Shameless Season 8 Episode 2

The more things change, the more they stay the same.

CertainlyShamelessqualifies in its eighth year.

And yet the second episode of the season, Wheres My Meth?

After so many years, are the characters changing or merely running in place?

And is it something they or we want?

The most obvious and humorous example is Frank.

Dear, stupid, lovably irredeemable Frank.

After all, he does have a sudden drive that has replaced his rotting teeth.

He was just a helpless lada babe in the woods, reallybefore Monica sank her hooks into him.

Still seeing productive member of the working class Frank Gallagher walking around provides plenty of humor.

So the question is does Frank mean it?

Ill say that I think he thinks he means it at the time.

Previous seasons have confirmed Franks sociopathic mind is a wonder, doing mental gymnastics worthy of the Olympics.

But he is already mentally figuring out the angles.

His notes during orientation were overeager, but also scribbling down all the ways he could have an accident.

Because Frank will be Frank.

Compare this with Fiona who has come damn far.

That is crystallized in her storyline this week, which revolves around her first collection of rent checks.

Going from the role of Valjean to Javert has that effect.

Least of all Fi.

Yet Fiona has changed, even though she wants to pretend she has not.

For her troubles, Fi gets called a sellout bitch for a penny.

Yeah, that would get a foreclosure sign from most anyone else too.

And so it does!

Fi is not the same as the woman inside the apartment.

So adios, lady!

Other characters find themselves running into the same hijinks with new contours.

And it turns out living with a handicapped man with special needs like Neal is not that exciting either.

Still, you have to give Debbie this: her hair is lookingvery nicethese days.

Perhaps the most poignant of the Gallaghers trying to change is poor Ian.

He was really the only one who did care about Monica after the earliest seasons.

Its a harsh but so-perfect line when Fiona says, I moved on when she was still alive.

That makes Ian feel empty given he is the only one who cares, but it makes sense.

She also passed him his PTSD, and as such is a potential ghost of his future.

He has to let it haunt him.

Not that that doesnt manifest in unique and illuminating ways.

Im not sure what to say about that other than it was both hilarious and kind of touching.

As was Ian getting a terrible tattoo in honor of Monica.

I still think shed be proud of it.

Trying to destroy that idiots life.

The guy viewed Lips actions as that of kindness.

It also knows how to sprinkle in new but oh so shameless gags.

Yep, all is right with the world onShamelesstonight.

Most Shameless Quotes of the Week

Will I survive my surgery?

Has the cancer spread?

Will I get to watch my kids grow up?

Kev

I dont think youre a freak for not wanting to forget about her.

I think youre a freak for crying in a fat dudes arms.

Fiona

I want you to set-up a memorial for me at the Alibi.

Everyone drinks at the exact time I die every year.

And I want you to play Boys II Men, End of the Road, really loud.

Kev

To the order of the cock-guzzling sellout bitch landlord, one cent.

Rating:

4 out of 5