Casey Casden
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| "Casey Casden" | |
|---|---|
| Shameless episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 1 Episode 4 |
| Directed by | Todd Holland |
| Story by | Paul Abbott |
| Teleplay by | Cindy Caponera |
| Cinematography by | Rodney Charters |
| Editing by | Thomas Bolger |
| Production code | 2J5404 |
| Original release date | January 30, 2011 |
| Running time | 44 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
"Casey Casden" is the fourth episode of the first season of the American television comedy drama Shameless, an adaptation of the British series of the same name. The episode was written by producer Cindy Caponera, and directed by Todd Holland. It originally aired on Showtime on January 30, 2011.
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, Debbie kidnaps a toddler from the neighborhood and the Gallaghers have to find a way to return him.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 1.11 million household viewers and gained a 0.6/1 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. The episode received highly positive reviews from critics, who praised its dark humor, storylines and ending.
At the Jackson residence, Frank discovers that the neighbors, the Casdens, are throwing a birthday party but loses interest when he realizes there will not be alcohol. Eddie Jackson unexpectedly moves back in with his family, citing financial issues, much to the dismay of his estranged wife Sheila and their daughter Karen. Angered by her father's return, Karen tries to seduce Frank to get back at her father, but Frank rebuffs her.
Hearing a noise at the house, Fiona and Steve investigate and are shocked to find that Debbie, still saddened over having to say goodbye to the woman from the nursing home, has kidnapped the birthday party's toddler, Casey. This leads to a local search for Casey, and the Gallaghers are alarmed that they might be arrested for kidnapping him. Lip concocts a plan to return Casey to his family without drawing attention from the public and the police. He enlists Carl, Kevin and Veronica to call the police and report separate instances of a little boy walking around Chicago, and they fabricate a story in which Debbie finds Casey on the street and decides to walk him home. Lip's plan is successful, and Fiona takes Debbie to the police station with Tony to make a statement. She gets over $700 in rewards, and Steve decides to buy her a baby doll.
While working at the Alibi Room, Kevin tries to get rid of a flirty girl by falsely claiming he is going to marry Veronica. Frank overhears this and loudly celebrates while Veronica's mother Carol is present. Kevin is forced to accept the statement, although he asks Carol not to call Veronica yet. Later, he arrives home and drunkenly proposes to Veronica, which she accepts. After returning home from the police station, Fiona tells Steve that she wonders if she is properly raising her family. They are interrupted when Veronica and Kevin arrive, announcing their engagement. With her money, Debbie buys a new water heater for the house. When Fiona comments over Kevin's indifference to getting engaged, Kevin reveals to her that he is already married.
Production
Development
The episode was written by producer Cindy Caponera, and directed by Todd Holland. It was Caponera's first writing credit, and Holland's first directing credit.[1] The episode is a loose adaptation of the fourth episode of the British version.
