But you're right, as of now I don't think there's any realistic future for Mickey on this show.

Crazy idea for a spin-off - Mickey is recruited by the FBI/DEA as an informer to bring down a Mexican drug cartel. Gets his attempted murder conviction thrown out and his record expunged in the process :D

Oh yes! That would be a good way for the show to write off Mickey's character, without going the crazy/psycho/sociopath/liar/cheater route they took with other Gallagher love interests.

Kinda feel like that's going to be the point of the whole crazy 'fugitive Ian/Mickey storyline though. Even within the Shameless universe, no one in their right mind would decide to leave their family, friends, entire life behind on a spur of the moment decision and then stick with it as the right choice. Add to that…

Would you look at that! I remembered it being similar, but didn't realise it was exactly the same. I'm getting a very strong feeling that Ian's storyline this season is going to end with him coming back and apologising to Trevor, finally telling him about being bipolar, and explaining away Mickey as nothing more than…

It's the shot of Ian's face right before he makes the decision to leave. The camerawork is very similar to how they portrayed Ian's mental incapacity when he was in psych hold. Also the fact that he generally has trouble sleeping as his manic episodes begin.

All speculation and differing views on Ian's decision aside, can everyone just take a moment to acknowledge Noel Fisher's acting chops? Right now I realise that we will see him on screen in reference to Mickey's storyline revolving only around his relationship with Ian. Honestly, I'm with Myles in thinking that Ian…

Agreed. Also with him being unable to sleep at night….another symptom of his manic episodes.

Did anyone notice how similar the close up of Ian's face looked to the time when he was in the mental hospital? The slightly hazy, out of focus look, right before he finally decides to leave with Mickey. Could it be a sign of the show ultimately trying to make it seem that Ian's decision was a result of his oncoming…