Take Three: Shameless

Shameless: Season 1, Episode 3 “Aunt Ginger” (B+)

This show just keeps getting better and better. That does mean it’s getting nuttier and nuttier, but that’s hardly a problem. It makes sense that someone from some legal department would come by to interrogate Frank about the social security checks of his aunt – who has been dead twelve years – that he continues to cash every week. From the unfortunate start that was homeless former bus driver Mr. Perry in drag, the process of successfully finding and creating a convincing Aunt Ginger was remarkable. I was especially moved by the connection that Deb made to Aunt Ginger, and how upset she was when they had to return the poor old woman to the nursing home. Frank’s efforts to pretend like he was able to go shopping for his new girlfriend were equally disturbing and hilarious, and it’s impressive that the show manages to position him in a dramatic light with her as he tries (minimally) to help her cope with her agoraphobia. Another insanely strong part of the show is the relationship between Lip and Ian, and it’s great that Lip is so willing to take a beating to save his brother. Though I didn’t see it coming, I think it’s wonderful that Mandy has decided that she’s going to be Ian’s fake girlfriend in order to help protect him and to give herself someone to hang out with and do other things with other than just have sex. Emmy Rossum is simply magnificent as Fiona, juggling both Steve and Tony with her considerable charms.