Shameless US

I watched the American version of Shameless last night and was pleasantly surprised at how it didn't shy away from the characterisation of the British programme. I'm a definite fan.

 

Emmy Rossum was brilliant in it. I didn't see how someone who has played all these sparkly princess-types in film could pull off a character like Fiona but she really does it well. She doesn't try to be the victim too much and yet has a certain tough vulnerability, that strange juxtaposition of character that Anne-Marie Duff brought to the role in the original. The actor playing Steve will never be as omghot as James McAvoy but he's decent.

 

There was an awful lot of hand-wringing and clutching of pearls over at ONTD when people realised that they had kept the storyline of the teenage Ian having a homosexual relationship with a married man. Cue gasps of 'I won't watch it if they show anything!' and 'paedophilia!' I don't get it. The actor's seventeen. Is it really so distressing to acknowledge that in a poor environment, underage sex just may happen? I just feel that this wouldn't be an issue if he were a female in this role. Kudos to the programme makers for having the guts to retain this storyline.

The fraternal chemistry between Lip and Ian is really good, too. Lip looking out for his brother as he explores his sexuality was one of the finer aspects of the first series and it's really strong in the US version.

 

So all in all, an adaptation that doesn't get me angry. Whoo! I watched an interview with William H Macy whereby he said he hopes that the Frank Gallagher character develops and stands up to be counted more. Um. I predict that this series will rapidly move away from the original because after eight seasons... British!Frank is still staggering all over the place, beer can in hand.