After two absolutely brilliant seasons of drama, Shameless returned with expectations soaring high. While season one was considerably better than season two, the fans were hoping that the series' writers would up their game to keep the interest flowing.
There were a lot of stories to go through in season two, with every character facing new individual problems other than Frank Gallagher, of course, whose only problem is lack of money. Fiona found life tough after Steve's return, while Lip found out exactly how much Karen cared about him. Here's how every episode from the third outing of the Showtime Original ranks according to IMDb.
"Civil Wrongs" (8.4)
In the tenth episode of season 3, Frank is loving life, thanks to the popularity of his movement. He doesn't care that he is lying to everyone in the world because he is getting free food and drinks, coupled with a nice place to live in.
He is playing with people's trust, like always. Fiona, who is working well and earning good money, realizes that her life cannot be complete without new problems.
"The American Dream" (8.5)
In the second episode of season 3, Mickey returns and he hits the ground running with his relationship with Ian. Lip will continue doing community service, which is good for him but what about his studies?
Kevin and Veronica are about to receive a bombshell in the name of Kevin's wife, which could prove to be a damper in their relationship. Also, Fiona has found some new work: party promoter.
"The Helpful Gallaghers" (8.5)
In the fourth episode of season 3, Jimmy and Ian have an awkward conversation about Jimmy's father. It is both shocking and hilarious at the same time.
Fiona is doing some work for the health of the employees at her workplace, while Lip is helping Mandy overcome a personal problem. For the first time in a long while, someone has gone to Frank for advice and it's not The Gallaghers.
"Where There's A Will" (8.5)
In the eighth episode of season 3, the series follows suit with what they have tried to do for most of this season: back The Gallaghers into a corner and see them emerge from cold waters.
This time, it's Frank's cousin, Patrick, who has come to Aunt Ginger's funeral and he is waving the forged will of his around like a boss. He wants full control of The Gallagher house but Fiona isn't going to back down so quickly.
"El Gran Caňon" (8.6)
The first episode of season 3 doesn't disappoint, with Frank finding himself in Mexico and honestly, it doesn't come as a surprise because he gets drunk way too much.
Jimmy (previously Steve) has moved in with Fiona and already, he has some problems to deal with, like the appearance of Estefania's dangerous father. Jody and Sheila have become parents, while Lip is really struggling.
"A Long Way From Home" (8.7)
In the seventh episode of season 3, Fiona, Lip, and Veronica get to work as they have to get custody of The Gallagher children. They decide to make a fake will in order to do that, but the situation is more complex than they thought at first.
Jimmy needs to help Estefania deal with a visit from immigration, while Sheila is visited by the father of Hymie. Also, he wants his child back as his mother, Karen, is nowhere to be seen.
"Order Room Service" (8.7)
In the penultimate episode of season 3, Frank has become homeless, again, and it's not surprising anymore, is it? He just never learns from his mistakes.
He continuously lies and lies, using every person in his life and this time, he is using Carl. To keep her mind off things, Fiona takes the kids on a camping trip, which is a nice change of scene. The Gallagher family has been through a lot.
"May I Take Your Hedges" (8.8)
In the third episode of season 3, Fiona has to deal with something disgusting at work, while Lip takes it upon himself to deal with sexual offenders in his community.
But when he sees who the offender is, Lip makes a surprising decision. Even Mickey is doing things against his nature and that has given Ian a reason to be angry. Elsewhere, Frank is being Frank, scamming people into believing his talks.
"The Sins Of My Caretaker" (8.8)
In the fifth episode of season 3, Veronica and Kevin are dealing with their "baby problems" in the best possible way but if it drags on, there could be some fights between the duo, just like Jimmy and Fiona, who have a bad argument.
Jimmy, though, gets some emotional support from Estefania. Ian and Mickey reignite their relationship while Frank is forced to do something he doesn't want to.
"Cascading Failures" (8.9)
In the sixth episode of season 3, the series takes on a different path altogether, with Fiona losing the custody of the children to The Department of Family Services. Fiona now needs Frank to save the day but she gets the harsh truth about the reality, which is far from convincing.
Kevin and Veronica are searching for solutions and they think they have found one. Ian and Mickey have another problem.
"Frank The Plumber" (9.0)
In the ninth episode of season 3, Frank is going to do something good for the Gay Rights Movement, even though he is lying to get the attention. It's not only disrespectful but it makes for some hilariously awkward moments.
Fiona has begun working at a new place and she has already started a new romance, just like she usually does. Lip has to go to college and Mandy is on a mission to convince him.
"Survival Of The Fittest" (9.2)
The season 3 finale is Shameless at its absolute best. Emotional drama coupled with moments of hilarity. Basically, the story is about three of the most important characters: Lip, Fiona, and Frank, who are the cusp of making life-changing decisions.
Fiona has landed a full-time job, while Lip has to decide whether to go to college or not. Frank has to come to terms with the fact that he needs to work or else his life is doomed.