Ep 4. Debbie, Carl & Liam: They Grow Up So Fast
- TV-NR
- January 24, 2021
- 51 min
As the Shameless: Hall of Shame series continues, viewers are taken back into the world of the Gallagher family with a focus on three of its youngest members in Debbie, Carl, and Liam. In this episode, titled "They Grow Up So Fast," the trio is highlighted for the ways in which they have matured and grown throughout the course of the show's eleven seasons.
Debbie Gallagher (Emma Kenney) is the eldest of the trio and has arguably gone through the most significant character development throughout the series. Once a rebellious and selfish teenager, she has since become a single mother of two with a strong work ethic and determination to provide for her family. The episode examines her journey and the challenges she has faced along the way, including the difficulties of balancing motherhood and a career.
Carl Gallagher (Ethan Cutkosky) is the middle child of the family and, like his sister, has gone through significant changes since the show's inception. Once a trouble-making adolescent with a penchant for criminal activity, Carl has since turned his life around and joined the police force. The episode explores his decision to enter law enforcement, as well as the emotional toll that comes with trying to make a difference while also being a part of a corrupt system.
The youngest Gallagher, Liam (Christian Isaiah), has always been somewhat of a background character throughout the series. However, as he has grown older, the show has begun to delve deeper into his personality and experiences. In this episode, viewers get a glimpse into Liam's life at school and his struggles to fit in with his predominantly white classmates. The episode also examines the impact of racism on the Gallagher family as a whole.
Throughout the episode, old clips from the show's previous seasons are interspersed with interviews with the actors, providing a retrospective look at each character's journey. Additionally, the episode offers a closer look at some of the show's iconic moments involving Debbie, Carl, and Liam.
As with previous episodes in the Hall of Shame series, "They Grow Up So Fast" offers fans a chance to revisit some of their favorite characters and moments from the show's eleven-season run. With a focus on the Gallagher children, this episode provides a unique retrospective look at their growth and development into the mature, responsible adults they have become.