SHAMELESS “Black-Haired Ginger” (S9E5): The Beginning Of The End?

I’ve had an inkling for a while that Shameless might be winding down, with it being the ninth season and with the instability of its chosen storylines. With the recent news of Emmy Rossum’s exit, it seemed to be time to begin that final stretch. Now, in the last few days, it was announced that Cameron Monaghan is leaving as well, and that the next episode will be his last. Where does that put the future of Shameless?

With Frank Gallagher (William H. Macy) himself taking the director reins this week, things feel as if they are headed to their final destination. While not entirely without its pitfalls, episode five gives us glimmers of the familial ties that keep this show from going off the deep end.

Big Stakes

In Shameless, if one of the Gallagher’s meets a new character, they are almost always going to end up sleeping with them. If they hear about a job that someone does, or in this week’s case – an illegal motorcycle street race, they’re probably going to do it. That sort of show and tell of storytelling becomes a bit too on the nose.

This week Carl (Ethan Cutkosky) goes to a mixer for West Point and meets a young girl who is interested in attending Annapolis, and their interaction becomes about sleeping together, or rather not sleeping together –  but you get the point. To ensure consent, thanks to Kevin’s new vagina safe initiative, he videotapes them not having sex.

Lip (Jeremy Allen White) doesn’t know what to do with himself now that Xan has gone and when the power goes out at work he has no direction for the day. This has him, very comically, scouring the TV, going for a run, trying out different cigarettes, and also entering a staring contest with a shelf of liquor. It also has him hearing about said motorcycle race, which he’ll undoubtedly get involved with, as well as a job guarding sober people and keeping them from drinking. Of course, he’s going to try that too, but I’m not sure he’s there yet. He’s made a lot of progress, seemingly slipping into the role as head of the family that Fiona held for so long, but is this too soon?

The strength of “Black-haired ginger” lies within the heartfelt, dramatic pull of the Ian (Cameron Monaghan) and Fiona (Emmy Rossum) conflict. Ian has to make a decision about his future in prison and whether he’ll be pleading insanity or taking a stance and possibly spending a long time inside. Fiona wants what’s best, but is that the same thing he wants?

Ian and Lip used to have a real bond in the early seasons, and while it’s rehashed with a sentimental scene in the kitchen, it has mostly taken the back seat. Both perform wonderfully in this particular sequence, making sure that Ian’s upcoming goodbye will be especially affective.  I don’t mind that Fiona’s moved out of the house and is trying to make a go of it on her own, but in episodes like this where they refer to being pushy as “going Fiona”, I miss the camaraderie this group had when they were closer. As people grow up, they do distance themselves, but as Rossum says, “nothing is more important than family”. One of the strong suits of this series is the family and the unbreakable bond.

What’s Next?

When Fiona thinks Ian makes a run for it, she’s flabbergasted that no one else wants to go searching for him. Even if they are adults, am I the only who thinks that it makes sense to seek out your brother who may be running and making himself a fugitive?

The other siblings have somewhat lackluster additions this week. Liam (Christian Isaiah) was pulled into a custodial closet by the girl who has been bullying him. Mind you, Liam is ten years old, and while nothing was shown- it was suggested that they sleep together. It’s more icky than funny, or really necessary. Debbie’s (Emma Kenney) current trajectory is really seeming like filler at this point. She’s trying to work it out with Alex, but it doesn’t look good. She’s also trying to figure out her sexuality, looking for help with others, when she should be looking more within herself.

We do get a very interesting cameo with Katey Sagal this week when Frank is brought to the hospital by V (Shanola Hampton) and Kevin (Steve Howey) alter passing out in the bar. He’s forced into taking generic meds for his liver transplant (with some big side effects) and he’s introduced to the colorful Ingrid (Sagal) when he tries to steal her painkillers. It’ll be fascinating to see where that character goes. For now, I’m just glad that the Mo White ship has sailed.

Conclusion: Black-haired Ginger

In the episodes closing few minutes, we get Ian’s initial plea hearing, and we finally see what decision he’s come to. Shameless needs more emotional moments like this one. What will this show look like without two of the six Gallaghers? Do I want to watch it? I’ve been watching since episode one and I’ve continued to give faith over to the creators, that they know what they are doing, but eventually, you’ve got to throw in the towel for the sake of the show’s legacy. Maybe a clean close is in the books.

What did you think? What do you make of the news of Monaghan’s exit? Let us know in the comments below!