Shameless - "A Night to Remem-Wait, What?" Review. Easy Come, Easy Go

Season 5, Episode 4

Air Date: Sunday, February 1, 2015 at 9:00 pm ET/PT on Showtime

Rating: ★★★★★

“I need to get dressed up like a sex object and be objectified, not be the third wheel to you and your new squeeze…I’m goin’ through a sex famine over here.” – Vee

A few story lines from last season are resurrected in “A Night to Remem-Wait, What?.” First, the settlement from the insurance scam Frank (William H. Macy) pulled with Carl’s (Ethan Cutkosky) help in season four has fnally come through. But Frank gets a huge surprise when he goes to collect the funds. Then, Lip (Jeremy Allen White) follows up on his promise to terrorize his girlfriend Amanda’s (Nichole Bloom) family in Miami. Not everything in this week’s installment of Shameless is from the past, though. Fiona (Emmy Rossum) seems to be getting quite cozy with Gus (Steve Kazee) following her failed date with Davis (Axle Whitehead) in last week’s “The Two Lisas.” Carl gets a new job; Ian (Cameron Monaghan) begins life as a thief; and Debbie (Emma Kenney) talks to Fiona about birth control. There’s a lot going on in “A Night to Remem-Wait, What?” so sit back and enjoy the ride.

What the Hell Happened?

Even these ladies can’t tell Frank where he went next.

As “A Night to Remem-Wait, What?” opens, I thought I was watching an episode from last season. Frank is drunk, spread out on the steps beneath a statue, and is awakened by a cop. Frank apparently spent the night celebrating but for the life of him, can’t remember why. He finds out soon enough, though, when he visits his lawyer Lou (guest star Alex Borstein). Wow! What a windfall! But in true Frank fashion, he can’t remember what he did with all that cash. It is so much fun watching Frank and his friend Kermit (Jim Hoffmaster), and then Frank and Carl, on a treasure hunt, pun intended, as they seek to learn what Frank did with the money. Frank’s flashbacks to the previous evening totally cracked me up, but it’s what Frank eventually finds out that is so completely Shameless.

Love at First Sight?

People say love at first sight truly happens. But is that what took place last week when Gus and Fiona spent the night together? It sure looks that way with how much they’re enjoying themselves in this week’s episode. Gus is adorable as he serenades Fiona with his “ballad of sweaty balls,” which is apropos given their state of undress. I think the status of their relationship—if you can call it that—is revealed by the two lovers’ conversation.

Fiona: “How are we not sick of each other?”

Gus: “It’s only been a week.”

Fiona: “So any day now.”

Gus: “Actually, it’s been nine days and 12 hours, but who’s counting?

Gus and Fiona only have eyes for each other.

Kazee and Rossum do an excellent job of portraying two people who are on the brink of falling in love with each other. The way they look at and touch each other, as well as their silly grins, speak volumes. Hell, even I had a stupid grin on my face throughout their scenes. They are just so damn cute together! The scene that had me yelling, “Oh my God!” at my TV screen is the one that takes the cake. If you’ve already seen “A Night to Remem-Wait, What?,” I’m pretty sure you know what I’m referring to. But in case someone reading this review hasn’t, I’m not going to spell it out. I don’t want to spoil it for you. There’s one other thing I won’t spoil either. Let’s just say it involves roses, rubber bands, and Fiona saying, “Holy fuck,” numerous times.

The Best Laid Plans

Jason and Lip find out they share a common passion.

The scenes and music when Lip pulls up in front of Amanda’s house remind me of the opening sequences of such shows as Miami Vice and The Real Housewives of Miami. My use of the word “house” isn’t right, though; that sucker is a god damn mansion, complete with expansive grounds, humongous rooms, and a beautiful pool. Hell, I could fit my entire home into one section of that residence! Amanda is up for sex games, in particular “vagina sex,” which is quite surprising. Amanda hasn’t lost her virginity yet so I don’t blame Lip for wanting to know what’s up. The most telling aspect of Lip’s stay is events don’t go exactly as Amanda planned—or do they? Is Lip’s connection to Jason (Ian Kahn), Amanda’s father, what she wanted all along?

Yo, ‘Sup?

I cracked up when I saw Carl getting dressed for his new job as a drug dealer, especially since he has to change into such different clothes later. I wonder whether Carl knows what he’s getting into. He learns soon enough when the consequences of his actions come back to bite him. Where in the world is Carl going to get the money he needs to pay back Jerome (Dante Brown)? Jerome may be young but he certainly is street savvy. I fear for Carl; there’s no easy way out of this conundrum.

First Love?

Debbie runs into former BFF Holly (Danika Yarosh) and three of her friends. I feel sorry for Debbie when Holly calls her out over what happened with Matty (James Allen McCune) last week but fighting is never the answer. Unless a cute guy comes to your rescue, that is. I have to wonder whether Debbie is taking classes at Reflex Athletics to be near Derek (Luca Oriel) or whether she truly wants to learn how to fight. Could this be the beginning of a first love for our young teenager?

There’s Orgasms and Then There’s Orgasms

Dirty dancing, anyone?

Vee (Shanola Hampton) and Kev (Steve Howey) are still having problems. Their story line truly dismays me. When will Kev realize his actions are pushing Vee in a direction that could ruin their marriage? On the other hand, Vee doesn’t exactly act like a loving mother; she doesn’t even kiss babies Gemma and Amy goodbye when leaving for work. She’s more interested in having “date night” with Kev. Sure, going out and getting it on might help put things back on track but Kev wants to wait until the fraternal twins are older. He better start listening to…no, hearing…what Vee says. There’s a big difference, you know.

On the other hand, Vee has no problem explaining exactly what she needs when she tells Fiona they’re going dancing. But what happens on the dance floor gives Vee something to think about. Dare I say, it scares her? One thing is for sure—Hampton has one helluva body and knows how to dance!

Funny Lines

Carl to Gus: “Boyfriend/girlfriend or just fuck buddies?”

***

Amanda: “Well, I wrote on Facebook that I was saving myself for my future husband but no one thought it was romantic; so not if I’m going to tell them I’ve been fucked in the ass, blown guys, and had them jerk off in my face.”

***

Gus to Fiona: “You know what’s weird? Sitting in a family diner with an erection.”

***

Derek to Debbie: “Look, this is Chicago. You wanna fight, punch the other girl in her tits. You wanna box, take a class.

Overall

“A Night to Remem-Wait, What?” is, without a doubt, the best episode of the season so far. Episodic writer Davey Holmes outdoes himself with the ongoing story lines and brilliant dialogue. The episode revolves mainly around Fiona and Frank, and both Rossum and Macy steal almost every scene they’re in.

I wonder how long it’s going to take before Ian’s problems are fully addressed. Although this is only the fourth episode of the season, I think it’s about time Fiona was apprised of Ian’s erratic behavior. It’s not normal to steal suitcases from baggage handling. I know Mickey (Noel Fisher) is scared of what will happen but Ian needs to at least see a doctor before he ends up in jail.

I’m thrilled for Fiona but I wonder how long her happiness is going to last. What will happen when reality takes over and Gus and Fiona face what they did? This is called Shameless, after all.

What did you think of “A Night to Remem-Wait, What?” Hit me up on Twitter @SeasideTV, or leave me a comment below. I love talking all things Shameless!

Tune in to Shameless Sundays at 9:00 pm ET/PT, only on Showtime.

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Linda

Love TV, movies, and books--mostly mysteries, with a good love story thrown in every now and then. I have four adopted dogs who I adore. I love trying new recipes, and enjoy eating what I make. English language perfectionist. Reading in bed, Italian food, warm weather, the beach, all types of games = favs!