Shameless Review: Slaughter (Season 11 Episode 5)

Much like with the first four episodes of the season, Shameless Season 11 Episode 5, “Slaughter” really drives home that this season is about bringing things back to the beginning. The vibe continues to remind us of Season 1 in both comedy and dramatic antics. 

Pulling Lip into focus for this episode is important for his character arc. We have seen this character ebb and flow like the tide over the years. 

More recently, Lip has been on the path of sobriety and greatness — no matter the setback. He may have fallen off the wagon at his brother’s wedding, but he gets right back on the horse and sorts everything out.

Now, everything seems to be imploding on him and as the episode goes on we see as Jeremy Allen White hits every micro-expression needed to nail down Lip’s emotional journey. It’s obvious that he is starting to unravel a bit based on how frustrated he gets from the moment the “For Sale” sign shows up in his yard. 

However, he quickly recovers and really doubles down with Tammy to find that perfect replacement home. It’s great to see him react this way because it really contrasts with who he is at the beginning of his journey. 

The old Lip would take these setbacks and create chaos with them. As we know him to do with destroying property and stealing things. 

Even though Lip doesn’t want to move he puts forth an effort to ensure that he can continue to provide for his family. If only the other shoe didn’t choose to drop right there at the end of “Slaughter.” 

Lip may have grown tremendously over the years — even more so since becoming a father. However, there will always be a bit of Southside in him. 

This is why he fights back when his hours get cut, he knows his worth. He has every right to be upset at these yuppy kids who come in and buy the shop and then has the gall to cut their wages and hours at the same time. 

Shameless has always been known for showing the lowest of the low with regards to lifestyle as well as happenstance. Lip may be able to provide for his family, however, it’s still a paycheck to paycheck struggle. 

It’s frustrating to see him finally get a bit ahead especially by Gallagher standards, only to be shoved right back down to the point of no choice. Which makes his choice to buy some beer and offer it to Brad — while devastating — make complete sense.

Lip has reached the point where he’s probably feeling like he shouldn’t even bother because he will never truly get ahead in life. The Southside way of life will always drag him back down.

We don’t see him or Brad actually take a drink, so what they decide to do will define their way forward for the rest of the series. Personally, I hope that Brad manages to convince Lip drinking isn’t the way because they both deserve to continue to keep winning.

However, alcoholism is a disorder and it’s an addiction. No matter what, the struggle to stay sober will always be there and the pandemic isn’t making life’s struggles any easier to manage.

“Slaughter” isn’t just about Lip’s downward slide. Mickey and Ian finally give in to temptation and do things against their parole. Much like Lip, they’ve both discovered that keeping on the straight and narrow won’t keep them ahead in their neighborhood — especially with the Milkoviches around.

While the humor is all there for Ian and Mickey as they steal an ambulance, try to have sex in the back, and dispose of the dead body they found the actions themselves are worrying. Granted, Mickey is the king of weaseling out of any real consequences for his actions.

Unfortunately, they aren’t invincible and they are on parole. It won’t be good for them if they end up back in prison. I’m sure they won’t because it is the final season and all, but wouldn’t that be one heck of a twist ending if they did. 

Either way, let’s also hope this giving into illegal activity on Ian’s part doesn’t lead him into a manic spiral. After all, he’s been so strict since they were released in Season 10 that giving in could be an indicator of his bipolar disorder rearing its ugly head.

Mickey is really good at keeping Ian stable, but what if he can’t this time? What if things go way off the deep end?

Finally, Carl becoming a cop this season has been a head-scratcher since the beginning. “Slaughter” really starts to explain the motives behind it a bit better. 

By making Carl a cop, Shameless is able to address the cop unrest in our country head-on. It is showing that Carl on the outlook appears to be the type that will be a violent, racist cop. 

However, Carl is the opposite. He grew up Southside and so he knows how cops can do better to create community connections between the residents and the cops. 

Carl shows that a sea of change within the police force is possible one cop at a time. His influence just might rub off on Leesie by the time we are done. 

Who would have thought Carl would become the most law-abiding of all his siblings? We are talking about the kid who used to blow things up for fun and took a knife to school before he was a teenager.

Change truly is possible. Maybe that is the hidden message of Shameless overall this season. 

Shameless Thoughts:

• Debbie continues her track record of being unpredictable and jealous. If she worried about her daughter half as much as she does her relationships maybe she’d make a decent mom.
• The level of fear and paranoia Liam is feeling the whole episode is palpable thanks to the sound editing and the camera work. 
• Terry getting shot “by accident” and then having his dog lick his dick is somehow so satisfying after all the terror he’s caused.
• The scene in the front yard with the Milkoviches is clearly there for shock value, but eating the dear heart and branding themselves with swastikas is a bit much — even for Shameless.

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

Critic Rating:

User Rating:

 

Shameless airs Sundays at 9/8c on Showtime.

 Follow us on Twitter and on Instagram!

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!

What to Watch on TV: Firefly Lane, Malcolm & Marie, Trickster