I've never seen the British show of the same name that spawned this American remake, but with this show, I don't even feel the need to go back and explore it's origins because it's great all on it's own. It follows the Gallagher family as they struggle just to get by in a harsh reality. Mom took off, Dad's a useless drunk (William H. Macy), and that leaves big sis, Fiona (Emmy Rossum) alone to take care of the house along with her five younger siblings. Easy enough, right? Never. These kids look out for themselves though, and do quite well for themselves on the mean streets of Chicago, despite not having much to work with. It also helps when the couple that lives next store consists of a nurse and the owner of the bar where Frank (dad) frequents, to keep an eye on him. Each episodes gives you more of a look inside the inner-workings of this tight knit family and shows you that you don't need much to have it all. They really do love each other, and though times are tough, these kids know that they are in it together, and will do what they have to to take care of each other, even if dad isn't as motivated. Besides the great family dynamic, there are also some great supporting characters as well. First off, there's Steve (Justin Chatwin), who falls for Fiona, and will do whatever ti takes to stay in good graces with her, even if he takes it a little too far sometimes. There is also Sheila (Joan Cusack), who struggles with a severe case of agoraphobia and has not left her house in years. Her daughter is being tutored by the very bright Lip Gallagher (Jeremy Allen White), and later on, her role grows when Frank shows up at her door for help, making for an entertaining story line. All in all, it's a great show, and it touches on some great subject matter. If you've got Showtime, you should be watching it, and if not, then that's too bad.
I give Shameless a 5 outta 5.
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