This series is dead soapy. Monica is dull as shit. And the writing isn't as good as it used to be. What's happened to Paul Abott and Danny Brocklehurst, they aren't even writing it anymore!!! Mind you, it's still better than that shit Goldplated.
I presume Danny Brocklehurst was busy with Sorted back when the fourth series of Shameless was being written. Mabey he'll write some of the fifth series now that the BBC have refused to give Sorted a second series.
Paul Abbott has actually written some of the fourth series, i think it's the final two episodes.
at last someone is talking sense - Vinny and Willo - I was beginning to think everyone on here was refusing to admit how poor the show has become. Mind you I didnt realise the writers had changed - that explains it - i've watched the show from day 1 and as much as I love it i'm so close to stopping watching it now. If I was a first time viewer this series i'd be thinking what a load of sh1t!
Literally lost the plot. The horse story was stupid, the lesbian theme overblown, the returning murderer looks like a sweet public schoolboy, the nymphomaniac barmaid is simplistic. This is veering off into lala land.
The joy of shameless was the fact that those of us who know this world could relate to even the wildest of the ideas. This is just a scriptwriters fantasy about what the wilder of the working class get up to. It's TV, not relevant drama.
I think this episode was just setting the direction for the rest of the series by -
-Introducing Jamie Maguire -Affirming that Jamie Maguire had changed for the better after his time in prison and is not going to be like the rest of his family -Hinting that Jamie & Karen are going to get together in the future -Affirming that Monica is not a lesbian but is bi-sexual (or was previously going through a phase) -Confirming Jamie Maguire will be a permanent character (job sharing agreement with Karen) -Finishing off the Monica & Norma relationship -Hinting at the likely future tension between the Maguires & Jamie -Setting up the big Sheila versus Monica battle for Frank
It was never going to be a classic episode because it focused mainly on two characters who have never really been explored at full depth (Monica and Norma). The storylines they've been involved in previously where never dedicated completely to them or their relationship (The Child Support claim, Frank's faked death and Liam's cancer) so focusing most of the episode mainly on two characters we've rarely had a chance to relate to is unlikely to go down well with the regular audience, but it had to be done or no doubt people would have questioned Norma's lack of fight for Monica, been puzzled by her just randomly getting back with Frank when she's apparently a lesbian & wondered why Sheila wasn't bothered by Monica's presance at all when she's always been wary around her in the past.
Jamie Maguire also had to be introduced and his character as a 'reformed murderer' defined and demonstrated properly (by returning the stolen horse).
I can see exactly why you were disappointed by this episode but the next episode is (in my opinion) brilliant. You'll see a much more gritty and realistic side to the Maguires, a side we've never seen to them before, as Paddy gets involved with a power struggle with his son. Sheila and Monica lock horns over Frank (That's after Sheila nearly commits murder for the second time) and he is forced to choose between Monica and Sheila, which makes for an interesting and funny story, it also delivers abit of long due poetic justice at the same time.
The show is going under changes here because of major cast departures, it's obviously going to take time to really get going again. Patience is a virtue. Paul Abbott and his team will deliver like they always do the least you can do is cut them abit of slack and stick by it until the end of this series. Then if you really want to make a stand theres a whole sixteen part fifth series for you to turn your nose up at.
The show is going under changes here because of major cast departures, it's obviously going to take time to really get going again. Patience is a virtue. Paul Abbott and his team will deliver like they always do the least you can do is cut them abit of slack and stick by it until the end of this series. Then if you really want to make a stand theres a whole sixteen part fifth series for you to turn your nose up at.
I know it's only just started up again and I'm gonna give it a chance but I don't think it can ever be the same without Steve, Fiona, Kev + Veronica. I like the introduction of the whole Maguire clan - should prove to be interesting. Fi xx
Member #10 of the JohnPaul<3Craig Club Member#5 of the Ray Barnett Appreciation Club
i really dont like the macquire family in this series and their increased role..they spoil the light heartedness of the show with their potential for violence and negativity...what i liked about the series before this was the positivity...i think the actress who plays ma mac quire adds a real downer to the series..bring back fiona please...what do othere feel ?
really dont like the macquire family in this series and their increased role..
To some extent I agree. I think that they were more effective when they made occasional appearencesl, then they appeared more intimidating. Seeing them appear regularly and interacting as a family, takes away some of the fear previously attached to their name. However, they are needed to fill a gap left by the departure of other cast members.
Yes bring back fiona, steve, veronica and kev. Fiona and Veronica worked well as friends and all that and without them yeah it just isnt the same.
quote:
Originally posted by James_Scot: i really dont like the macquire family in this series and their increased role..they spoil the light heartedness of the show with their potential for violence and negativity...what i liked about the series before this was the positivity...i think the actress who plays ma mac quire adds a real downer to the series..bring back fiona please...what do othere feel ?
