Shameless U.S. (2011)
I suppose, not for the faint of heart, but this show has a lot to offer for the thicker skin. Great characters and intriguing plot lines. Lots of sleaziness that never seems to have reached it’s peak. Great acting on the parts (especially) of William H. Macy and Emmy Rossum whose expressions are amazingly effective in the situations she is put in. Makes you really feel for her.
While she has gone onto other roles (hubby’s Mr. Robot – an excellent but short-lived show and “Angelyne” (ugh) she really was a perfect casting choice for Fiona in Shameless.
William H. Macy is excellent as the alcoholic, addicted and depraved Frank. While he spends most of the time drunk he isn’t stupid. He’s sneaky and shrewd. Respect!
Created by Paul Abbott and adapted for American audiences, this irreverent comedy-drama series takes us into the lives of the Gallagher family as they navigate the rough and tumble streets of Chicago’s South Side. Strap in, folks, because things are about to get shamelessly hilarious!
Fiona Gallagher: The Heart and Soul of Dysfunction Let’s start with Fiona Gallagher, the glue holding this ragtag family together. Played with equal parts sass and vulnerability by Emmy Rossum, Fiona is the epitome of resilience in the face of absurdity. Whether she’s juggling multiple jobs to put food on the table or dealing with the latest catastrophe courtesy of her deadbeat father, Fiona always manages to keep her wits about her (well, most of the time).
One of the most talked-about scenarios involving Fiona has to be her tumultuous love life. From steamy trysts with bad boys to ill-fated romances with seemingly decent guys, Fiona’s romantic escapades are a rollercoaster ride of epic proportions. Who could forget her ill-fated marriage to the seemingly perfect Sean, only to have it crumble faster than a stale cookie? Or her steamy affair with the enigmatic Jimmy/Steve/Jack/Whatever-His-Name-Is-This-Season? Fiona’s love life is a hot mess, and we can’t help but root for her to find happiness amidst the chaos.
Frank Gallagher: The Master of Shenanigans And then there’s Frank Gallagher, the lovable(ish) patriarch of the Gallagher clan. Played with devilish charm by William H. Macy, Frank is a walking disaster zone with a penchant for trouble and a liver of steel. Whether he’s scheming his way into a free meal or causing mayhem with his latest get-rich-quick scheme, Frank is always up to no good – and we can’t get enough of it.
One of the most iconic scenarios involving Frank has to be his infamous “Frank Gallagher Special” – a concoction of cheap beer, leftover booze, and whatever else he can scrounge up from the back of the fridge. Watching Frank stumble around in a drunken stupor is a sight to behold, and William H. Macy plays the role with such gusto that you can’t help but laugh (and cringe) at his antics.
Recommend you give it a shot. May not be your cup of tea but give it 5 episodes to see if it gets under your skin.