Fiona is, without a doubt, the emotional center of Shameless, and this episode reaffirms her role as the backbone of the Gallagher family. Throughout the episode, we see Fiona face her own personal struggles while trying to keep the family afloat. Her efforts to care for her siblings, especially when she protects Carl and Debbie, are heartwarming and show just how far she is willing to go to provide them with some stability. However, we also see her desire to escape, even if only temporarily, through her relationship with Richard, who offers her a glimpse of a different life, free from the daily tensions and responsibilities she carries.
As always, Frank remains a source of chaos and dark humor. His attempt to capitalize on Eddie's death by claiming insurance and pension benefits is one of those moments that perfectly reflects his selfish, manipulative nature. However, Frank's storyline becomes even more complicated when he is arrested and released due to the situation with Karen, adding an extra layer of conflict to his character. Although the twist in his arc is interesting, the resolution could have been more satisfying, especially given the scale of his actions.
Lip's storyline intertwines with Karen and Jody, who form an increasingly complicated love triangle. The news of Karen's pregnancy forces Lip to confront a harsh reality: taking on responsibility and trying not to repeat his father Frank's mistakes. This plot twist is crucial for Lip's character development, as it places him at a moral crossroads, trying to balance his own desires with the need to take care of those around him.
