What I’m Watching: Shameless (Season Premiere)

Shameless: Season 5, Episode 1 “Milk of the Gods” (A-)

I’m so happy to have this show back, and what a great start to a surely entertaining season it was. Awards organizations finally classified this show as a comedy last year when it really became a drama, resulting in a trio of nominations for William H. Macy, and now I think it may be back to being a comedy. The only truly dramatic plotline is the one involving Ian, whose family is concerned about him because, while his drug addiction may have been quelled, his bipolar disorder may still flare up. In the meantime, it is fun to see Ian living with Mickey and his Russian wife, taking their baby for walks and hooking up with a busboy while he’s out. Mickey’s business seems to be booming, though he’s more than likely to piss off a few people as a result. Lip’s parting with his semi-girlfriend was awkward and uncertain, but he definitely doesn’t seem to fit in back home anymore thanks to his intellectual aspirations. Fiona may actually be making good decisions, waitressing and expressing interest in her boss, played by Dermot Mulroney, who seems like a good influence. The conversation about Fiona paying for the pie was uncomfortable, but if anything I think it shows that he’s honest, and she just has to be sure not to be self-destructive with their budding relationship. Steve’s impending return, preceded by Dichen Lachman’s Angela leaving exorbitant tips for Fiona, is sure to blow everything up. Seeing Frank healthy is truly strange, though of course he would create a “milk of the gods” to truly test his new liver and cheat the system. Sheila does like being his wife even if she’s driving him crazy, but obviously she’s not thrilled about having a daughter who she thinks is 45 who’s actually 33 who behaves like she’s 17. Emily Bergl continues to be terrific as Sammi, acting out, stealing her new stepmother’s sex toys, and doing everything she can to get her father’s attention. Chucky is also hilarious, and I loved his bathroom session with Frank. Seeing Kev and Veronica as parents is entertaining, and it’s nice to see Kev step up to the plate when she needed a break, and I’m sure plenty of comedy can be milked from what’s sure to be a wild childhood for the twins.