Shameless on SHO HD - Page 2

You comprehend that the role was written over 8 years ago and Macy had nothing to do with it, right?

I think he was referring to the fact that the remake would probably not have happened without Macy's involvement. I haven't seen the original so I can't comment on the similarities of the character.

Though I like Macy's performance one is reminded of what "Episodes" tries to tell you in that casting choices aren't always made by the series creators. I've seen many films where I could tell the lead role was written for some other name actor but either turned it down or was unavailable. Occasionally they say so in the commentary.

I think you mean it was "re-written" for Macy.

David Threlfall has played the character - and continues to play it - in the UK original production of Shameless, that has been broadcast on C4 for the last 8 or so years. AIUI the US script is pretty much a line-by-line version of the UK script, with localisation changes. (Council Estate probably doesn't mean much to a US audience?)

I suppose it's inevitable that there will be comparisons made, but that doesn't make the comparison fair or even logical. You comprehend that this is a different series with different actors, right? Did you really expect to turn it on and see a complete duplicate of the previous series? Why bother to watch it all? That's just silly. Take it or leave it on it's own terms.

Considering we basically are seeing a complete, exact duplicate of the UK series, I think you're being somewhat silly here, not me.

I think since we're seeing the same exact series from the UK market, with terms changed where a low-IQ/no-IQ US audience wouldn't understand the UK terms and must have it all translated into US terms (I mean, who could possibly expect a US viewer to figure out what a "council estate" is based on paying attention to a show, US viewers are just totally stupid, right?), we would be better off if the money wasted, er... spent, on this series were given to the UK production to extend their series run by 3 or 4 years for every years padded budget that's likely being spent on this.

Macy is grossly miscast in this series. If he is the reason it's being made, then that certainly explains it -- he basically paid to have himself grossly miscast in a show.

Every other character is cast well -- and by that I mean they've cast these roles matching up very closely to the UK counterpart. Which is further why I continue to say Macy is grossly miscast because his role stands out as the one role they cast extremely off from the UK version, yet they've not changed anything about the character he's playing that could possibly be reason for him playing the role as he is.

I have not seen the UK show and I also feel Macy is miscast here. I feel like he's playing drunk as opposed to being drunk. Okay, I know they are all ACTing, but I just don't believe him as this character, at least not so far. Maybe it's because I've seen him in so many other roles and I've identified him with a certain Macy archetype.

I like the show otherwise, though. I'll keep watching.

I don't know if it's miscasting so much as just not liking the character of Frank, but I struggled with this episode -- until Joan Cusack turned the show on end. She was brilliant. Not just herself, but how well Macy played off her. It was how I had envisioned he would be in this series when I first read about it. Scenes like that will make me continue to watch. (Oh, as well as the ironing scene -- I'm only human.)

I'm liking the show, it's very entertaining (I'm still waiting for the clown stuff to come back) but I also want to pick up the British series and watch it based on what people are saying.

larry

As said, it's unfair to compare actors doing the same role, but inevitable if you've seen both versions. Not having seen the Brit version, I've got no problem with Macy and enjoy the show alot. The guy has got tremendous range and real comedic ability.

Watched the first two episodes and I just can't get invested in any of the characters. Deleting the series recording this for this.

I'll give it one more week.

But it's losing me.

Oh really? I just watched this past weeks episode titled "Frank the Plank".
I thought it was great, just like the premier episode.

Although, I don't see the "plot". Is Frank supposed to be getting better in his life? Like.. is the show just about chaos?

Can't wait for tonight's episode. Oh, and the dildo scene was interesting.

Great episode tonight. The aunt was a hoot.
It's nice the gay issue with Megan worked itself out. It was sweet how they're now best buds.
Can't wait for next week.

Fing love this show!

My friend told me about this show along with Shameless. I decided to give it a go even then I knew LeBlanc was in it... I had no idea Green Wing people were in it! I'll be giving it more of a chance.

Anybody notice the little addition to the neon sign at the Mission? Cracked me up.

larry

I did, and it was clever. Graffiti artists always come up with the funniest gags.

Agreed!
It's much more interesting when he's awake and actually interacting w/the rest of the cast rather than just sleeping it off under the table or wherever.
Felt bad for the little girl when they had to return the old lady to the nursing home- she seemed to bond with her.

I've been watching the UK version of this show and it's really grown on me. It different enough for me I don't feel it will spoil the US one for me. The first season reminds me of Weeds (when **** hits the fan) and Jerry Springer. Friggin hilarious. Either way, both shows are keepers for sure.

I'm up to the middle of Season 3 for the UK Shameless and Sheesh... UKers, is this really the way life is there!? It's like Weeds meets KIDS at this point. Makes me feel pretty good about the USA some how.

I caught up with the first three episodes over the weekend, and I was really surprised how much I liked this show. For a show about a bunch of liars, cheats and degenerates the show has a lot of heart. The search for the father in the second episodes was kind of heart warming to see everyone band together to try save a real jerk of a father.

I too am really enjoying the show. I think I am going to stay away from the British version for now, so that I don't ruin anything.

Last night's episode was fantastical.
The marriage thing is a mess.

That would be a good idea, I'm gonna go eat my sock now...

This show continues to keep my interest, though I can't point to why. It might be that staring-at-a-train-wreck (of a family) draw, but it definitely is something. Shameless is a very appropriate title I find as well.

I'm still enjoying the show very much. I got a chuckle when "Selma Green" showed up as the doctor examining Frank.

larry

There are a lot of terrific characters that pretty much give the show endless possibilities for places to take a story.