BWW Recap: It's Hard Out Here for a Lip on SHAMELESS

There's no place like home... unless you live on the South Side. The Gallaghers find quickly that regaining their house isn't all it's cracked up to be as all their problems follow them there.

Since Debbie isn't ready to leave Erika and Tyler's yet with Erika's cancer in remission, she decides to research being a lesbian so she can convince Erika to let her stay. In the knick of time, Frank texts her that they got the house back and she can come home. She admits to Erika that she not only is straight, but also 15 years old. She heads home, but don't mistake Frank's cry for Debbie for paternal love. He needs her for his own selfish reasons.

Frank and Queenie, Sammy's Mother (Sherilyn Fenn) have reignited their love affair. Queenie doesn't intend on staying long as she wants to take Chuckie back to her Eco-Village and raise him properly. When Chuckie is suspended for doing his book report on Mein Kampf, Frank and Queenie step in, inciting freedom of speech. (In actuality, Frank just doesn't want to have to home school him). With Chuckie's misguided upbringing and a pregnant Debbie to care for, Queenie gives in to Frank's request and decides to stay.

Caleb takes Ian to a family wedding and Ian quickly realizes that Caleb likes to throw his "gay-ness" in his conservative Pastor father's face. Once Ian catches on, he and Caleb dance and have a good time. Caleb is overwhelmed with Ian's assistance and takes him home with him. Lip, meanwhile, is kicked out of his dorm room for vandalism once Amanda's mural on his wall is discovered. Fortunately, a sorority girl, Toria (is that a name?) suggests he apply to work at her sorority house as House Boy. It seems like Lip's dream job, free room and board, surrounded by half-naked co-eds, most of which want to sleep with him. However, Lip is still totally hung up on Helene, to the point of showing up drunk at her house. Disappointed when she doesn't emerge, he goes back to the house and passes out and even passes up a chance to sleep with Toria.

Fiona quickly realizes that being back home isn't as exciting as she predicted. When Carl gave her the money, he basically claimed ownership of the house and proceeds to throw parties and upgrade a lot of their belongings. After Liam comes down with lice and realizing that the rest of the family not only doesn't need her, but doesn't really want her around, she decides to go back and live with Gus. Not sure if it's permanent or temporary, but he's actually turning out to be a good choice for her.

Carl is not handling the aftermath of Nick's dark turn last week all that well. He's lost interest in the girl he was trying to impress, he offers money to Nick's victim's parents and refuses to talk to anyone about the situation. He admits to Sean vaguely that Nick is gone after killing someone, but still won't open up to anyone.

Carl went from being one of the most indifferent characters on the show to one of the most interesting. I have become attached to the little arms dealer and am concerned for his psyche. Conversely, Debbie, who I used to adore, now annoys the crap out of me. But then, all the characters have completely been turned around this season. Lip is lovesick and not sleeping with anyone, Ian is actually learning to be in adult relationship with mutual respect, Fiona is in a healthy relationship and not devoting all her time to raising her siblings... well, at least Frank hasn't changed. I was sad to see the refugees leave Kev and V's. Is this the last we will see of them when Carol took them away. (Also, total GEEK out moment of realization, but V's Mom was in COMING TO AMERICA as Akeem's "queen to be?" You knew that already, didn't you...)

Photo Credit: SHOWTIME

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