no Mickey is not unhealty. Maybe at first? But EVERY couple in Shameless are kinda unhealty and toxic. Mickey always helped Ian and he loves Ian a lot. They will be endgame and I am sure.

[@fedelrux_hsl]

That was my first feelings about Ian and Mickey, that of course Mickey helped Ian alot, regardless of his bipolar syndrom (which is one of the greatest proof of love). But, as I said, as Mickey goes to jail,we see Ian's life objectively increase of level of living, even though he seems happier with Mickey than with any other guy in the show : he gets a job, stops dancing an selling his body in the club, and even more finds satisfaction in this kind of new life. And then at the moment Mickey reapears in the show, Ian suddently leaves his job, family and security to follow him. That too is a huge proof of love. I think Ian's story is balancing between stable life with security, and love, which make them be the most romantic couple of the show. But my opinion stays the same: Mickey is pulling Ian under

[@camirodriguez9114]

they were the best thing that happened to each other, if it weren't for ian then mickey would probably not have come out or would be married to some women. they were good for each other, even though it could SOMETIMES get toxic, i still lov them though and they are my otp of alllll time and im suing the show if they aren't endgame.

[@luckyshaz703]

Shameless is the best show that has ever and will ever exist. this was a great review. i wish you had included Kev and Vee clips in there, but still good.

[@andrewrocha9766]

I don’t know...I disagree a bit with Mickey being a super super bad influence. In the beginning, maybe, but Mickey was definitely someone who was NOWHERE near in the same ballpark as Jimmy/Steve

[@abigailbartlett6084]

I love how in season 5, when they were dealing with gentrification, they didn’t make it this big bad villain to overcome by the end of the season, they just treated it like how it would feel in real life

[@cultfan5227]

Overcoming addiction is possible, but difficult when life keeps messing up. These poor souls are struggling with poverty and bad role models. Support is out there, try AA, NA, one of those. They seem like bullshit at first, but KEEP GOING, accept help, it gets easier.

[@HanselJesusMoyaRivera]

Beautiful and chaotic show

[@jessicahopkins9945]

The answer to if you can ever get out of it is no. You can gain education and wealth and success but it always follows you. It is shame, anger, fear, it is knowing that old life is always just around the corner. It is a hardness and an ability to adapt. Even when you have reached success you never fully feel like you belong. It is a thousand days of experiences that would shatter the world of a normal person but to you is just normal.

[@estrella9335]

absolutely true

[@laurenflowerslament]

Ian didn't say goodbye to Mickey because their relationship was unhealthy no it isn't he chose not to go to mexico because he couldn't leave his family job or bipolar meds his heart still and always will belong to mickey

[@petetpotato329]

IAN IS ADDICTED TO MICKEY. PERIOD. FML.

[@chandrakantgeology2696]

This show has inspired me a lot. Gonna watch the this show every decade of my life

[@shiriguessman5157]

Let’s be real Mandy didn’t break lips heart until he cheated on her with Karen so she ran karen over with her car, which is definitely phycho but prior to that she was actually being the best girlfriend that lip ever had

[@tiannabarber5388]

Shiri Guessman Mandy wasn’t even mentioned....

[@jbasti227]

So happy you guys made this! Really excited for the season premiere

[@thetake]

Thanks Joseph! So are we!

[@davidle4936]

Frank - Gluttony Monica - Greed Fiona - Pride Lip - Wrath Ian - Lust Debbie - Envy Carl - Sloth Edit: Not counted Liam

[@ihatecorpsehusband7147]

“You’re an addict, so be addicted. Just be addicted to something else.” From T2: Trainstopping. Best advice I could give someone.

[@fuzzydunlop1988]

It's all utterly heartbreaking. It hurts even more that pretty much everybody can empathise with the characters.

[@issygzmn8161]

If Ian's relationship with Mickey an addiction, I rather take a page out of Frank's book and stay a gallavich addict.

[@princesslulu5795]

I think calling Fiona's choice to cheat on her bf with his brother, use coke, and get fired from her job after nearly losing her siblings "circumstances beyond her control" isn't 100% accurate. The social services thing I agree. And yes once she went on the downward spiral I agree that it makes sense she struggled (and I believe still does today) with trying to make things right. But all of that particular downward spiral in season 4 started with something she had control over. It all started when she chose to cheat on Mike with his brother Robbie while he was passed out in the next room, and then again several more times even before she started using drugs Robbie gave her. Maybe it could be argued that her environment didn't provide good role models growing up but she's an adult now who's the guardian of all her siblings. I get this is all tough but I don't think it is totally accurate to portray all of Fiona's mistakes as something beyond her control. Some of her choices are ones she clearly didn't have to make one outcome but did so anyway because it was easy or it fulfilled some selfish desire. Sure it's not like no one has ever done this, and sometimes more than we'd like to admit, but I have a hard time feeling bad for Fiona when her own selfishness comes back to bite her, just like when it happens to others on the show.

[@mikaylamcfadden7866]

PrincessLuLu I agree. I sympathize with Fiona’s situation, but I don’t believe she is blameless. The idea that we are predetermined by our parents, I think is really toxic. Everyone has a chance to change but self acceptance is necessary.

[@TonyRedgrave1501]

I think one of the reasons she cheated on that boyfriend/boss and later on that musician guy was that they were kinda "boring" and too friendly. The one guy himself and Veronica pointed this out. That's a problem with a lot of women I know. They search for a prince but in the end they want someone that threats them bad and makes them angry from time to time and is kinda "cool" and mysterious just like the brother from her boss or Jimmy.

[@exfactorygirl]

No, Tony, that's a quite common misunderstanding. For sure there are lots of women really into "the bad guy" but please don't forget that when someone came from a dysfunctional family is kinda hellish having a meaningful relationship. Those people never got loved or cared in their childhood and they're sort of incapable recognizing healthy feelings, they're just repeating their story life of being neglected by choosing shitty men. It takes years and often therapy to break this vicious circle, but they can get over it successfully in the end. Sorry for my bad English.

[@krd2331]

It’s called bad writing.

[@aduckwithayoutubechannel]

@@krd2331 honestly? Yeah. I agree. Something I’ve always disliked about Shameless is that whenever the writers can’t immediately think of something they fall back on blatant degeneracy. The show pretty much drove itself into the ground on this principle. It gets well past the point where you can revel in the downfall of those who set up their failures with their own mistakes, and just gets irritating and sad. The show could’ve been a landmark point in television history, showing people a realistic and empathic aspect of people under the poverty line. But no, they decide to broadcast the message that all poor people are self destructive addicts and petty criminals.

[@Sspratz]

I wanna like this show but.... I don’t like it to be a comedy. Not once have I laughed at this show, but I’ve only felt depressed afterwards. I also suffer from severe depression, and I live I’m apart of town like this. Bad people and nobody to trust. While watching it, it feels like a drama but if it feels like they’re making fun of people who have this life style due to the fact that it’s supposed to be a “comedy”. Idk it feels like life slows down when I watch it. I wanna like it but I can’t get out of that slump to motivate myself to keep watching. While others say it’s addictive, I feel the opposite, idk if I’m missing something or it’s not for people with depression...

[@exfactorygirl]

Maybe you simply don't like it, nothing wrong with it :) I have been diagnosed with major depression at 17-yrs which is just the tip of the iceberg. Coming from a dysfunctional family I had to raise myself like Fiona did. Lucky me, I had no siblings to take care of, but my mother was a mess and I was her genitor for quite a while. I see a lot of myself in this show, if that's not the same for you then just move on, whatever makes you happy or at least whatever make you feel less alone. Sorry about my broken English. I hope things are getting better for you.

[@covenawhite4855]

Have you tried British Shameless. I think it is more serious and sad. It was once on You Tube but the episode was very violent. And everyone talks with an Irish accent. It is about life in a UK Ghetto.

[@sjcraw]

Glimmers of hope among a sea of shitty behavior? Isn't that the textbook definition of an abusive relationship?

[@VioletEmerald]

Yeah good point.

[@ginnychase9466]

i actually love this verbal essay!

[@lj0339]

God, I love Shameless, well except the last season. I get that characters need growth, but the show’s called ‘Shameless’ and was the exact entertaining original point of it setting it apart, not only for the humor but also the heartbreaking dark honesty of it- it was relatable. The new season was a little void of that Gallagher Chaos and the grittiness I fell in love with. There really isn’t any high struggles for any of the characters, it went more feel-good and even a little cringe/cheesy, and isn’t relatable anymore unless you are gay/trans since this has taken center stage. I think it’s amazing that they are getting some rep, but I’m just pointing out that the show has changed. It feels as if there are completely different writers.

[@NoName-vl4lv]

I think Carl is actually going to change and go to the military or become a cop but probably not honestly

[@matprlz]

Just wondering, how many Americans know that this is based off the British Show 'Shameless'?

[@badabingbing474]

matprlz I found out after reading your comment

[@amberbuttersz]

I found out reading this comment as well. Thanks! :)

[@kevins7704]

matprlz US version is way better. Theres a reason why British version was virtually unknown.

[@---fn7lh]

The reason why the British version doesn't work is because poverty is way worse in the US than the UK

[@queenmaoasada8447]

Robert Gandolfo There’re plenty of shitty shitholes in the UK. The British series is just not as nuanced.

[@RumneyRock]

Hell of a review. Shameless has been a hard watch for me since I relate to so many of the issues..P.S. since I finished watching all episodes I loathe Debbie

[@suez8763]

i wish more people watched halt and catch fire, that show lends itself perfectly to video essays, especially character and relationship studies

[@davidjohnston6993]

Thanks, just added it to my netflix list!

[@jenniehuebner3696]

Whether a Family is poverty or not I think anyone who watches Shameless can relate. Every Family has the “7 Deadly Sins” and struggles in some way or another. That’s why this show is “addicting” to so many.

[@notmyopinion4981]

this video hit me... i am coming from a very unstable household... and all i ever wished was something stable.... but now that i am the closest i ever get, i am bored, i feel uneasy and i hate it. I hate this cold environment that stability gives you. I am young and i am scared, that if i dont break free i will be stuck in this for ever, and if i break free, that i will end up like my mother... Its very hard to change. Or adjust to change. I almost miss the tearfilled shouts from my family fighting. I almost miss the quiteness that comes in between as we avoid one another while living in the same house. And now i live with my bf and his family... they talk like a normal family, they dont despise each other and i really really hate it. I hate this harmony. And i am afraid of that hate.

[@rachelgpryor]

I can relate with absolutely everything you said. I always felt really uncomfortable in that kind of family dynamic. And now we're married, moved out of his parents house and bought a house, and have a kid. And it's worse. I thought I'd finally feel better, but I'm even more miserable and numb, and soooo bored all the time. It's both the most secure and the most depressed I've ever been.

[@introvertedinfp]

I’d love to see another video focusing on Fiona now that’s she’s left the show

[@mariesmith6744]

Everyone has dysfunctional families, but I grew up very close to how the family in this show was depicted, too close for comfort at some moments. But damn they got it right and it's one hell of a show I love it. I wish Emmy had come bk for last episode but we live in an imperfect world.

[@thomaspryor8202]

not only is shameless my favorite but, you made it better.

[@introvertedinfp]

I’d love to see another video focusing on Fiona now that’s she’s left the show

[@chandrakantgeology2696]

this show will be close to everyone who acknowledge that they are addicted to one form or other. and everyone is addicted to something that numbs their pain. I feel bad fpr the show for not up to the mark demographics.

[@meherkapoor1000]

Please make an episode about this show's finale or characters! :)

[@pinkysaints2309]

I would love to see a video on Ian and mickys relationship it’s a super interesting relationship

[@Michael342009]

Underrated for me as well.I was just looking for something to watch one time and could not believe I never watched it before.And I have Showtime and live in Chicago.Great video by the way.

[@justin8771]

Everyone says this is a underrated show it is but it’s also showtimes premier show so it definitely getting the praise it gets when I first started this show I was late it was already through season 9 which is currently I binged the whole thing tho it’s crazy and prob the best show that has ever lived and I can’t wait for season 10

[@mezza001]

I am ashamed to say that I missed 11 seasons of Shameless, until now… i am watching it from the beginning. . .

[@brownbronco6465]

Can we have Jimmy Steve Jack back? That guy was the reason why i loved the show

[@Meme033094]

Love the show hope it ends well but not anytime soon

[@MsTinkerbelle87]

“Exactly what?” *shows Mickey* haha I mean he kinda was LOL

[@sx20Ramar]

I'm addicted to this show! Shameless is my favorite show on TV. I started watching this show in the middle of season 4. After watching the rest of that season, I went back & watched season 1-3. The 10th season has a big hole in it where Fiona used to be. But still, the remaining characters keep coming up with stuff that is so real & edgy, that I really hope there is an 11th season! Macy is amazing.

[@madisonwiley123]

I was always under the impression that Ian's addiction isn't lust or chaos or anything like that, it's just Mickey.

[@shiriguessman5157]

They have everything stacked against them because from a young age they all had to help their own father and mother keep food on the table for the family and help with bills that no young kids should have to deal with....I mean the stories that Fiona told of stuff that happened before the show took place like when she was a little girl having to take care of her brothers when her dad was drunk and left them at the store and so many more stories that just made me think if it weren’t for Fiona keeping the boys and later Debbie and Carl in check too then they would have all ended up staying in foster care if Fiona didn’t try so hard to keep everyone together

[@suzannemilton8346]

I so became hooked on this show! I don't have any of these issues in my life, but this show is so wonderfully done and has awesome actresses and actors that totally hold my attention! Miss Fiona (Emmy Rossum). Wish there'd be more seasons and episodes. Well done!

[@danielmcmahan4393]

Good job! I wish there was an Idea of a show- ( Frank and Monica A Love Story). That would be a good branch off!

[@andrewb1147]

Thank you for another insightful and properly articulated video! I'm a Fan!

[@thetake]

Thanks for the kind words Andrew!

[@jborden7303]

@TheTake can you do another Shameless Video, bringing everything full circle now that the series is over ?

[@jackmeli5452]

Mickey MALKOVICH?

[@marsthemedic3682]

7:10 I think all addicts are those born out of the desire for chaos- to lose all control and give yourself over to something outside of yourself, that way when things go to shit, you can blame whatever your method of escape was.

[@chairde]

I know people like these in real life. Some are relatives and some are friends. I never saw the UK version so I can’t compare.

[@stevenadler9174]

I will definitely check out this show.

[@DIVAD291]

frank is really really smart and its easy to not realize just how fucking brilliant he is...most of the characters on the show actually don't get it and the show presents him like all of what he says are just excuses when in reality they aren't at least not all of them. I think thats where his frustration comes from...starting from abandonning college for Monica to drinking its all a result of him being a very smart dude that gets treated like just another worthless idiot and eventually he became one because there was no point to it for him. Lip is also intelligent but he struggles with it in a very different way because he senses a sense of shame with intelligence because the only other intelligent person he knows and interacts with his is father until he meets youens who he also doesn't want to become so he's scared of what he might become if he tries to follow the path of intelligence like Frank. I think Debbie might also be smart but gender seems to be a pretty determining thing in the show so even as a smart girl shes going to and has shown the same behaviors of Monica and Fiona of constantly acting selfishly while thinking they are being altruistic. Her relationship with the brain damaged guy is a pretty interesting thing but i think we need more information to know exactly what it means. which gets me to Fiona...Fiona is really stupid compared to her familly but she has an insane amount of pride thats probably the result of being so stupid compared to all the geniuses in her familly. that pride mixed with her stupidity drags everyone around her down. take lip and her by example...being the second oldest who is also a briliant dude you would expect Fiona to genuinely ask him for help when she decides to gamble with everyone's future. Then when she gets lucky after making a terrible decision she fails to see it was a bad decision because her pride blinds her. she turns a situation where Lip could have helped into a situation where he's arrogant for not immediately agreeing with her despite the fact that with the information he had he was absolutely right. overall the show reminds me a lot of one flew over the cuckoos nest which i will recommend to anyone who likes shameless. i mean its pretty different in terms of settings but they are pretty similar in terms of meaning.

[@Vivalarosa45]

I LOVE this show. I'm a big Shameless fan.

[@hakeemsesay15]

Viva La Rosa now it’s in the running the worst season now sadly.

[@Vivalarosa45]

That's because it's now on Showtime.

[@jiawei9022]

Somehow I love this video so much. It shows so much understanding, not only towards Shameless but also life.

[@thetake]

Thanks so much Jia! We appreciate that

[@stinkyassclown4602]

I don’t necessarily think that Ian’s addiction is Lust but Choas like Fiona. I get why it seems like that with Mickey and that Mickey isn’t good for him, but what’s not good for him is the choas that follows Mickey usually. Therefore when they were at the border Ian didn’t cross not because he didn’t love him, but because he realized that this Choas will only fuck everything up again. I don’t really like when people say that Mickey was a bad influence for him because I could literally go on for forvever on the things he’s done for him. I still have hope that maybe eventually idk Mickey could fake his death so he’s not longer on the run and wanted and get a new identity and basically get a fresh start. Like they say If You Love Something, Set it free and it it comes back to you, it was meant to be or something like that lol

[@nathy0308]

PaNiC! aT tHe yEeMo BoYs Agreed. I hate that they had to write Mickey off the show. They were the purest, most real love on the show.

[@angel-td3uo]

thats such bullshit lol ian and mickey's relationship was so fucking toxic. literally if the relationship was a guy and girl, people would never support it and the few that did would be looked down upon. mickey and ian at times were both physically abusive, ian pressured mickey into coming out knowing damn well that he had a violently abusive homophobic father, mickey literally almost always resorted to violence when it came to his problems and couldnt see the bigger picture... that relationship was fucking horrible

[@PlsWaLuigiDomMe]

I get really annoyed at the Mickey stans. No Mickey was not good for Ian. From the start to the end he was abusive and selfish to the point where he wanted Ian to leave everything to live on the run with him. That's not a healthy relationship. If you're going to stand up for Mickey might as well talk about how JimmySteve and Robbie were the best for Fiona. And what's even more annoying is how people want the show to just do some shitty retcon to bring Mickey back. I mean, is Ian not allowed to develop as a character

[@aifos01]

Pls WaLuigi Dom Me Mickey didn't obligated Ian to go in Mexico with him. He always asked him if that was a goodbye or something else. When he understood that Ian chose not to cross the border because """he's not like that anymore""" (which is a freaking lie because he later got in jail and did a lot of idiotic things) he obviously panicked and tried to convince him but he wasn't annoying and he accepted his decision. I think the VERY selfish and unhealty one is Ian. I hated his decision to go with Mickey and then dropped him like that.. That was brutal. He also didn't want to visit him in prison. I understand if Mickey did something but lol he didn't. Ian knew he was(and still is) the problematic one, he wanted Mickey to move on. Mickey accepted the fact that Ian was bipolar meanwhile Trevor didn't. If you think Trevor is healty for Ian you're freaking wrong, he's worse than Mickey, he literally don't care about him. By the way I'm not saying Mickey is an angel, he isn't but saying he is toxic and unhealthy for Ian is just bullshit and it pisses me off. Like I said before it's Ian the toxic and unhealthy one and Mickey deserves better than him but they're going to be endgame and I am sure about that.

[@NoName-vl4lv]

Ian was a bad influence Mickey would have never gone to jail in the first place if Ian didn’t have a long trail of fucking up starting when he stole lips identity making him a wanted man which gave Sam fuel to get him arrested causing Mickey to rightfully get pissed not to mention that Ian also dragged him through that bipolar garbage(which wasn’t his fault) the issue was that he made Mickey go through it with him and also be very abusive towards him at the time

[@andu1854]

Would you kindly do a video about Killing Eve (seems like there are some real good themes like obsession and such

[@elliepaterson0420]

What are Carl and Debbie’s addiction??

[@introvertedinfp]

I’d love to see another video focusing on Fiona now that’s she’s left the show

[@ruijua]

Make a follow up video! The merits in the points made here we’re really close to the season finale. The show ended with Frank and it began with Frank. Explore that! And thanks for making these videos :-)

[@kylereece1979]

Very good spot on the Trainspotting inclusion here. Along with its themes on addictions, the films quickfire, fast paced, in yer face grittiness was incorporated into the original UK Shameless. I was delighted to see that lightning struck and captured in a bigger, broader bottle in its US counterpart. Indeed, most of Shameless season 1 was a scene for scene remake of the UK original, albeit on a much bigger scale. By season 2, the US Shameless delves into its own paths, and it was great to see their Fiona and Lip still in it- they both leave the UK version by season 3's end. The UK Shameless focuses just as much on the Gallagher's neighbours - The Maguires ( The Milloviches in the US), by season 4 and it covers more across the council estate that its set on. Im glad both versions exist for people to see. Excellent video.

[@shek-dz9rp]

Ian and Mickey's change was one for the books ♥️

[@nicolewillhite3570]

Frank is very smart. He just needs to give up the booze

[@veronicajade20]

Hmm... this was actually a pretty insightful episode. 👍

[@VioletEmerald]

What a great video essay!! I love discovering that you've analyzed another favorite show of mine. This is such a compelling explanation of what we who enjoy about the show enjoy about it.

[@biandito]

nice vid! carl changed so much (for the best) though. let's see how it goes.

[@thetake]

Thanks! Carl is one of our favorites for sure

[@jessiecuster3191]

The best thing Shameless was it ending. The story went on far to long and the writers butchered the character arcs.

[@reginaphalange9417]

9:53... not true anymore ^^ Maybe because Ian finally realized that he's capable of more extreme actions than he thought when he doesn't take his meds, and also realized who he really cares about and who has never given up on him (family including Mickey). And Mickey finally managed to quit his lonely fugitive life, which probably became difficult to bear and that Ian never wanted. + Ian didn't follow Mickey to Mexico only because he couldn't leave his family behind or stand a fugitive life, not at all because he didn't love Mickey or their relationship anymore. Truth is that he also loves the wild side of Mickey. Even if after Mickey was sentenced to 15 years, Ian tried to forget him by seeing only the negative side of their relationship, we saw it in many occasions : In season 5 he punched Mickey in the face, blaming him for being to gentle and caring, he always smiled or laughed when Mickey was punching a guy by jealousy or because he was rude to Ian etc.

[@vascojoao]

the original shameless with the original british actors is the real thing, and i saw the two of them, but maybe because im european and ive lived in london, the comedy suits me better

[@cheese4434]

From what I’ve seen comedy in the us and the uk are extremely different that’s why people from the us like the comedy from the us one better and vice versa