My thoughts on this season...

So I guess this is one of the only seasons of Shameless that isn't related to the story line of the original series, giving the writers an open opportunity to come up with new material. I must say, I was a bit skeptical at first, but this season didn't turn out anywhere near as bad as I thought it would. But then again, there are still some things about this season that I haven't enjoyed.

For starters, I really hate what they've done to Lip's character. I know Lip is technically a recovering alcoholic. But his character is just sort of depressing to watch now. I hate how Lip is always focusing on his failed relationships and his sobriety. I mean, I know that's supposed to be the point of his story line; but I find it just really depressing and not that interesting. Sometimes it's bordering on being a soap opera. I think Karen and Karen's mom need to return to the show to shake things up a bit. Just sayin...

The plot seems to gravitate in two predictable directions; either being too serious or too goofy. For example, I've found some of Frank's scenarios to be really goofy. Like crossing the border into Canada to get drugs. I don't know why, but I just can't take some of Frank's actions seriously. But still, don't get me wrong, Frank is still a likable character. I just think he's being put in goofy situations that aren't very realistic. It's getting almost too comical. Aside from Frank, there's been a lot of other situations in the season that have been too goofy for me to take seriously. Like I said before, some of the story lines are either too goofy or too serious. The show needs to find some sort of middle-ground.

Debbie's character is by far the most annoying. And I'm sorry to say that, but it's true. Yet again, this is where more goofiness comes into play. Debbie is 'a welder' now?! Come on! Seriously?! I just think Debbie's character and story line is ridiculous at times. I think the writers should do something different with her character.

Ian's character is getting a bit unrealistic as well. Especially with Ian's boyfriend involved. His bf is way too serious and over-dramatic all the time. I think something needs to change between Ian and his bf. Or maybe just exclude his bf from the story all together.

I don't really know what else to say. Like I said, there are some things that I find enjoyable, and other things that I don't. If the writers have an open opportunity to come up with new material, I think they should utilize this opportunity with a bit more realism. The goofiness is off the charts at times.