Can I Have a Mother
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| "Can I Have a Mother" | |
|---|---|
| Shameless episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 2 Episode 6 |
| Directed by | John Dahl |
| Written by | |
| Cinematography by | Rodney Charters |
| Editing by | Kelley Dixon |
| Production code | 2J5956 |
| Original release date | February 12, 2012 |
| Running time | 53 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
"Can I Have a Mother" is the sixth episode of the second season of the American television comedy drama Shameless, an adaptation of the British series of the same name. It is the 18th overall episode of the series and was written by main cast member William H. Macy and Steven Schachter, and directed by John Dahl. It originally aired on Showtime on February 12, 2012.
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, Frank is dismayed upon learning his mother has been released from prison, while Karen and Jody prepare for their wedding party.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 1.44 million household viewers and gained a 0.8 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. The episode received mostly positive reviews from critics, who praised the performances and the focus on Frank's relationship with his mother.
Frank's mother, Peggy "Grammy" Gallagher, is released from prison on medical furlough. She has Carl break a wall in the bathroom, where she retrieves money and a gun she hid before being sent to prison. She then pays Carl and Debbie for their silence.
Fiona is surprised when Steve reveals he is married to a Brazilian woman, Estefania. They decide to go on a double date, with Fiona bringing Adam along. Both Fiona and Steve head to the bathroom, where Steve reveals he married Estefania to pay off a debt he owed towards Estefania's father Nando, a mafia mob leader. As they argue, they kiss and almost have sex before stopping. When they return, Adam correctly deduces they had an encounter and angrily walks off. Ian starts ignoring Lip, with the family believing that it was because Ian insulted Karen.
Frank is shocked to discover his mother in the bar, and she asks him to help him in retrieving money. While taking a stop with Sheila, Peggy insults her, prompting Sheila to kick Peggy out of the house. Frank then accompanies Peggy into meeting Dr. Noah Pitts, her partner-in-crime who abandoned her to the police. Peggy wants $200,000 she is owed, and gives him one day to retrieve it. Peggy then confides in Frank that she plans to kidnap Noah's children as a collateral. Frank secretly meets with Noah, asking him to pay him forward to avoid risking the lives of his children. Noah is only able to give him $75,000, but threatens to call the police if they contact him. Peggy is angry that Frank reduced her demands, and stabs him in the leg when he keeps some of the money for himself.
At a wedding party for Karen and Jody, a drunk Lip shows up despite not being invited, while Sheila, overwhelmed by the large crowd of people, mixes her medication with alcohol. When Peggy insults Sheila, the latter goes on a drunken tirade, finally calling out Peggy for her actions. This prompts Peggy to aim her gun at her, only to be stopped by Steve. Following the incident, Lip talks with Karen over her baby, and they seemingly reconcile. However, Lip states that he wants her to get an abortion, causing a furious Karen to slap him. After finding out that Clyde had died, Ethel packs her bags and secretly runs away with Malik, horrifying Kevin and Veronica . They also discover that they stole Kevin's marijuana, using it to get cash and leave the city. Seeing Steve back, Debbie finally reveals his real identity as Jimmy to Fiona.
Frank is disappointed to learn that Eddie gave his insurance money to Karen, and he lashes out at Jody. Sheila, finally seeing Frank's true colors, kicks him out of her house. He is forced to return home, where Peggy has found out that he has been cashing Aunt Ginger's checks, and she explains she will stay for some time. This causes Frank to go on an angry tirade, blaming her for his life. Peggy is not affected by his words, claiming he was always a loser from birth. Seeing this, Fiona joins Frank outside to comfort him.
Production
The episode was written by main cast member William H. Macy and Steven Schachter, and directed by John Dahl. It was Macy's first writing credit, Schachter's first writing credit, and Dahl's second directing credit.[1]
