Proudly Shameless (Shameless)

Member Name: Emmamac1

Product:	Shameless
Date:	03/10/09 (114 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Excellent, tackles hard hitting subjects and makes you laugh

Disadvantages: Swearing and explicit

A community as dysfunctional as those living in Chatsworth Estate is something to laugh, cry and cringe at. I would really like to think that no such community genuinely exists in their own right. I hope the writers have just taken the worst of the worst of everyday Britain and clumped it all together to make one very successful series called Shameless.

Shameless is the brainchild of Paul Abbot. First televised in 2004, it has now completed it's sixth series, which I have just watched on dvd. Looking at my dvd collection, some of the series are a 15 and others, series 3 and 6, are classified as 18. It certainly deserves the high rating as the programs include continuous swearing, sex scenes between opposite and same sex couples, and some violence. When Shameless originally started out it was viewed predominately as a comedy. We have cried with laughter at some of the first episodes. However, series 6 is far more serious, focusing on 'real' issues and dramatizing them, rather than painting them over with a brush of comedy.

For those who have never seen or heard of Shameless. It is centered around a fictional housing estate, Chatsworth, in Manchester. This council housing estate is really run down, and houses the main family, 'The Gallaghers'. From series one, viewers have watched this family grow, develop (well some have, and others have digressed!), and move on. Another main family, introduced in series 2, are 'The Maguires, the supposedly tough Irish gangsters/drug dealers. Also in Shameless you get to meet many other regular characters that help to tie different stories together.

Before I introduce you to the characters, it is important to point out that Shameless is central to the family. Whatever problems, whatever has happened, the family unit always comes together and supports each other. It is the cornerstone of the whole series and is continuously being challenged by outside events, whether it is a teenage pregnancy, suffering from agoraphobia or various criminal activities.

The Gallagher family have developed over the 6 years that Shameless has been running. Frank Gallagher, the long, greasy haired father, is the main character in the whole series. He is played by David Threlfall. He acts superbly and now directs many of the programs. He plays a drunk, 'e' addicted, father of 9. For much of the time he has been a single parent, completely out of it, depending heavily on his other children to bring up the youngsters and care for the house. Frank claims any benefit he is liable to and any other he can get away with (including child support for children who have left home). In series 6 Frank is much more serious, and does start to show some responsibility towards his off spring. His favourite haunt is The Jockey, where he often asks for a pint of larger and an 'e'. At times you do feel sorry for poor old Frank, but that does not last for long, he soon lets his family and viewers down!

Imagine being one of the Gallagher clan. Not a nice thought, having a permanently drunk father and a bi-sexual mother who can not face up to her responsibilities and has drifted in then out again of her children's lives. Previously, the writers have made this into an amusing situation. With Fiona and Lip leaving home, young Carl going through puperty and having a liking for older women (he's actually the 'gullible' one), Ian trying to come out, Liam left up to his own devises, and Debbie managing the house from the age of 12. Now Debbie has grown up, and series 6 sees her her having underage sex at 15 (with a policeman), and actually becoming deviant against her role of 'mother'. It is great to see young Debbie actually having a good time, out with friends and enjoying herself (typical Shameless style, to the extreme), and not worrying about where the next lot of food is going to come from.

The Irish thugs, who have moved next door to the Gallaghers (I'm not sure who are the worse off) are the Maguires. At first I didn't like this family, mainly due to the fact that I don't like upsetting the status quo and trying to get to know new characters. I was happy with the originals. But as time has gone by, and I realised the Maguires are here to stay, they have grown on me along with their mad Irish ways. Mimi is the mother and matriarch of the family. She rules the roost and hubby Paddy will do anything to keep the peace. Initially Mimi was a scary character, that everyone was wary of, but as the programs have developed, we have seen a much softer, more caring side. My favourite characters in this family are the two brothers, Mickey and Shane. Poor old Mickey, who is gay and so afraid to come out, especially to his crazy father, who would probably knee cap him. There have been many close calls where his secret has so nearly been revealed. This family, although criminally active, are the extreme opposite of the Gallaghers. They are close knit, care for each other and do not depend on the state for finances (more like drug money!).

Shameless was recommended to be by a friend. As soon as I watched the first series, I was desperate for the second. It is written in a highly amusing way, that will make you cry with laughter in places. Each program begins with good old Frank Gallagher telling you about Chatsworth

"Now, nobody's sayin the Chatsworth Estate is the Garden of Eden, but it's been a good home to us, to me - Frank GALLAGHER - and me kids, who im proud of!"

The writers have also made all the characters speak in rough Mancunian accents. It is very appropriate to the scene and overall representation of Chatsworth. One of the best characters, who suffered with Tourette's Syndrome, was Veronica's brother, Marty Fisher (Jack Deam), who was also a pyromaniac. He acted the part fantastically and his role was written to perfection.

To begin and end each program a narrator (one of the cast) voices over, explaining the general gist of the episode. After the credits have rolled, there is always one last final scene, that leaves you with a smile. It is related to the episode and what has just happened.

I remember watching the first series of Shameless. It was a real eye opener and extremely close to the mark on several issues. It can be questioned whether it is right to make a comedy out of everyday problems, whether it be prostitution, drug taking or living below the bread line. But to me, life is far too serious anyway. These issues are part of everyday life, if it lightens the load and makes people laugh, it is serving a purpose and giving light entertainment

Shameless has been very entertaining. You do need to watch it with a very open mind, as it is explicit and full of bad language. I would not be able to sit and watch it with my parents, as I would curl up and die of embarrassment! Series 5 and 6 are not as amusing as the first four. However, I have still enjoyed these last two series, which have tackled hard hitting subjects like drug abuse, physical abuse, and death. Each episode is unique, all the plots intertwine, and each character is totally individual. Shameless has covered so many everyday issues and numerous hard hitting problems, that I look forward to seeing what they are planning for series 7.

I would most certainly recommend Shameless, but only if you are ready to be shocked alongside laughing until your stomach hurts!

Summary: My favourite series