One night, at the very end of September this year, I was skimming through TV series on Youtube and then suddenly came across the UK version of Shameless. I saw that the entire first, second and half of the third series had been uploaded. And becoming quite intrigued by the plot lines and characters, I skimmed through the very first episode learning more than ever so, about British/English TV and it's raw sense of humor.
I had seen TV ads and commercials on the channel SBS as a child, but I was never allowed to watch it because of it's rude, crude and overally hilariousness. Anyway, I shall get on with the review, viewing all seven episodes in the first season. I shall review, episode by episode, back to back. First, starting off with the very first episode, which marked a strong point in the series core.
Firstly, mentioning basics, many first episodes for an any TV series I've seen in the past haven't been so great. Not that the entire span or trend of episodes haven't been great after it, but the first episode is always mixed, not knowing what direction it would like to head to. Shameless' very first episode about Fiona meeting Steve and Lip trying to test his brother's sexuality is an excellent episode not only because of it's humor, but also it's tremendous and very clear set-up on premise. The first episode, goes into grave detail, expressing the characters, showing who they are and what they would do in their daily lives. You also start to connect with the issues that all of them experience. In any possible way, you can start to relate to them through your own lives. This episode, in only a 48 minute run presents everything and anything that can relate to a real life situation: Dysfuctional living, sexuality, some abuse, strict families, youth development, growing up, alcoholism and relationship building. I believe, in just 1 episode all of these strong and very real-life themes are presented to us, to show what occurs and continues to re-occur in daily living.
Viewing the characters, I love the majority of them. David Threfrall as Frank Gallagher is a scream. Even though, not being in the first episode for the majority, he pulls the role off exceptionally well revealing how he lives his own selfish lives and not looking after his children. However, we still have some sympathy that he loves them. The Fiona character is equally excellent. She's smart, beautiful, cunning, helpful and all out gorgeous. I do wish that she would've stayed around for the series more longer than just two series as I enjoyed her presence in the role. The Steve character is also great with all of the material he's given. His story lines are excellent. I believe Lip and Ian are the strongest of the cast because of their connection and friendship with each other. In this episode, the bondage that both brothers have shows us as an audience straight away that they will help each other through anything, even if it means Lip has to keep Ian's difference in sexuality a secret. Carl and Debbie aren't given much to do in this episode but I have come to love Carl and Debbie is prime timer with her extra hand in help. Liam, well Liam's just Liam. Kev and Veronica are also an excellent bunch in this series as they've always made me laugh.
The scenes are shot and planned excellently. I won't give the details away in case any of you reading have not seen this fabulous series. But all I'll say is that is paced perfectly, so that the story flows within the given time span.
Overall, this amazing first episode of Shameless ever, is quite unforgettable and I've watched it at least three times! There for, I shall give it 10 out of 10 because of it's excellent build up of character, fantastic pacing of scenes, great momentum on humor and funny moments, and catchy music.
P. S Don't brother watching the very first episode of the Americanized Remake, it's awful. Same dialogue, same wannabe characters and awkwardly shot for shot scenes at certain points. The other element it misses is it's comedy.
I had seen TV ads and commercials on the channel SBS as a child, but I was never allowed to watch it because of it's rude, crude and overally hilariousness. Anyway, I shall get on with the review, viewing all seven episodes in the first season. I shall review, episode by episode, back to back. First, starting off with the very first episode, which marked a strong point in the series core.
Firstly, mentioning basics, many first episodes for an any TV series I've seen in the past haven't been so great. Not that the entire span or trend of episodes haven't been great after it, but the first episode is always mixed, not knowing what direction it would like to head to. Shameless' very first episode about Fiona meeting Steve and Lip trying to test his brother's sexuality is an excellent episode not only because of it's humor, but also it's tremendous and very clear set-up on premise. The first episode, goes into grave detail, expressing the characters, showing who they are and what they would do in their daily lives. You also start to connect with the issues that all of them experience. In any possible way, you can start to relate to them through your own lives. This episode, in only a 48 minute run presents everything and anything that can relate to a real life situation: Dysfuctional living, sexuality, some abuse, strict families, youth development, growing up, alcoholism and relationship building. I believe, in just 1 episode all of these strong and very real-life themes are presented to us, to show what occurs and continues to re-occur in daily living.
Viewing the characters, I love the majority of them. David Threfrall as Frank Gallagher is a scream. Even though, not being in the first episode for the majority, he pulls the role off exceptionally well revealing how he lives his own selfish lives and not looking after his children. However, we still have some sympathy that he loves them. The Fiona character is equally excellent. She's smart, beautiful, cunning, helpful and all out gorgeous. I do wish that she would've stayed around for the series more longer than just two series as I enjoyed her presence in the role. The Steve character is also great with all of the material he's given. His story lines are excellent. I believe Lip and Ian are the strongest of the cast because of their connection and friendship with each other. In this episode, the bondage that both brothers have shows us as an audience straight away that they will help each other through anything, even if it means Lip has to keep Ian's difference in sexuality a secret. Carl and Debbie aren't given much to do in this episode but I have come to love Carl and Debbie is prime timer with her extra hand in help. Liam, well Liam's just Liam. Kev and Veronica are also an excellent bunch in this series as they've always made me laugh.
The scenes are shot and planned excellently. I won't give the details away in case any of you reading have not seen this fabulous series. But all I'll say is that is paced perfectly, so that the story flows within the given time span.
Overall, this amazing first episode of Shameless ever, is quite unforgettable and I've watched it at least three times! There for, I shall give it 10 out of 10 because of it's excellent build up of character, fantastic pacing of scenes, great momentum on humor and funny moments, and catchy music.
P. S Don't brother watching the very first episode of the Americanized Remake, it's awful. Same dialogue, same wannabe characters and awkwardly shot for shot scenes at certain points. The other element it misses is it's comedy.
