Survival of the Fittest (Shameless)
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| "Survival of the Fittest" | |
|---|---|
| Shameless episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 3 Episode 12 |
| Directed by | Mark Mylod |
| Written by | |
| Cinematography by | Kevin McKnight |
| Editing by | Regis Kimble |
| Production code | 2J6612 |
| Original release date | April 7, 2013 |
| Running time | 57 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
"Survival of the Fittest" is the twelfth episode and season finale of the third season of the American television comedy drama Shameless, an adaptation of the British series of the same name. It is the 36th overall episode of the series and was written by producer Etan Frankel and co-executive producer Nancy M. Pimental, and directed by executive producer Mark Mylod. It originally aired on Showtime on April 7, 2013.
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 given a critical medical diagnosis, while Fiona tries to find Jimmy. The episode marked the final appearance of Laura Slade Wiggins and Zach McGowan in the series.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 1.82 million household viewers and gained a 0.9 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. The episode received critical acclaim, who praised the episode's serious tone, performances and writing.
In his jail cell, Frank (William H. Macy) suddenly collapses. He is taken to the prison's infirmary, where a doctor diagnoses him with a liver failure, and warns him to stop drinking. As the prison does not want to be responsible for his treatment, Frank is allowed to be released. Despite the doctor's warning, Frank goes to the Alibi Room to drink.
Lip (Jeremy Allen White) is preparing to graduate from high school, although he is not interested in his family's planned surprise party. He goes to the Alibi, running into Frank. As they converse, they make a bet that Frank can do the most amount of push-ups compared to the other bar patrons. Frank wins the bet, and he decides to invite Lip to a restaurant to celebrate his graduation. Fiona (Emmy Rossum) is getting nervous over Jimmy's whereabouts, as he has not answered a single phone call. She meets with Lloyd (Harry Hamlin) for help, and he suggests Jimmy fled from his life. Later, she is approached by Beto (Bernardo de Paula), who gives her money and tells her to move on from Jimmy. Sheila (Joan Cusack) bids farewell to Karen (Laura Slade Wiggins), Jody (Zach McGowan) and Hymie, who are leaving for a new life in Arizona to help Karen recover.
Without informing his family, Ian (Cameron Monaghan) decides to enlist in the army, despite still being underage. While visiting Mandy (Emma Greenwell), Ian informs Mickey (Noel Fisher) about his plans. Mickey claims he does not care, but as Ian leaves, he says "Don't" in an emotional tone. After Ian leaves, Mandy calls her brother a coward for not opening up about his feelings. While skating at an ice rink, Lip vomits alcohol. However, Frank vomits blood and is taken to the hospital. Fiona is forced to visit him, banning Debbie (Emma Kenney) and Carl (Ethan Cutkosky) from entering the room. After getting Lip to leave, Fiona scolds Frank and asks him to stop drinking for the sake of his children, but Frank rebuffs her.
Realizing Jimmy is not going to return, Fiona finally admits to Debbie that she will stay in Chicago. The Gallaghers throw a party to celebrate Lip's graduation; Carl leaves the party and meets with Frank at the hospital, shaving his head as he believes this cured his "cancer". The following day, Frank walks out of the hospital and walks the streets just as it begins to snow. Ian leaves for the army, having created a false ID with Lip's. Lip visits Mandy to tell her he has been admitted in MIT and thanks her for supporting him. Fiona convinces Mike (Jake McDorman) in giving her a sales position at Worldwide Cup. When she returns home, she leaves one final message for Jimmy, telling him goodbye and cutting all ties.
Production
Development
The episode was written by producer Etan Frankel and co-executive producer Nancy M. Pimental, and directed by executive producer Mark Mylod. It was Frankel's fifth writing credit, Pimental's eighth writing credit, and Mylod's ninth directing credit.[1]
