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Shameless - Frank's Northern Southern Express - Review

Jan 5, 2018

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The latest episode of Shameless, still feels a little bit slower than what we are accustomed to with this show, but it proved entertaining nonetheless, and better than the last few episodes in my opinion. No one seemed to be fighting, so that’s a win. “Frank’s Northern Southern Express” had a slightly different feel than the other episodes. Was this due to Emmy Rossum as the episode director, or to the peppy music scattered through it? Probably a mixture of both, but I honestly enjoyed that different feel.

Out of a job, Frank has found a new source of income. With that, I realised Frank’s antics has been what has been missing from first portion of the season. I was quite impressed by how organized he was. I thought there was no way he would make it through, but surprise, surprise, he did. There is no way in hell he would have been able to get all these meds without prescriptions. But hey he made it out with two huge bags full of drugs. How many pharmacies did he go to? I loved how he connected with his customers on their trek to the Promised Land, walking to the beats of fellow Canadians Celine Dion and Justin Bieber.


“And we owe all of our success to one person: the Twitterer in chief. To false fear!” - Frank

This new storyline is something I could get behind, it’s a lot more interesting, and shamless-y, than Frank the PTA attending assistant manager. Even better, it is obvious, Frank is going to expand it to something absolutely ridiculous, making it even more fun.The white van was just the first step. Having this storyline amplifies the fact that the first part of the season was just not entertaining Frank-wise, which is a shame.

Being from the great north, Frank’s description of Canada made me laugh. PS Tim Horton’s is awesome. Also, does anyone remember how much Frank hated Canada when Jimmy dropped him off in Toronto in the beginning of season 1? I sure do.

As I mentioned earlier, the fighting between Fiona and Ian is mostly over, but that does not mean that Ian is feeling better. In “Occupy Fiona,” the red head had mentioned having worst things to worry about than his fight with his sister, but we still don’t know what he meant by that, and no allusions were made to it. Ian’s behavior is definitely off though. Fiona found them a new building for the youth homeless shelter, and while Trevor is pleased, Ian is still bitter about the church, and no one seems to understand exactly why. It’s not like the church was a palace.


“You wanna fight? I’ll fight you. But you’re going to get your ass kicked by a homosexual.” -Ian

Trevor and Ian make their way to a conversion church after learning one of their protégés has attempted suicide after being forced to attend it. Is that really still a thing? Like in the real world? The intensity of Ian’s reaction with the Bible to the messed up church and its pastor makes it feel like his meds are off. But, meds or no meds, it was still a great moment for Ian, one that was recorded for posterity and now on the internet for everyone to benefit.

In the meantime, Fiona was being told no by the only not married, not gay man she’s ever come onto. You gotta love a man who’s passionate about something. Right, Fiona? Ford and Fiona’s little escapade through Chicago’s architectural landmarks had me reminiscent on my “Appreciation of Architecture” class at University. It was a nice to see the prettier side of Chicago, and may be a reminder to appreciate the beauty that surrounds you because the Frederic C Robbie House truly is an architectural masterpiece.


“Now who’s complicated?” –Fiona

After realising that she is in fact complicated, and coming to peace with it, Fiona comes to the realisation that Ford might not be as free from complications as he might think. The announcement that Ford was the baby daddy to both Nessa and Mel, as well as three more kids took me by surprise. It’s great to see that this show still has this ability. I have wonder why he’s done it so many times, it’s not like he’s the only man around.

After realising that she is in fact complicated, and coming to peace with it, Fiona comes to the realisation that Ford might not be as free from complications as he might think. The announcement that Ford was the baby daddy to both Nessa and Mel, as well as three more kids took me by surprise. It’s great to see that this show still has this ability. I have wonder why he’s done it so many times, it’s not like he’s the only man around.

In this episode, Fiona is battling with the idea of moving out of the house, and into the free unit, where she could have her privacy and some well-deserved peace and quiet. This led to a great, simple moment where Fiona danced in her underwear, soundtrack and all. There really is no shame to it. If Frank continues being the sober being he has become, this life could very well be a possibility for her. Liam seems to be well taken care of, and all the others are quite grown up. Is Fiona still Liam’s legal guardian, even after the drug incident a couple of seasons back?

While the lesbian babies are popping, Debbie on the other hand, is going crazy over the fact that she might be pregnant again, not trusting any of the tens of pregnancy tests she had taken. She was definitely going overboard. I get that she doesn’t want the same mistake twice, but wasn’t that a little too much? One thing is for sure, it is definitely a different person than season 6 Debs. Why aren’t we talking about Derek anymore? Why did they bring him back for a full 5 seconds a couple of episodes ago? It brought absolutely nothing to the storyline.

Also, how many of you were sure the job she had landed wouldn’t be for actual welding. I mean, Sexy welder girl looking for work on Craigslist, that’s just asking for it.

Lip, being the supportive brother, takes her to Planned Parenthood to take a real pregnancy test, and that’s where he comes face to face with Sierra’s boyfriend and the girl he got pregnant. And that’s one more problem he can add to the list.


“And what exactly does that Blake Lively whinny crap have to do with you?” - Barb

Lip was on the hunt for a new sponsor now that his could be found living out of his bath tub. I think the new sponsor will be good for him. He needs a little tough love. It’s going to be difficult for Lip because he strives when he’s worrying about everybody else but himself. I’m eager to see how working on himself will be for the character.

In other news, are we witnessing the beginning of Frank and Monica with Carl and Cassidy? That chick is bat sit crazy. That’s all I have to say on that. Will we welcome back the dark side of Carl?



What do you think is wrong with Ian?

Should Fiona move out?

How fast should Carl run?


Share your thoughts in the comments below!