Dude, Season 1 laid out Noah's backstory pretty well. His mother died while he was in high school and he had a rough/underprivileged upbringing where he felt like his sister and father only wanted to bring him down. Granted, he's still white so it was easy for him to climb the ladder of success, but still. I see a lot…

Actually doing better than it did in its early days imo.

This episode definitely wasn't as strong as last week but it does move a lot of set pieces around with focus and solid planning for the rest of the season. Too bad that everything will probably go wrong sooner rather than later.

Lip attracts all types of crazy.

Because it increases the momentum in the dynamic between Fiona and Debbie. After their fantastic episode closing scene last week. Seeing this in the wake of Debbie's illicit actions accentuates Shameless at its strongest. Also, I got the sense Debbie told Fiona everything off screen and by next week, it'll probably…

It's funny: Shameless could have shitty things happen to its characters but the overall quality of the show couldn't be further from shitty. I loved this episode to pieces even though watching it was like taking a nut punch over and over again.

I think it's more because the last girl he said "I love you" to ended up turning into a psychopath.

Another solid episode on all fronts. Just my stray observations:

I really enjoyed the premiere, mostly because it does let us know it will be a thrilling season to watch. Not everything clicks but it's still fun to watch. I think it's important Shameless takes time to ease viewers back into the insanity, especially since season 4 was such an immediate gut punch with its tragedy. If…

I found it hilarious that it Barbara thought Ivy was Jim's concubine or lover (hypocritical and too early). It was an intentionally funny scene.

That scene between Ivy and Barbara….LMFAOOOOOOOOO I wasn't ready, I wasn't ready, I wasn't ready.

that's why the show is loosely based on the life of the Masters, not a full biography.

Let's be honest here: all of the Beifongs are really attractive. While Toph is attractive, I think Lin and Su's fathers had something to do with that too.

WE MADE IT!!! :D

I'm so glad I'm not the only one who felt strongly about the kiss. No one alive can tell me that kiss was just maternal/familial. Norma & Norman have issues.

Giant Woman, Laser Light Cannon (ROSE FTW), Bubble Buddies, Tiger Millionaire, and Lars & the Cool Kids are my favorite episodes.

I'm surprised you didn't mention the soundtrack, Alasdair. I feel that along with the animation they bolster the episodes that don't carry the most narrative weight. It started out very cool but grew to be absolutely awesome in such short amount of time due to 70s and 80s influences. I refuse to let it be overlooked…

y'know the funny thing is that I think Jeremy Allen White & Emma Greenwell are together IRL.