An adaptation of Paul Abbott’s British series of the same name, Shameless was developed for American television by John Wells, who previously worked on such popular series as China Beach, ER, and The West Wing, among others. Debuting on Showtime in January 2011, Shameless went on to become the cable network’s biggest hit, running for eleven seasons and garnering sixteen Emmy nominations.
Set in Chicago, Shameless focuses on the Gallagher family, led by the perpetually drunk Frank (William H. Macy) who does virtually nothing to contribute to his busy household. A single father with six kids, it’s Frank’s eldest daughter Fiona (played beautifully by Emmy Rossum, who is twenty-one at the start of the series), who takes on matriarchal duties. She schemes to get staple items for the house for little or no cost, while struggling to pay bills. Fiona’s ups and downs are the heart of the series. She didn’t ask to be the faux head of the family, but life didn’t offer her another choice.
We watch as the other kids try to find their way too. The second child, Phillip “Lip” Gallagher (Jeremy Allen White), is a gifted student, who seems primed for success but is constantly sabotaging himself. Lip watches over his younger brother Ian Cameron Monaghan), who is gay, and struggles with his mental health and complicated relationships. Youngest daughter Debbie (Emma Kenney) becomes a mother at fifteen and has obvious abandonment issues from her parents’ lack of a relationship with her. Carl (Ethan Cutkosky) is a troubled child at the beginning, even spending some time in juvenile prison. Hen grows up determined to prove he’s changed, eventually becoming a policeman. The youngest child Liam (Christian Isaiah) starts off as little more than a background player, but by the end of the series becomes a kind of quiet leader.
None of the characters are portrayed as bad people. They are simply victims of circumstance. Frank is self destructive narcissist. It’s no wonder he cant keep a job. Even so, he does try to be a better parent at times, but mental illness means he can’t maintain it. Worse yet, his kids suffer from mental illnesses of varying degrees. Shameless is very good at balancing humor with realism. Poverty, addiction and familial relationships are explored. One moment you laugh, the next you’re gutted; not unlike the ups and downs that are a part of everyone’s journey through life. It’s that realistic evolution of the Gallagher’s that makes Shameless worth watching.
Presented in the 1.78:1 aspect ratio, Shameless looks great on Blu-ray. Each season is clean with no apparent anomalies. Details are strong. Colors are bright and vibrant while blacks are wonderfully inky. Released as individual seasons before, it’s nice to have Shameless: The Complete Series available in one package.
This release includes a 5.1 channel DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack on every episode. The result is a clean and crisp listening experience throughout. The mix involves all channels and delivers clear and concise dialogue.
English SDH subtitles are available.
All the extras from last year’s Complete Series on DVD have been included here:
- Audio Commentaries
- Bringing Shameless to America
- Shameless: Bringing the FUN to Dysfunctional
- A Shameless Discussion About Sex
- The Complicated Life of Fiona Gallagher
- The Art of Acting Drunk
- Deleted Scenes
- Music Video
- Gag Reel