Season 4 of Shameless has been a surprising beast even given how consistently fresh the show has always been. While the plot threads weren't all necessarily the best we have seen from Shameless, the changes in character this season have struck me as the most significant so far.
First of all, Sheila has become quite the piece of work this season. Amongst all of the shameless personalities in the first 3 seasons, Sheila was always the least assholish (to the point of becoming a static, dull character) so having her develop into this manipulative, vindictive new member of the Gallagher family. I also loved the shift away from having Fiona be the main caregiver this season to becoming a lost, tormented felon. Shameless for a long time had developed into the Fiona and sometimes Frank show and now that she has taken a backseat, Deb and Ian and Lip and Carl have become three dimensional and more in charge of their own lives.
Sammy taking on the mantle of the devoted child of Frank is another welcome change. While she seemed at first to be another character with ulterior motives, she has been refreshingly genuine. The continued development and ultimate payoff of Mickey and Ian's relationship and how it clashes with Svetlana is probably the best singular thread of the season. The complex relationship between Ian and Amanda is a close second. The scene in the sorority house during the season finale has a surprisingly intimate moment that almost immediately has a monkey wrench thrown into it.
The musical chairs of characters characteristic of Shameless reached new heights in season 4 with 3 whole families shuffling in and out of the Gallagher household. It really demonstrates how cluttered the Gallaghers' lives have become. I am very much looking forward to what chaos will ensue next year.
By the way, saw that final credits scene coming a mile away. Also, that final (pre credits) scene between Frank and Carl is quite possibly my favorite Frank scene of the series.
First of all, Sheila has become quite the piece of work this season. Amongst all of the shameless personalities in the first 3 seasons, Sheila was always the least assholish (to the point of becoming a static, dull character) so having her develop into this manipulative, vindictive new member of the Gallagher family. I also loved the shift away from having Fiona be the main caregiver this season to becoming a lost, tormented felon. Shameless for a long time had developed into the Fiona and sometimes Frank show and now that she has taken a backseat, Deb and Ian and Lip and Carl have become three dimensional and more in charge of their own lives.
Sammy taking on the mantle of the devoted child of Frank is another welcome change. While she seemed at first to be another character with ulterior motives, she has been refreshingly genuine. The continued development and ultimate payoff of Mickey and Ian's relationship and how it clashes with Svetlana is probably the best singular thread of the season. The complex relationship between Ian and Amanda is a close second. The scene in the sorority house during the season finale has a surprisingly intimate moment that almost immediately has a monkey wrench thrown into it.
The musical chairs of characters characteristic of Shameless reached new heights in season 4 with 3 whole families shuffling in and out of the Gallagher household. It really demonstrates how cluttered the Gallaghers' lives have become. I am very much looking forward to what chaos will ensue next year.
By the way, saw that final credits scene coming a mile away. Also, that final (pre credits) scene between Frank and Carl is quite possibly my favorite Frank scene of the series.
