Three Boys
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| "Three Boys" | |
|---|---|
| Shameless episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 1 Episode 5 |
| Directed by | Mimi Leder |
| Story by | Danny Brocklehurst |
| Teleplay by | Alex Borstein |
| Cinematography by | Rodney Charters |
| Editing by | Kelley Dixon |
| Production code | 2J5405 |
| Original release date | February 6, 2011 |
| Running time | 43 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
"Three Boys" is the fifth 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 consulting producer Alex Borstein, and directed by Mimi Leder. It originally aired on Showtime on February 6, 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, the Gallagher's neighbors Kevin and Veronica arrange their wedding plans, while Frank believes he might have cancer.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 0.95 million household viewers and gained a 0.4/1 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. The episode received mixed reviews from critics, many of whom criticized Frank's cancer subplot.
While preparing for her wedding, Veronica questions why Kevin is proposing to her. Kevin finally reveals that he is separated but still legally married to his estranged abusive wife. Realizing they will not be able to get legally married, they debate over a new strategy to hold off suspicion from Veronica's mother Carol.
To help Kevin and Veronica, the Gallagher family and friends continue with the plans for the wedding: Lip, Ian, and Carl manage to entrap a pedophile priest into officiating a false ceremony; Fiona organizes an impromptu bachelorette party for Veronica; Steve takes charge of the wedding cake; and Sheila offers to make Veronica's wedding dress. However, things spiral out of control when Veronica's pyromaniac brother Marty breaks out of prison to attend the wedding. Meanwhile, Frank attends a clinic, where a doctor is surprised by Frank having three lumps in his scrotum; Frank is forced to get a biopsy as it could be a precedent for cancer. Astonished by the possible diagnosis, Frank seeks solace by joining a cancer support group.
With his wife Linda out of town, Kash decides to invite Ian over to his house to have sex. However, Ian feels uncomfortable upon seeing images of Kash's family and decides to leave. Fearing that Marty may cause trouble at the wedding, Veronica and Fiona drug him and handcuff him to the toilet. Sheila prepares to attend the wedding with Frank and Karen but is unable to leave the house, experiencing a panic attack before opening the door. The false wedding goes as planned, and Carol surprises her daughter by giving her a $500 check. Having learned that he is not diagnosed with cancer, Frank makes a toast to Veronica and Kevin. While the Gallaghers join for a family photo, Lip has sex with Karen in a bathroom stall. Next to them, Marty, having released himself, prepares to roast toilet paper.
Production
Development
The episode was written by consulting producer Alex Borstein, and directed by Mimi Leder. It was Borstein's first writing credit, and Leder's first directing credit.[1] The episode is a loose adaptation of the third episode of the British version.
