Shameless Review: DNR (Season 11 Episode 10)

It’s becoming more and more apparent that the end game for Frank is most likely death. As witnessed through his journey on Shameless Season 11 Episode 10, “DNR,” Frank’s memory is going fast.

The family is trying to make heads or tails of the famous art piece that randomly showed up in their home, and the only one who could have the answer doesn’t remember anything. Most of the family thinks Frank is just pulling their leg for another scheme, but not Liam.

“DNR” is a character study in the relationship between Liam and Frank. These two have always had a unique bond, one that seems more solid than Frank and any of his other children.

This is most likely because of all his children, Liam is the only one who has never known Frank as being more than a drunk. Liam has always known what to expect from their father — which isn’t much — therefore, his relationship with the man is one of cautious optimism.

This shines ever brightly when no one else wants to keep an eye on Frank, so Liam drags him with him on his errand. Throughout the day Frank has moments of lucidity and then twenty or so minutes later that is gone. 

It’s a sad state of affairs and Liam is along for the ride every step of the way. He starts off his day thinking Frank is just gonna be a small nuisance on his plans for the day.

Through each of Frank’s backslides in memory, Liam is there to hold his hand and gently remind him who he is and what they are doing. Liam is only eleven and he is saddled with the toughest responsibility of all his siblings.

While they are freaking out about either selling the house or finding a place to live, Liam — the often forgotten family member — is looking after the patriarch no one seems to want to bother with. Liam knows that if he wants to ensure something happens for Frank it’s going to be him who has to do it.

This build-up of their relationship, which has been going on for a few seasons now, is the best use of Liam as a character. At the beginning of the series, he was a baby and a toddler, and it seems the show wasn’t sure what to do with him. 

Now, he’s a full-fledged child character with goals and aspirations. Using him as a plot device to add to our sympathy for Frank is perfect. Over the last few years, Frank has focused on Liam and getting him the advancements in life he deserves — a private school and, now, helping him convince a kid to flub on a math test so he can advance to a STEM program. 

If Frank has any favorites out of his children, a case can be made for Liam. Liam is the only one who hasn’t actively dismissed his father. There is very little trust there, but a bond of love and loyalty is still present.

The most heartbreaking moment is when Liam admits he can’t do what Frank needs to get by. He isn’t old enough or equipped enough to handle the fastly increasing needs of his father. 

So, he does the next best thing. He writes important information on Frank’s arm in case they get separated and he supports Frank as he gets a new tattoo.

This tattoo simply says “Do Not Resuscitate,” but it means so much more.

It’s Liam’s act of love for his father and Frank’s final act for himself and his children. Frank is officially letting go, accepting that this is the end for him.

William H. Macy is pulling out all the stops to make this highly unlikeable character worth sympathizing with. His portrayal of Frank’s growing confusion breaks our hearts at every turn — he is truly a master. 

Liam knows the end is near and a part of him is devastated. Not only is he losing the togetherness he’s always known at the Gallagher home, but he is also losing the only parent he has left — no matter how flawed that man is.

In fact, “DNR” is a master class in showing how the lives of the Gallaghers are slowly slipping away and separating. The other siblings may not want to admit it, but Frank dying is that final notch of symbolism that their childhoods are fully coming to a close.

They may all be grown, with the exception of Liam. However, by never leaving the Gallagher home they’ve not really grown up. The house and Frank coming to a close is the bookend of their innocence and the start of their adulthood responsibilities.

Shameless Thoughts:

• Mickey isn’t a character who changes his whole way of being overnight. Ian knows this from past experience. So why does he continue the pattern of pushing him too fast?
• Playing “All By Myself” while Debbie is looking for a new place to live might have been to make things funny, but that’s a big fail. In fact, it makes me hate the song more than I already do.
• Carl is clearly about to leave the police force — which good for him. He may be an idiot, but he’s not about condoning corruption.
• Kev and V are definitely moving to Louisville, which good for them. They deserve it.

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!

TV News Wrap-Up: ‘Black Widow’ Heads to Disney Plus, ‘A Black Lady Sketch Show’ Returns, CBS Wants More ‘FBI’