Black-Haired Ginger
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Episode 5
| "Black-Haired Ginger" | |
|---|---|
| Shameless episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 9 Episode 5 |
| Directed by | William H. Macy |
| Written by | Philip Buiser |
| Cinematography by | Anthony Hardwick |
| Editing by | Russell Denove |
| Original release date | October 7, 2018 |
| Running time | 56 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
"Black-Haired Ginger" is the fifth episode of the ninth season of the American television comedy drama Shameless, an adaptation of the British series of the same name. It is the 101st overall episode of the series and was written by producer Philip Buiser, and directed by main cast member William H. Macy. It originally aired on Showtime on October 7, 2018.
The series is set on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois, and depicts the poor, dysfunctional family of Frank Gallagher, a neglectful single father of six: Fiona, Phillip, Ian, Debbie, Carl, and Liam. He spends his days drunk, high, or in search of money, while his children need to learn to take care of themselves. In the episode, Ian prepares for his incoming trial, while Frank tests a new drug. Meanwhile, Carl and Liam are both confronted by two girls, while Lip is on the verge of relapsing.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 1.00 million household viewers and gained a 0.34 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. The episode received mixed reviews from critics, who criticized the writing, although some praised the scenes between Fiona and Ian.
Ian (Cameron Monaghan) is told by his lawyer that he should plead insanity for his bipolar disorder, which could get him just two years of prison and probation. While Fiona (Emmy Rossum) does not want to interfere, she nevertheless insists on taking the plea deal, frustrating Ian.
Kevin (Steve Howey) is invited by Alison De Marco (Shannon Lucio) to speak at a women's convention after the positive feedback from the Alibi Room. He is accompanied by Veronica (Shanola Hampton), and he is shocked by many of the stories the women share, several of which include rape. Frank (William H. Macy) passes out in the Alibi's restroom, so Kevin and Veronica are forced to take him to the hospital. The doctor explains that Frank's medicine for his liver has worn out and he needs a new medication. As Frank has no insurance, the medication costs $2,000 per month, so Frank asks for a cheaper option. The doctor provides it, but Frank starts experiencing severe side effects, including face paralysis and erectile dysfunction.
Carl (Ethan Cutkosky) attends a West Point luncheon where he meets a girl named Kelly (Jess Gabor), who becomes interested. She offers to give him oral sex, but she passes out due to her alcoholism. When she wakes up, she believes Carl abused her, despite him recording the event to prove otherwise. She chases him, forcing him to flee. Sissy makes a move on Liam (Christian Isaiah), then tries to convince him he got her pregnant. The Gallaghers overhear this, drug her and drop her at a clinic. Due to a power outage, Lip (Jeremy Allen White) gets the day off at the shop. He struggles with not relapsing, so he tries to find ways to keep himself busy.
Debbie (Emma Kenney) fails in reconciling with Alex (Ashley Romans), and wonders if she is truly lesbian. She asks Nessa (Jessica Szohr) and Mel (Perry Mattfeld) for advice, and Mel decides to prove her sexuality by kissing her. Kelly visits Carl at his house, apologizing for not believing him. Frank gets Liam to electrocute his penis in an attempt to overcome the dysfunction, but he ends up in the hospital. There, he runs into a woman tied to a bed, Ingrid Jones (Katey Sagal), a mentally unstable woman. She manipulates him into releasing her and attacks him before escaping; Frank discovers that this finally solved his dysfunction. Fiona and Ford (Richard Flood) have a fight, although they reconcile later on. Before his hearing, Ian dyes his hair black and prepares in running away. Nevertheless, he returns home, with Fiona and Lip accompanying him to the court hearing, and Fiona states she will support whatever decision he takes. At the hearing, Ian takes Fiona's advice and pleads insanity. As his Gay Jesus supporters get upset, he exchanges a look with Fiona, with both smiling.
Production
The episode was written by producer Philip Buiser, and directed by main cast member William H. Macy. It was Buiser's first writing credit, and Macy's second directing credit.[1]