Shameless: Series 6 [DVD]

It's so easy for a long-running series to 'lose it': favourite characters disappear; ideas run out; cliches set in. Has Shameless turned sour? Not in the least! It is still the most watchable series on telly, still (despite some of its subject matter) fresh as a daisy.Ian decides he wants to leave the Chatsworth Estate and you assume he's gone for good, like Fiona, Steve, Kevin, Veronica, Marty, Lip etc...but no! He is back in later episodes. It's astonishing to think how many new characters have entered the Shameless universe, replacing some of the old ones, and how effectively they've blended in. There are a couple of new ones here but, for me, Carl is the star: he is truly the Huckleberry Finn (or possibly Tucker Jenkins) of our times.Meanwhile, the Maguires almost take over from the Gallaghers as the dominant family in the series, but again we don't mind. Special praise must go to Ciaran Griffiths's Mickey Maguire who has grown from a bit-part to a masterful comic creation from his walk to his snarl, yet also vulnerable and not unlovable. He must be easy to write for and gets some of the best plot lines.To those who criticise Shameless for its amoral stance on contemporary life, consider this: did Minder's Terry McCann or perhaps James Bond (and there's a great Bond-themed episode) ever get a dose of the clap, as Carl does here? As for Paddy Maguire, the effects of him pushing heroin on the estate come back to haunt him in a dark, stark and totally compelling storyline spread over several episodes. Unlike The Simpsons which, with rare exceptions, winds back the clock at the beginning of each new episode, here all the characters' lives develop as a result of what has happened - and they certainly have to live with the consequences of their actions.With Shameless, you never know what's coming next. Its ultimate success must be that, for all its faults, isn't the Chatsworth Estate somewhere we'd all give our back teeth to live on ourselves?

Now it has to be said that this DVD was purchased for the enjoyment for my other half. She had been brought up on an estate like the 'Chatsworth' and so has always had a bond and empathy with the show. I, on the other hand, was raised in a very nice middle class area, so watching 'Shameless' is always an effort for me. As this series was the first one to follow the boxed set of series' 1-5, i was particularly interested in whether the show would retain it's undeniable cutting black humour and sense of hoplessness that the characters convey. I would say that,YES,Series 6 does manage that as well as the other seasons. A careful introduction of a few new characters helps, however, it is the stalwart cast that give this series it's real quality. One aspect of concern is that the storyline is becoming far fetched and fantasyful in places. Also,the show continues to over rely on Frank Gallagher as it's talisman. Whilst the story about Paddy and his heroin problem is brilliantly origonal, the ending in the final episode is something one would expect to see in a Hollywood film. That aside, series 6 of Shameless serves up continued fun and frolics from the characters and for fans of the show it will continue to build on the relationships and bonds that they enjoy with the people of the Chatsworth estate.

Frank is now something of an all seeing, all hearing Oracle. He may appear to be just a drunken layabout but deep down he is an incredibly nice guy when needs must. he is sensitive to those in need; too much for his own good at times. he never misses a trick.David Threlfall is directing a lot now and the quality shows. I miss the opening credits speech but am getting used to this new one. The kids have grown up; weird seeing Debbie take over the role Fiona had but also trying to live her own life and have some fun.Miss 'Lip' but his brothers have really come forward and Karl and little Liam are hilarious. As for the Maquires, Paddy and Mimi's marriage is tested and how it's sorted has terrible repercussions that devastate the whole family. Roll on Series 7; my wife and I are ploughing through these series faster than any boxed sets we've ever watched.

I live in Germany and got hold of the first serie some years ago from an English co-worker. Ever since then I am a true fan of this show and can never wait until a new serie come out. Up to now I watched all of them. Sure you can not relate to all the things that go on on Chatsworth estate, since topics like drug using and sex practices are trivialized too much, but you can laugh and suffer with the characters. I also hope this show to go on for many more series and maybe my favourite characters, Veronica and Kev, will come back again some time.This serie 6 has been more dramatic than the other 5, not quite as hilarious, but nevertheless worthwhile watching. Unfortunately we do not have anything similar to Shameless on German TV, but then again I have never known families so close knit like the Gallaghers or the McGuires over here.....

Item shipped very quickly from the UK to the USA. The UK version is is a lot better than the American version of Shameless. It is MUCH more humorous! It only takes about 2 episodes to get used to British English vs. American English. After watching 6 seasons of UK Shameless- I am now looking for other British shows for entertainment. Only issue is you have to have a region-free DVD player to play the region 2 Shameless in the USA. But it is well worth it. Thank-you to the UK for producing such quality shows! Also-- thanks to this seller for a perfect transaction!

I purchased the series based on the reviews of others , to which I now have no regrets. Superb acting from all the characters and great storytelling.My partner and I have had very little sleep whilst watching series 1-5 , cause all we wanted to know is, what happens next............Currently the series is doing it's rounds amongst all my workmates in South Africa and at lunch we have a Chatsworth Estate moment.Just bring them on FRANK GALLAGHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!