Sleepwalking (Shameless)
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Episode 12
| "Sleepwalking" | |
|---|---|
| Shameless episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 8 Episode 12 |
| Directed by | John Wells |
| Written by | John Wells |
| Cinematography by | Kevin McKnight |
| Editing by | Mark Strand |
| Original release date | January 28, 2018 |
| Running time | 57 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
"Sleepwalking" is the twelfth episode and season finale of the eighth season of the American television comedy drama Shameless, an adaptation of the British series of the same name. It is the 96th overall episode of the series and was written and directed by series developer John Wells. It originally aired on Showtime on January 28, 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, Fiona makes a final offer to Rodney's family, while Frank enlists Liam in robbing his friend's house. Meanwhile, Ian is wanted by the police, while Lip questions his future with Sierra. The episode marked the final appearance of Isidora Goreshter in the series.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 1.73 million household viewers and gained a 0.60 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. The episode received mixed reviews from critics, who were left unsatisfied with the lack of resolution for the storylines. For the episode, William H. Macy received a nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series at the 70th Primetime Emmy Awards.
At breakfast, Frank (William H. Macy) tells Liam (Christian Isaiah) that they will rob his friend's house, justifying it by claiming the kid's father is a scammer that loves destroying people's lives. While hesitant, Liam takes pictures of the valuables in the house and gets access to the security system.
Svetlana (Isidora Goreshter) has taken Freelania (Tina Ivlev) hostage, alarming Kevin (Steve Howey) and Veronica (Shanola Hampton). Svetlana intends to pose as Freelania during the wedding, as the groom cannot differentiate them. However, Freelanie's mother is coming over for the wedding, complicating the plan. Kevin and Veronica solve it by picking her up at the airport, and then drugging her in the Alibi. Ian (Cameron Monaghan) goes into hiding, while the police issue an arrest warrant for him. Trevor (Elliot Fletcher) meets him and scolds him for making the movement center around him instead of focusing in the youth center, telling him that he should surrender himself if he wants to do the right thing.
Fiona (Emmy Rossum) is informed by her lawyer (Maggie Wheeler) that Rodney's family is willing to drop the settlement to $3 million if she hands over the property and Rusty. The lawyer suggests Fiona could file for bankruptcy. She considers selling it to Margo (Sharon Lawrence) but declines her offer, deciding instead to deal with it The Gallagher Way. When she finally gets Rodney's family to leave by throwing in a smoke bomb, she offers them a small sum of money - plus monthly money orders - in exchange for dropping the claim, arguing they might not win the lawsuit.
While promising Kassidi (Sammi Hanratty) to stay, Carl (Ethan Cutkosky) plans to leave for military school anyway. She spies on him and handcuffs him to his bed, preventing him from reaching the dateline. Debbie (Emma Kenney) goes to a birthday party where she encounters Derek (Luca Oriel), who has enlisted in the Army and is engaged to his new girlfriend. Derek wants joint custody of Franny and is willing to pay child support, and Debbie considers the offer.
Kevin and Veronica manage to get Svetlana in time for the wedding, with Kevin walking her down the aisle. After Charlie (Chet Hanks) fails to convince Sierra (Ruby Modine) about his actions, Lip (Jeremy Allen White) asks her to give him a chance, using himself as an example of someone who struggled with alcohol. Instead, Sierra asks him to leave.
While Sleepwalking, Liam releases Carl from the handcuffs while Kassidi sleeps, allowing him to reach the bus for military school. He also intentionally gives Frank the wrong code for the alarm system on his heist, forcing him to steal as many items as possible before security arrives. Eddie runs away and abandons her niece, Xan, at the bike shop. Lip invites Xan into the Gallagher home. Ian leads another protest with his followers, and is subsequently arrested; with the family watching his arrest from TV.
Production
Development
The episode was written and directed by series developer John Wells. It was Wells' 17th writing credit and seventh directing credit.[1]