I'm a big Shameless fan, particularly the first four seasons. I grew up in a house with an alcoholic father; my five siblings and I kind of had it rough at times. We struggled with poverty, but luckily we had a mother who did her best. (That said, my oldest sister did a lot for us during our childhood. Furthermore, I am the gay middle child so I have always sort of related to Ian... I mention all of this not for pity, but to show that I truly connect with the show.

This season has been rough so far. That is no secret. I was kind of dreading watching this episode, even though it has been heavily promoted as the 100th episode. To get myself in the mood and to make sure I paid attention and didn't get distracted with my phone, I decided to write this up as I watched the episode.

Feel free to share any of your thoughts on the episode in this thread. I know we had the live discussion thread but that doesn't really work so well as a post discussion thread.

If this is something people at all enjoy I'll do it again next week. (Apologies in advance for the typos I'm sure I missed.)

It was brief, but again, I'm loving any interaction with the family around the kitchen table. Ian was either really pissed about Frank insulting Monica, or he realized something that'll come into play later based on what Frank said. It is also stupid to make Liam go to school when there's only a week or so left and he's light years ahead of his classmates.

Debbie's toes are gross. I still feel like that storyline was one of the worst ones last season, and that's saying a lot with a season that heavily featured Gay Jesus. It was just a cheap attempt at gross out humor and now we're gonna get shots of her mangled foot every chance they get.

Is it in Emmy's contract that Fiona has to be shown pissing whenever they're in a bathroom? And Ford is so boring. To make matters worse, his accent is so mumbled that I can hardly understand what he's saying, which has never been a problem for me in other shows with Irish characters. I blame the actor.

I really wish they'd bring up how Ian originally wanted to go to West Point. It would be a great way for him and Carl to connect. He also made some good points about the dogs.

Does this chick even know that Debbie has a kid? And of course Debbie would agree to move in with someone she's just met. Debbie is a crazy person!

So IRL no way they put a kid that old in a class full of like 8 or 9 years old, right? No child left behind, and whatnot.

Have I mentioned that I hate the Gay Jesus nonsense? Luckily it looks like Ian is starting to hate it, too.

LMAO that dude just literally challenged Carl to a dual! I'd just tell him to fuck off and not show up, but Carl and I think a little different. 🤷‍♂️

I miss Lip's beautiful hair. Grow it back now, please. IDK why I was even somewhat shocked to see that Xan's mother is a mega bitch.

"You're too young to vote in this election, but be sure you register as soon as you hit puberty!" 🤣

Good for Liam, he deserves it. I'm sure he can enjoy the same protection strategy he's got going on now next fall. Also good for Kev and Vee for getting off the Rapey Bar list!

What did I miss, why does Fiona care about this election?

I enjoyed the classic chase scene with Ian, and Carl looking to get his "homicidal mojo" back was vintage Shameless as well.

"I couldn't kill a dog... but I could kill a Haji. Know who kills dogs? Hajis. Eat 'am, too." They eat your dogs, Carl!

"My mother's dead, sir." "Hajis killed her!"

Carl can easily carry the comedy storylines and has really come into his own over the past few seasons as a well rounded character.

...does Frank really believe that illegals are voting in mass numbers or is he just appealing to Mo's emotions?

Mo: Fuck it. I'm gonna go over to Chuck E Cheese and watch the girls jump into the Fun Pit.

Frank's face was glorious.

Ah, it's a rent control thing for Fiona? How did I miss that?

I forgot to mention earlier that Lip stalling Xan's mom was reminiscent of all the times he's stalked Karen and other girls in the past... I'm sayin' he's had a lot of practice. And Lip, buddy... ya have to tell Xan that her mother is around! She's young, but she deserves to know.

Dammit Ian, don't be stupid. If he goes to trial, the only outcome I would be happy with would be him running off to be a fugitive with Mickey. I'm sure he could get leniency with his condition, but it's just tragic that Ian finally got his life on the right track only to majorly ruin it. Again. Like last week, the scene with Ian and Lip discussing their problems was a major highlight of the episode IMO.

Did I mention that Debbie is a crazy person?!? In addition to that, she's inconsiderate of that lady's feelings and I'm predicting this is gonna end before it really gets going. News flash, Debbie: It's not her. It's you...

Carl: Think I could kill a man, Jasper?

Never change, Carl.

What a waste of a Milkovich appearance. I am not happy about this, although I'm somewhat interested in the Frank story.

VaginaSafe^TM. Because a woman should feel free to dress however slutty she wants. Whenever.

When did Brad join the cast? Season 6 or so? Just curious because he looks like he's aged quite a bit. He has lost weight, though.

I have no real opinions on the election riot ordeal.

Debs' lady friend is just as crazy. She did initiate the entire relationship knowing full well that Debbie was straight. I'm by no means her biggest fan, but aside from the comments about her ex boyfriends she's really putting in the effort.

Carl found his killer mojo!

Lip: Who's Alex?

Thank you for finally helping me learn her name with like four minutes left in the episode.

Oh no, Mo won? I legit didn't see that one coming.

I am glad Xan saw mom, I was afraid Lip would negotiate the deal without telling her.

CONCLUSION: Easily the best episode of the season thus far, but that's not saying a whole hell of a lot.