Shameless: Series 7 (2010)

I've watched Shameless since it first aired on Channel 4 and it's got to be one of the best things the channel puts out, certainly the best (only) drama series on there that isn't imported from the US. As the series has gone on and each run gets extended numbers of episodes, and as actors have left the central Gallagher clan (Fiona, Lip, Carl, and, this series, Debbie, have all moved on) the focus of the series has been less on the Gallagher family and more on the extended family that takes in the Maguires as well - the last episode of series 7 illustrates the point in true Shameless fashion as all the main characters stand up together to point a gun at the episodes' villain in a united act of community.

My favourite character has become Mickey, gay mobster with a heart and part of the violent Maguire clan, he's moved on from the stereotype he used to be and has become almost the heart of the show. The main heart of the show is Frank Gallagher, portrayed over all 7 series by David Threlfall, an actor who could quite easily move on to bigger jobs - I'm glad he's stayed with Shameless, where he's also directed several episodes - but instead is part of a series that can do tragedy as easily as comedy, with a fair dollop of social comment slipped in alongside. 

The start of series 7 saw the departure of Stan and Yvonne, and Paddy Maguire even departed towards the end, and they were replaced by Libby and her mother, a great pair whose relationship with Frank created some marvellous moments of comedy. Talking of comedy, Lillian is second only to Frank as one of TV's greatest creations, every time she speaks an utter gem is formed. 

I like that Shameless has a large cast of characters to draw on, and so if one storyline or character proves a bit lacking there's another one along in a moment. I've never been a fan of Joe, Karen's love interest outside her marriage to Jamie, but then he's not supposed to be likable I guess - last series he abused Mandy and this series he's tormented emotionally unstable Karen. I've also not been satisfied with Ian's relationship with Maxine, since for the last 6 series, Ian has been the show's central gay character... This storyline was just odd. At least Mickey has now become the main gay, along with Maxine's brother. The whole show has camp themes and has a great gay sensibility. 

One of the big draws for a gay audience (i.e. me) in Shameless this series has been the tendency for the script-writers to get Elliott Tittensor's Carl naked as often as they can. It's grauitous, but I don't care one bit! Shameless is always a pleasure and really easy to watch, I do hope it continues. I'm also intrigued about the US HBO remake starring William H. Macy and Allison Janney, being produced by John Wells of ER and The West Wing, it's got to be great, hasn't it??