Shameless Review: NIMBY (Season 11 Episode 4)

It’s bad enough when the neighborhood has Frank and his troubles to deal with, but now on Shameless Season 11 Episode 4, “NIMBY,” the Milkoviches have moved in. As Frank so aptly points out, the Gallaghers are bad enough, but at least they aren’t as low as the Milkoviches.

This creates a shift in relationships between the Gallaghers, the Balls, Mickey, and Sandy. Mickey has been part of the Gallagher fray for so long even Frank has forgotten that he is actually one of “them.” 

It’s a fact that Frank doesn’t even consider when he launches his full-on assault of the new neighbors and recruits Sandy and Mickey. They remind him that they are part of the Milkovich clan, and Frank looks at them like, “huh, I guess I forgot because I actually like you guys.”

Frank on his own is a bad father, but he will never reach the levels of cruelty that is Terry Milkovich. Having the Milkovich family move in next door, we get to see just what it is that Mickey has grown up around his whole life. 

We also get to see Mickey retreat within his shell a bit more than he has in years. The shift in Mickey isn’t extremely noticeable, but those subtle nuances are what makes Fisher’s performance worth watching. 

Mickey has always felt like his father is someone he will never escape from, but then last season viewers got to see as Mickey let his guard down tremendously because he finally feels free from his father’s clutches — even when his father almost kills him. Now that Terry is right back in his face, we see Mickey turn on the defensive once more. 

Taking on this security job and being so adamant about carrying a gun is Mickey’s way of telling everyone — especially Ian — that he is scared and feels the need to protect himself. Even if he doesn’t come out and say it, there is always a part of Mickey who will fear his father and what his father can do to not only him but his husband, as well.

So, the whole dynamic of Ian and Mickey — which seems strained and argumentative on the outside — is shifted to make room for each partner’s fears for the other. Ian won’t ever admit it, much like Mickey, but he is terrified of Mickey being arrested or worse, being killed by his father. 

Both of these characters have seen what Terry is capable of doing — beyond simply shooting someone — even if they’ve never talked about it or told anyone. Mickey admitting to Ian that his dad tried to kill them is most definitely in reference to what happens last season but on a deeper level, it’s also him slightly acknowledging the horrors of Season 3. 

Both Ian and Mickey have never been the greatest communicators. However, “NIMBY” shows just how much they love and care for one another and would do anything to protect the other.

The only reason Mickey agrees to the outfit Ian wants him to wear is that he wants Ian to feel happy and secure. The only reason Ian agrees to work with him is so that in some way he could watch out for Mickey and protect him. 

On the flip side of the Terry situation, seeing Frank defend his family and their right to not feel terrified in their own home is something we love to see. Season 11 continues down their path of redeeming Frank in small ways.

Sure, Frank is in a pissing contest with Terry over who is the least awful when it comes to parenting, but it’s all a cover for his real motive — protecting his kids. Right now it seems that Liam is the one he is most protecting, but I truly believe he is also doing it to protect his sons, Ian and Mickey. 

Frank’s only scourge on his reputation is that he is never sober. Transversely, Terry is a loud and proud racist, homophobe, Nazi loving, abusive dick — he has no pride for what the Southside really is and honestly, everyone is afraid of him.

Mickey is right to say that Gallagher’s are only a step above the Milkoviches, but that is still an important step above. Deep down, I think Mickey knows that even if he can’t openly admit it to all the Gallaghers.

While Frank and Liam are taking the neighborhood laws into their own hands, Carl is finding out just how conflicting his job as a cop can actually be. He is fine with bashing a few skulls and being a bit rough when it’s not people he knows from his own part of the Southside.

This episode is a major turning point for Carl’s character as well. For the first time in ten years, it truly feels like Carl is growing into a kind, compassionate person — to emulate the big brother he strives to be more like, Ian. 

Carl’s conflict of interest is written all over his face as he witnesses his partner unnecessarily arrest and abuse her power against people Carl has grown up alongside. He doesn’t believe in her planting evidence or beating up a non-violent offender, but he doesn’t feel like he has the clout to stand up to her and remain a cop. 

Carl going back to the woman on the corner after his shift shows just what kind of cop Carl wants to be — a community ambassador. Sure, Carl likes the thrill of “beating up bad guys,” but he also can see that goodwill goes a lot farther in some situations. 

Carl has a huge heart, which reminds us so much of Ian when he was Carl’s age — before prison and his mental illness jaded him a bit. Of all the Gallaghers, Carl always seems like the one least likely to do anything of consequence, but this season Carl is proving us wrong. 

“NIMBY” continues to show us Debbie’s worst traits, which isn’t working in her favor as a character. I know — after seasons of watching her — she is better than this, but her actions lately are not something to be celebrated.

If all of Debbie’s family can see who Franny is as an individual, then why can’t her own mother? Debbie has now reached a point of selfishness that even Sandy seems annoyed with her most of the time.

Does Debbie really care so little about her girlfriend that she doesn’t know what is going on in Sandy’s life? She asks everything of Sandy but doesn’t seem to be able to return that level of care. 

Hopefully, her truce with V will result in a kinder, more attentive version of herself. I honestly miss that version of Debbie.

If Seasons 1 through 10 served to show us all of the Gallaghers flaws, then Season 11 is a beautiful reminder that these characters may be flawed, but at their core, they are wonderful people.

Shameless Stray Thoughts:

• I really hope this new side venture for Ian and Mickey with the grow house works out and they don’t get in trouble.
• V would be fantastic as an aide to the Alderman. Here for more of this storyline.
• As much as I hate Terry, it’s always nice to see Dennis Cockrum. His ability to take the character above and beyond is why we love to hate Terry so much.
• Thank you Shameless, for finally recognizing that Liam is a part of the family. He’s been sorely under-utilized this season.
• Seeing Tami and Lip work through her realization about her past relationship with her teacher strengthens our resolve that they are meant for each other.

What did you think of this episode of Shameless? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Shameless airs Sundays at 9/8c on Showtime.

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