Ep 9. Survivors

As the eleventh and final season of Shameless draws to a close, the ninth episode entitled Survivors is a perfect example of how the show has consistently delivered both heart and energy over the years. Focused on the Gallagher family and their tumultuous lives on the Southside of Chicago, Shameless has always been fueled by a strong sense of familial love and survival in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Survivors opens by diving headfirst into the collective chaos of the Gallaghers. Each member of the family is wrestling with their own demons and issues, from Lip's financial stress to Debbie's ongoing feud with her ex-partner, and the episode captures this whirlwind of frustration and growth with grace and humor. There's also a healthy dose of references to past seasons and moments, reminding viewers of all the highs and lows of the Gallaghers' journey to this point.

One of the episode's strongest storylines revolves around Ian and Mickey's plans to start their own business. It's a classic Shameless plot, combining elements of humor, desperation, and heart. Though Ian and Mickey's love story has been at the forefront of the show for some time, the fact that the two are now trying to start a life together outside of the confines of their relationship adds a fresh dynamic to their story. The tension and fear they both feel as they attempt to navigate their new business venture only adds to the palpable sense of uncertainty that runs throughout the episode.

Another standout storyline in Survivors is centered around Carl and his ongoing struggle to find his place in the world. Carl has always been one of the most fascinating and complex characters in Shameless, and his journey over the course of the series has been nothing short of enthralling. In this episode, he's again dealing with feelings of disappointment and uncertainty as he tries to find success as a police officer. However, his storyline is balanced with moments of humor and heart – including a poignant moment with his girlfriend, Anne.

Meanwhile, Frank and Liam are on a mission to reclaim Frank's old O.G. identity. While their plotline feels a bit more scattershot than the others, it still delivers some great moments of comedy and tension. William H. Macy continues to give a fantastic performance as Frank, and his relationship with Liam is one of the most interesting and nuanced in the show. The episode's resolution of this storyline is also satisfying, providing a sense of closure and hope for both characters.

Back at the Gallagher household, Lip is dealing with the stress of his financial situation – as well as other personal issues – by self-medicating with alcohol. The scenes featuring Lip's drinking are raw and difficult to watch, but they're also some of the most affecting in the episode. Jeremy Allen White is a consistently impressive performer, and he shines here in moments of both vulnerability and frustration.

As always, the episode is rounded out by some fantastic side characters and guest stars. Particular standouts include Kev and V, who continue to be some of the most entertaining and compelling characters on the show, as well as Sammi Hanratty as Debbie's ex-girlfriend Sandy Milkovich. All of the actors on Shameless are clearly having a blast with their roles, and it shows in every scene.

Overall, Survivors is a thrilling and emotional episode – one that highlights the best aspects of Shameless as a whole. As the series begins to wind down and say goodbye to its beloved characters, the show continues to prove why it's been such a hit over the years. With fantastic performances, sharp writing, and a unifying message of love and survival, Shameless remains one of the most engaging and entertaining TV shows in recent memory.