You'll Know the Bottom When You Hit It
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Episode 12
| "You'll Know the Bottom When You Hit It" | |
|---|---|
| Shameless episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 9 Episode 12 |
| Directed by | Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini |
| Written by | Joe Lawson |
| Cinematography by | Anthony Hardwick |
| Editing by | Russell Denove |
| Original release date | February 17, 2019 |
| Running time | 57 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
"You'll Know the Bottom When You Hit It" is the twelfth 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 108th overall episode of the series and was written by co-executive producer Joe Lawson, and directed by Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini. It originally aired on Showtime on February 24, 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, Frank and Fiona team up during a blackout to raise money, while Lip tries to contact Tami. Meanwhile, Carl tries to prevent Debbie and Kelly from hanging out.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 0.81 million household viewers and gained a 0.24 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. The episode received positive reviews from critics, who praised the emotional tone and character development.
Lip (Jeremy Allen White) helps Xan (Amirah Johnson) in packing her stuff, just as Naylor (Sharif Atkins) arrives to assign her to a new foster house. Lip shares an emotional farewell with her, and sees her being driven off. Then, he runs upstairs and throws Fiona's belongings in trash bags outside.
A power outage hits the city, ruining business at the Alibi. Frank (William H. Macy) buys a remote electric generator from a neighbor, and offers Fiona (Emmy Rossum) a partnership in which they can sell cold products, which she accepts. She also helps by making a copy of her Patsy's master key and stealing ice from the freezer. When they get home, Fiona finds her belongings and fights Lip inside. Lip pleads for her to go to Alcoholics Anonymous, but she refuses by walking out and drinking a beer. Seeing the situation, Frank tells Lip, "It's tough raising six kids by yourself. I couldn't have done it without her."
Carl (Ethan Cutkosky) and Debbie (Emma Kenney) continue fighting for Kelly (Jess Gabor), trying to win her over by watching her baseball game. After Carl questions her over trying to have sex with Debbie, Kelly breaks up with him, feeling he is too controlling in their relationship. With no place to sleeps, Fiona asks Veronica (Shanola Hampton) if she can stay with her, and she agrees. To prevent the meats from rotting, Kevin (Steve Howey) decides to throw a BBQ for the neighborhood. Realizing that South Side is the only place in the city with no electricity, Fiona convinces the neighborhood in marching to protest. As they reach the end of the neighborhood, they discover that the blackout has ended. They return to South Side, and Fiona is frustrated that they did nothing.
After discovering that Lip kicked her out, Veronica visits Lip to talk about Fiona. Lip expresses no regret over his actions, and warns Veronica not to let Fiona stay with her. He says that in order for Fiona to fully recover, she must hit rock bottom. That night, as the patrons at the Alibi celebrate, Fiona insults them for never trying to step up and do something for a change. Frank is affected by her words and behavior, realizing the extent of the damage she inflicted. Veronica tells Fiona that she cannot stay with her, and while hurt, Fiona accepts it. The next morning, Fiona wakes up in her old apartment building with an asleep Frank. She experiences withdrawal, and she cries after realizing she hit rock bottom. She attends an AA meeting, where she exchanges looks with Lip.
Production
Development
The episode was written by co-executive producer Joe Lawson, and directed by Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini. It was Lawson's third writing credit, and Berman's and Pulcini's first directing credit.[1]