We Become What We... Frank!
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Episode 1
| "We Become What We... Frank!" | |
|---|---|
| Shameless episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 8 Episode 1 |
| Directed by | Iain B. MacDonald |
| Written by | John Wells |
| Cinematography by | Kevin McKnight |
| Editing by | Mark Strand |
| Original release date | November 5, 2017 |
| Running time | 55 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
"We Become What We... Frank!" is the first episode of the eighth season of the American television comedy drama Shameless, an adaptation of the British series of the same name. It is the 85th overall episode of the series and was written by series developer John Wells and directed by supervising producer Iain B. MacDonald. It originally aired on Showtime on November 5, 2017.
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 returns from a monastery as a changed man, while Fiona sets out in finding profitability in her tenement building.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 1.86 million household viewers and gained a 0.73 ratings share among adults aged 18–49, which was higher than any episode of the past season. The episode received highly positive reviews from critics, who praised the new dynamics and development for the characters.
Fiona (Emmy Rossum) decides to abandon online dating, and dumps her date. She returns home, where Carl (Ethan Cutkosky) has been using his knowledge from military school to serve his family. He uses his share of Monica's inheritance to install a hot tub in the backyard.
Frank (William H. Macy) returns after having stayed at a monastery to mourn Monica's death. He claims he is a changed man, having consumed half of his meth bag and donating the other half. He apologizes to Carl for all the bad things he did and proceeds to go around town to seek forgiveness from other people. Fiona begins working at the tenement building, befriending one of the residents, Nessa (Jessica Szohr). Debbie (Emma Kenney) now works at a parking garage, while also taking night school classes. Ian (Cameron Monaghan) tries to repair his relationship with Trevor (Elliot Fletcher) by helping people at the youth center, but Trevor is not ready to go out with him. Liam (Christian Isaiah) is used by the faculty of his school to show off the school's diversity for prospective parents.
Veronica (Shanola Hampton) is forced to work at Patsy's, while Kevin (Steve Howey) continues working at the gay club, but Veronica specifically instructs him not to let anyone masturbate him despite the promise of payment. They are horrified to learn that Svetlana (Isidora Goreshter) disbanded the Alibi Room's name, and changed it to "Putin's Paradise", where customers can earn a discount if they speak Russian. After fighting with her, Veronica feels inspired by a raid that she contacts U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to raid the bar, claiming they run illegal prostitutes. Svetlana and a few others are arrested, while Veronica proudly watches. That night, Kevin decides to let a man give him oral sex for $200. However, the man notices a lump in Kevin's breast, and tells him he should visit a doctor. At a clinic, Kevin is told that he will need to get a biopsy, alarming him.
Fiona initially believes she might not get to sell an apartment in the building, but is surprised when a family offers to pay even more than the offer. Lip (Jeremy Allen White) continues his friendship with Sierra (Ruby Modine), although Brad (Scott Michael Campbell) says he should not pursue a relationship with her until six months later. Nevertheless, he agrees in helping her babysit Lucas, despite her going on a date with Charlie (Chet Hanks). Afterwards, he visits Youens (Alan Rosenberg) and pays him his share of the meth money, thanking him for getting him help.
Production
.jpg)
The episode was written by series developer John Wells and directed by supervising producer Iain B. MacDonald. It was Wells' 16th writing credit, and MacDonald's fourth directing credit.[1]