Justin Chatwin Bids 'Shameless' Farewell

Justin Chatwin, who plays Jimmy, Fiona Gallagher’s on-again, off-again lover interest, has announced that he will not be returning to the hit series as a regular for season 4.

So what does this mean? He will no longer receive top billing, or have a minimum number of episodes in future seasons. Showtime representatives have stated that Justin Chatwin might return for an episode or two in the future, but nothing is set in stone.

But why? In the season 3 finale, we watched as a boat drives away containing Jimmy and some thugs. Many believed that his character is killed, but others firmly believed that Jimmy, a conman turned straight, was just up to his disappearing games again. However, with his demotion on the show, it can almost be safely assumed that Jimmy was killed in the finale.

The character of Jimmy spent much of his last season trying to balance his secret marriage of convenience to a drug lord’s daughter (for her citizenship) with his everlasting affection for Fiona Gallagher.

However, when the drug lord’s daughter is deported after Jimmy vanishes on her, the drug lord reacts. He is last seen being shipped off to sea with one of the drug lord’s men. And that’s the last we see of him. Fiona is given a large envelope of cash, and the audience is given many emotions.

It’s a shame to see Justin Chatwin go, but it all serves to the greater good of the plot. Though it’s curious as to why the Showtime representatives hinted that he may return for a few episodes in the future. Trying to avoid spoilers? What are your thoughts?