Watching Shameless is a little like watching modern dance. There’s a lot going on and it all seems to be moving in several directions. But in the end it comes together quite nicely. Whereas the first episode gave more attention to Fiona (Emmy Rossum), this one gave William Macy’s role as the reluctant patriarch Frank Gallagher a lot more room to share his total dysfunction. It’s wonderful to behold.
After Eddie (Joel Murray) head butts Frank and breaks his nose for allowing his sons to take advantage of Eddie’s nympho daughter, Frank goes home and does the same thing to his son Ian (Cameron Monaghan). That causes bad blood between Fiona’s boyfriend Steve (Justin Chatwin) and Frank.
When Frank disappears the next day, Steve is surprised at how everyone—the family, the neighbors, the cops—is so worried about Frank. When Fiona discovers that Steve had taken a passed-out Frank across the border to Canada, leaving him on a park bench, she’s furious and makes Steve go and retrieve him, with some help from Kev (Steve Howey). But it’s not enough for Fiona to take Steve back, despite his valiant attempts at contrition.
Frank gets home only to argue with Fiona before leaving to wander the streets while talking to himself (like any respectable drunk would do).