SHAMELESS “Do Right, Vote White” (S9E4): The Polls Are Open

This show is fearless when it comes to the taboo, and this week, “Do Right, Vote White!” is no exception. Voting day has arrived, and it seems that the Gallagher clan is split on who is the best candidate. This makes for some engaging exchanges, some soul searching, and a good ol’ street fight. When it comes to Shameless, nothing is off the table. Overall, number four of season nine proves to be a step up from last week.

Growing Up

After having a blissful night together, Debbie (Emma Kenney) and Alex (Ashley Romans) decide it’s a good idea for Debbie to move in. This leads to Debbie, who is unsure about her sexuality, unloading her feelings about this to Alex, with results she doesn’t expect. I feel as though the character of Debbie needs to find her way, but is desperately grasping at whatever she can. Maybe the writers are unsure of what to do with her, or perhaps it’s intentional, as this is the story of a young mother who is really still just a kid herself.

Ian (Cameron Monaghan) is technically gay Jesus, but he’s facing significant challenges in the role. Should he take his case to court and possibly lose, spending a large portion of his life in prison? Or maybe it’s time to retire living under the expectations that others have for him.

Carl’s (Ethan Cutkosky) decision to get into West Point threatens another’s intentions, and in turn is brought into a duel to see who gets the spot. He’s already concerned about whether or not he can make it in combat, after showing such compassion to the dying dogs he’s been coveting in the Gallagher basement. In the beginning of this show Carl seemed like someone destined to be imprisoned, but now his story is completely turned around. Cutkosky, having basically grown up on the Shameless streets, has continuously given an impressive performance. Now, we are able to see his real chops. What will he become?

Liam (Christian Isaiah) finds school to be challenging, but not in the normal way. His intelligence has him speeding through tests while the other children struggle. Lip (Jeremy Allen White) finally gets in contact with Xan’s (Amirah Johnson) mother. It’s just what he feared – she’s not in the best position to care for her daughter. Is it up to him? At the end of the day, she’s her family, and by this episode’s close we see Lip make one of the most selfless albeit heartbreaking decisions yet.

Butting Heads

V (Shanola Hampton) and Kevin (Steve Howey) are determined to get their bar off the list of rapey bars. Through consent forms, a quick makeover (including an obnoxious sign outfront), and some comical talks with their frequent customers, they manage to get taken off. In doing so they get the attention of another bar seeking their help. A new business venture is born.

One consistent expectation when it comes to the narratives in Shameless is that it will revolve around money. Whether it be about having or not having it, or the many schemes to obtain it, you can bet the financial status of these characters will come into play.

Frank (William H. Macy) is working his angle as campaign manager, but Mo White (Dan Lauria) remains low in the numbers, against two other possible candidates. One is recognized by Fiona to be the most suited, while Ford (Richard Flood) another. As these two begin to learn about one another, Ford tests Fiona, by calling her out on her shit. This week it’s the person she is backing. Is it for her own gain as a business owner, or is it what’s best for everyone? As the time to vote comes around, the two Gallaghers face off, on alternating sides of a scrap.

What other show would have a pedophile as a political candidate? A bit on the nose, but that’s how Shameless works. By forcing us to see the potential darkness of humanity, we also get to see redemption, and hope. For Mo, I’m not sure he’s interested in these (he seems to have no remorse), but Frank sets aside his money-grubbing ways to help even if it doesn’t benefit him.

This episode is definitely better than the last, but I can’t help feeling like the showrunners are isolating some characters. I know it’s difficult when there are so many, especially to make their stories centralized in each episode, but as long as the uneven build proves worth the wait, I’ll feel okay with it.

Conclusion: Do Right, Vote White!

You can tell from the title, and from watching any episode really, that being offensive is sort of ingrained in the Shameless DNA. With only three episodes left before the few month hiatus, I’ll be curious what’s to come next. “Do Right, Vote White!” marks the show’s 100th episode and it does so with the style we’ve become accustomed to.

What did you think? How did Vote Right, Vote White settle with you? Let us know in the comments below!

Shameless premieres Sundays on Showtime.