Have you felt like your life is missing something? If so, Paul Abbott has created a program that can fill that void in your life and it's called "Shameless" (the U.S. version). The show is set in Southside Chicago and explores topics like poverty, race, class, sex, and family abuse in the least PC way possible. Why does this matter? Because it honestly represents the harsh realities of those genuinely effected by the kind of issues normally only exclusively discussed by politely scripted writers and dolled up actors. If that didn't convince you of Shameless's awesomeness, let me give you some examples.
The characters are amazing.
The Gallagher family is incredibly entertaining.
Fiona:
The oldest sister of the family acts as the parental figure, due to an absentee mother and an alcoholic, narcissistic father. She handles the family's severe financial struggles with the clumsy manner a twenty one year old would and maneuvers through her own emotional screw ups while trying to support her brothers and sisters with the emotional maturity her parents lacked with her.
Frank:
The father of the Gallagher family and the resident alcoholic of the Southside. This man represents the minority hating, hyper-patriotic views of this country (and most of FOX news) while falsifying disability and committing social security fraud to fund his alcoholism. Watching this man screw up his life as well as his children's lives brings a raw perspective on complex family problems often missing from TV.
Lip:
I can't think of a single "Shameless" viewer who isn't in love with Phillip "Lip" Gallagher. He is the genius of the family that gives the Gallaghers hope of becoming more than the Southside generally offers its residents.
Ian:
Ian represents so many important things on this show. Not only is his first major plot line about coming out in a neighborhood flooding with hyper-masculinity, but he also deals with multiple abusive relationships and bipolar disorder.
Debbie:
The youngest girl in the family, dealing with the absence of a mother and the rejection of her father while growing up in a neighborhood where teenage pregnancy was practically a right of passage - Debbie represents teenage angst like no other.
Carl:
Carl is the most well meaning sociopath under the age of ten. From animal abuse to the selling of firearms and heavy drugs, Carl does it all while trying to dress his way into another race. This character could very well be the most controversial on the show, but through him, some of the most important topics are explored with brutal honesty and cruel, but eyeopening humor.
Liam:
This little boy began the show as a baby and maintained the same level of silence into his toddler/childhood years. He is the youngest member of this family and the glue that holds them together.
The Relationship Plots are Genuinely Beautiful.
Veronica and Kevin:
The most sexually charged and supportive couple in the neighborhood. They provide much needed wisdom and spirit to the Gallaghers while raising a beautiful family of their own and bringing an amazing level of humor to the show.
Ian and Mickey:
One of the most authentic and unique representations of love ever to appear on the small screen. They began as enemies, bulldozed their way through multiple obstacles (internalized homophobia, abusive fathers, juvie sentences, violence, etc.) and created a relationship based on love, honesty, and support. Not only did they both, as individual characters, express their sexuality in the least cliche way possible, but they expressed their love for each other in a way that felt genuine and inspiring from start to finish.
The Evils of Gentrification are Finally Acknowledged.
I've witnessed the pre and post stages of gentrification in real life. But in all honesty, I've never been the victim of this process. Gentrification pushes people out of their homes on a daily basis but is never called out for its terrifying effects because it beautifies the places that society labels as dirty and in need. This show reveals the ugly side of gentrification through season long plot lines, honest writing, and genuine talent.
Trust me when I say that this show is what you've been missing. Thanks for reading and you're welcome for this life changing article.
