The Apple Doesn't Fall Far from the Alibi
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Episode 8
| "The Apple Doesn't Fall Far from the Alibi" | |
|---|---|
| Shameless episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 9 Episode 8 |
| Directed by | Zetna Fuentes |
| Written by | Joe Lawson |
| Cinematography by | Anthony Hardwick |
| Editing by | Russell Denove |
| Original release date | January 20, 2019 |
| Running time | 53 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
"The Apple Doesn't Fall Far from the Alibi" is the eighth 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 104th overall episode of the series and was written by co-executive producer Joe Lawson, and directed by Zetna Fuentes. It originally aired on Showtime on January 20, 2019.
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 continues her downward spiral, while Frank and Ingrid seek a pregnancy.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 0.80 million household viewers and gained a 0.26 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. The episode received mixed-to-negative reviews from critics, who criticized the writing, storylines and tone.
Fiona (Emmy Rossum) continues heavily drinking at the house, to the point that she stops doing her chores and also forgets about her job at Patsy's. When she discovers that her apartment building will be demolished to make way for a new building, she vandalizes the site of the upcoming retirement home.
Kevin (Steve Howey) and Veronica (Shanola Hampton) file adoption papers, and they become the foster parents of a kid named Santiago (Anthony Gonzalez). While Santiago impresses everyone with his voice, he does not speak English. However, they learn that Santiago got separated from his family while seeking asylum at the border. Ingrid (Katey Sagal) surprises Frank (William H. Macy) by her interest in becoming pregnant, and he agrees to the idea. However, the doctor tells them that they will not be able to conceive, as Frank's sperm count is just one. Frank is unable to back off, as Ingrid has frozen her eggs.
With Fiona now absent in her family's finances, Debbie (Emma Kenney) is forced to pay the debts and restart the Squirrel Fund. Lip (Jeremy Allen White) and Tami (Kate Miner) check a few apartments, as Lip is uncomfortable with the idea of dating someone with many roommates. While Tami likes one of the apartments, Lip is unable to pay it due to his low income. Tami stays at the Gallagher household, and is shocked by the poor living conditions. While driving, Kelly (Jess Gabor) convinces Carl (Ethan Cutkosky) into stealing city's scooters to re-sell them to hipsters. Carl goes forward with the plan, despite still planning to attend West Point.
Desperate to not disappoint Ingrid, Frank manipulates Carl in giving him a sample of his semen. He uses this to impregnate Ingrid, making it appear like a miracle. At the Alibi, Fiona is approached by a man over trying drugs, until Kevin kicks him out. As the man leaves, Frank takes the vial. That night, Kevin and Veronica bring a passed out Fiona home, and the family is left astounded over what to do.
Production
Development
The episode was written by co-executive producer Joe Lawson, and directed by Zetna Fuentes. It was Lawson's second writing credit, and Fuentes' third directing credit.[1]