Lip is certainly one of the most beloved characters in Shameless. There definitely are a lot of rough moments for him, but they help him grow throughout the series. This is why his character development has been so fantastic to watch. In earlier seasons, he is a typical teenager with a plethora of flaws, but his maturity grows immensely as the show progresses. Thus, this is what allows fans to cheer for him to continue to improve.
Lip is a character who goes through a lot of hardships too, as his family life is very challenging. When a rare good moment occurs for him, it is always so sweet to see, as his happiness is important for the series. When the series comes to a close, one can only hope that he gets the happiest of endings, as he absolutely deserves it.
He Is The First Person Ian Comes Out To
Lip is the first person to find out that Ian is gay. At this stage of the series, Ian keeps this secret, but Lip is the individual who helps him become more secure about this. Lip jokes when he first confronts Ian about it to try to make him feel comfortable, but then quickly shows that he supports him.
This turns into a wonderful scene from the series, as it displays the close relationship between Lip and Ian. Lip saying, "Name a single time I let you down," in response to Ian opening up about it shows just how much he cares for his brother.
He Dumps Karen
Karen is easily the worst partner that Lip is with in the series. This is due to the fact that she is immensely manipulative and takes advantage of Lip's love for her. It takes him a long to leave, but he is so much happier once he does.
It is very refreshing when fans see Lip stand up for himself with her, as it effectively displays that he is able to move away from toxic situations. Although this is hard for Lip at the time, it is one of the best moves he ends up making the entire series.
He Dates Mandy
Although Lip's romance with Mandy has its rough parts, it is clear that the relationship brings him a lot of joy too. The two have a deep connection when dating, but it is a shame that Lip ends up ruining it by becoming cold with her.
Mandy is a huge reason behind Lip extending his education, so her significance to his development is massive. It is just disappointing that they never officially get back together, as there are parts later on where it seems they should have.
He Makes A Good Memory With Frank
Frank and Lip's relationship is definitely not strong. This is because Frank's neglectful nature makes him very inactive in his children's lives. Yet, once Lip finishes school, the two have a nice time together to celebrate.
They go out to eat, drink and go ice skating, which is very nice to see. It shows that Frank has the ability to be present for Lip's life and the latter clearly was happy at the moment. It is just disappointing that Frank ends up sick in the middle of it.
He Attends College
As previously stated, Mandy is a big reason why Lip ends up going to school. He is a genius in the earlier stages of the series, so him making this move makes a lot of sense. He also meets a few new love interests and enjoys his courses.
Although Lip ends up sabotaging his college career by destroying cars in the parking lot in a fit of rage, he is happy as a student when drama is not involved. It is disappointing that the series never allows him to go back.
He Finds A Mentor In Professor Youens
The conclusion of Professor Youens character is definitely sad, but he is such a huge influence on Lip in the series. He helps Lip work for the school as an assistant and offers him a lot of help outside the classroom too.
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He definitely is the character that Lip learns the most from in the entire series. His downfall is very disappointing though, as it of course hurts Lip immensely in the process.
He Seeks Help
Lip's bout with alcoholism ends up becoming a big storyline. This is why his seeking help is such a huge moment in the series. This is where Lip truly matures and grows immensely, as he recognizes that he has a problem and hopes to solve it.
Lip ends up becoming sober, and it is just fantastic to see how hard he works to get there. Although he does break it at the end of Season 10, it is clear that he is on the right path to becoming sober again.
He Finds His Career Path
Although Lip never ends up finishing his college education, he ends up finding a great job later down the line. He is a motorcycle mechanic and takes a lot of pride in his position. It also is what allows him to stay on track with his sobriety.
Lip always has a fascination with building in the series, so this position is kind of a cool way for him to continue down that trend. He also becomes very close with Brad, as they work together and fight to be sober together.
He Has Freddie
Lip and Tami may not be the most popular of couples from this series, but it is nice to see them as parents to Freddie. Lip clearly prides himself in being a good father, as he does not have one in Frank.
Lip certainly has his struggles adapting to being a parent, but he is clearly happy having someone to take of care. Him becoming a dad is one of the sweetest parts of the entire show and effectively displays just how he matures throughout it.
He Is Ian's Best Man
When Ian and Mickey marry, it is truly magnificent. The two go through so much together and throughout the later parts of the series, it seems impossible for them to reunite. Yet, it happens, and Lip ends up being the best man at the wedding.
This is outstanding, as it also shows just how close Ian and Lip are as brothers. They share a hug and say they love each other before Ian walks down the aisle too. It is just such a sweet and wholesome scene, and Lip is extremely happy to see Ian have his best day.