Shameless US

[rebness]

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.

Comments

[mcgarrygirl78.livejournal.com]

I meant to watch that as I am a *HUGE* William H. Macy fan but I forgot. Crap. Is Ian the adorable redhead kid, I think he's a cutie. And damn skippy they deserve credit for keeping that storyline. They were only able to do that because Showtime is a pay cable station so they can do what they want.

Eight seasons and he's still a bum....that could be a problem. But I think I'm gonna find a place to download it, I want to see this. When I watched a preview thing on it, it lasted about 15 minutes and profiled the actors and characters, I was intrigued. Funny I was less intrigued about the whole Fiona/guy she might love & love her thing as I was the other kids and the dad but I want to give the whole thing a chance.

[rebness.livejournal.com]

I love Showtime and HBO! They seem to produce some great stuff that isn't censored all over the place.

Yeah, Ian's the cute kid. I'm really glad they kept the storyline because it's so integral to his character.

If you need a link to download, just let me know and I'll message it to you. I can't wait to see what you think of each of the characters. Episode 2 (according to critics) is supposed to get even better.

[mcgarrygirl78.livejournal.com]

Ooh, yes, yes, message it to me....I can watch it over my three day weekend of bliss. We used to have Showtime and just got rid of it a few months back to save money on cable cuz I swear we never watch the channels because nothing is on and then *BAM* they put this on. So typical. But I'm sure I'll be able to find a place where I can download it.

[ashling-c.livejournal.com]

I saw this being advertised my initial reaction was 'oh for fuck sake' as I did think they'll ruin it and take away the grittiness that makes the British one great.
After reading your review, I might just give it a look.

[rebness.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I definitely expected it to be toned down and for them to remove the murkier aspects of the characters (like Fiona stealing from work or that lesson Lip gives Karen) but I'm happy to say it's very close to the original and they didn't seem to shy away from showing anything.

I hope it continues in this vein!