It's amazing how quickly TV evolves and its easy to forget the trailblazers who lead the way.
Paul Abbots Shameless hit UK homes in the early noghties on typical Channel 4 audience figures. By the last episode everyone was talking about it. People at least had a peak at it.
It received admiration as much as it received complaints, fact was the perfect portrait of the northern underbelly.
Series 2
Would build on the success that had been left but a darkness loomed, not the silly OTT story plots that provided comedy. Nope the departure of Fiona and Steve was near. And although the addition of Marty was a plus the maguire clan was something that would haunt this show in the latter years. With their ever changing cast playing different brothers who never speak and then later turning Shameless into the Mimi Maguire show.
But for now the seasons passed on with great one of stories and longer term events, The Amazing Christmas Special, Sheila vs Monica, Marty and Sue, Kelly Ball, The knockin shop all great additions.
But the drip drip of main cast, Lip, Ian, Sheila, Vee, Kev start to become a gap to big to fill, especially with the Maguires who now have names.
The inconsistently with the story lines of this family from major players to murderers to people selling second hand out of date lettuce to make money.
The Maguires are as scary as a Substitute teacher on her first day on the job.
Micky is a great character however and could be a son of anyone.
By the time Libby arrives (Go ooooon Go ooooon Go oooooon) The show is finished but instead of DNR they try this, end up with another kid in the house. Stella disappears at some point and there's an old crow that gets overplayed time and time again.
I guess the main problem is Debbie as now left to join the Army something never discussed before, her friend maxine is still around but moves out. Ian and Carl fall out, Ian leaves.
Only Carl and invisible Stella remain. But the show switches to maguire plot lines..... No this was based on Frank Gallagher and his shameless way of living.
Season 9 is hard to view and 10 is no better but 11 OMG now that is SHAMEFUL. The last episode is OK but 5 cast members return.
Should have been one of the best ever but ruined by too many seasons
