Killer Carl Goes to Cancer Camp

      Shameless, created and directed by Paul Abott, and John Wells is the American spin off of the original British dramedy centering around the dysfunctional and comical Gallagher family. I started watching the show about a year ago and I honestly can't stop watching it.

     In this particular episode I'm about to talk about The Helpful Gallaghers,  the fourth episode of season three, Frank (William H. Macy) who is the trouble making, alcoholic father of the six Gallagher children convinces his son Carl (Ethan Cutkosky) that he (Carl) has terminal cancer to get him into a summer camp for children who don't have much time left. Carl, convinced he is dying heads to camp where he instantly starts causing trouble with the counselors and the other kids.

    The characters personalities and dynamics are extremely complex, especially in this episode. Frank who is always selfish and never does anything for his kids unless there's money involved got Carl into camp solely to give Carl the opportunity of going to camp. Carl, unlike his older siblings still believes that Frank can be a good father and is still a redeemable person in his eyes.

   As a viewer, I personally think that this episode was meant to show a slightly better side to Frank, rather than the usual thieving, abusive, manipulative, freeloading, alcoholic Frank that is so commonly and constantly portrayed through out the show and other episodes.

   Generally speaking, the show is absolutely hilarious, but very dark and emotional at the same time. I strongly recommend giving it a good watch, you won't be disappointed.