What I’m Watching: Shameless

Shameless: Season 1, Episode 10 “Nana Gallagher Had An Affair” (B+)

Monica is the kind of character who bursts onto the scene of a show after a long absence – and in this case considerably little discussion of her existence prior to her appearance – and can’t possibly stick around forever. I’d like to commend this show for handling her two-episode presence quite well, upping the pedigree of the performances of those playing her children and turning a humorous, ridiculous situation into smart, affecting dramatic material. It’s interesting to see which of the kids take on the most active role in ensuring that Monica’s return in short-lived, from Fiona’s remote baby monitor for Deb and Carl to Lip and Ian tailing Monica and Roberta and then getting all of the kids’ DNA tested. I’m also rather impressed with how Ian’s genealogy if handled, explaining that he isn’t Frank’s son, but that he’s actually his nephew and therefore just as much a part of the family as the rest of them. Even if Liam doesn’t speak or contribute much, it’s still good to have him around as the sort of face of the future for the elder Gallaghers to ensure survives. Ian’s visit to go see Mickey was quite entertaining, especially when it came to Mickey’s reactions to him saying “I miss you” and putting his hand on the glass. The episode’s best serious moment was Sheila chasing Eddie out of the house after learning that he called Karen a whore. She got so caught up in her anger that she didn’t realize she was outside the house, and her waving to the passing subway car was a great, very memorable moment.