Hope you are lifting weights to prepare for all the table-flipping.

Season 1-4 Shameless was character driven, Season 5 they changed to plot driven (and "comedy"). It's a very hot spotlight on what's always been the weakest parts of the show.

Shameless writer actually tweeted a fan to 'STFU'. Very professional adult.

Correct, they shoot in LA w/2 trips to Chicago. S7 was shot 7/16 - 11/16. S6 was shot 8/15-11/15. S5 was shot 7/14-11/14. S4 was still shooting during 1/14. And the magic of TV makes summer look like winter. :D

The ratings are not strong, they are the lowest since season 2, but that doesn't mean Showtime wont renew it.

No, shameless filmed s7 like the normally shoot (july-november) - showtime is just airing it sooner

This episode (and this review D: ) feels like a filler ep. on auto-pilot? Lots of stuff happened but nothing had any weight and none of it feels like it will last for more than 2 episodes. This is the bottom/Ian, laundry, Lip is handed college /again/ 7x07 - 7x09 arc.

Just when I think Shameless has reached peak awfulness, another episode happens.

LOL @ "established characterization" Shameless doesn't do that anymore. Ian is a brand new character every year, for whatever plot the writers shove him into.

Nah, this whole trans storyline should be written for Lip.

But placeholder Caleb won't really be there next season so why bother spending one more second on his "character".

Lip wasn't an insta-alcoholic until the writers decided on a 3-episode clunky 'Lip's-an-alcoholic-now' plot. They could've made him a sex-addict just as easily. Or work-a-holic.

Fiona will probably start the season single but I wouldnt expect that to last more than 3/4 episodes. The writers are very very predictable with the same story arc pacing every season.

Only the 1st 4 seasons. Maybe S5. Def. not season 6, it's almost unwatchable now. I swear people are only watching and reviewing this show anymore out of bad habits.

The level of coffee in the prop cups getting its own 'observation point', instead of a compelling character or plot arc - says a LOT about this episode and this season.

I agree w a lot of the review. But 3 episodes in and the stories all feel hollow and meaningless. Sure Fiona got humiliated by Gus. But it will never be brought up again. So, I shrug. The Lip/Ian brother stuff felt like the writers were checking them off the list for the season (all in under 5mins of screentime). I…