Shameless Series 8

I have been an avid fan of Shameless since the series was launched in 2004. Paul Abbott's creation of life amongst the underbelly of our English society told with lots of sarcasm and humour was enjoyable from episode to episode.I bought this DVD of series eight in January as the shifts I work make it difficult to watch the show regularly when it is actually broacast on TV.Having found series seven a little disappointing in parts after several enjoyable years beforehand, I got to series eight and was left pretty disillusioned. I now actually believe that Shameless is on a downward slope and the powers that be at Channel Four should really consider the show's future.Firstly, the production team made the bold move of extending the show to 22 episodes this time round which I only believes adds to diluting the stories and dragging them out even more.Secondly, Shameless has lost far too many decent characters each year. The last series saw the departure of key characters Paddy Maguire and Ian Gallagher along with popular regulars Maxine and the nasty Joel. Even during this series we lose Liam Gallagher in episode two and the brillant Libby Croker (who was a welcome edition to series seven) who bows out in episode thirteen. The existing/remaining characters carry the series along at a steady pace but sadly they seem to just go through the motions and even the once hilarious Frank Gallagher has lost some of his edge. Newcomers this series are the Powell family who unfortunately don't seem to fill the void left by departed characters.The stories during this series also let the show down. Mimi Maguire's relationship with the underage Billy is difficult to accept, the Maguire boys fued and their murderous activies do stretch the boundaries of the series too far, as does Alice Barry's brothel antics and the suicide of one of the girls.However there are a few highlights this year. The show celebrates it's 100 episode which is an extended story featuring the welcome return of Kev Ball (Dean Lennox Kelly) who last appeared briefly in series four. Marty Fisher (Jack Deam) also returns later in the series after a five year absence.Sadly as series nine is underway on TV at present, Carl Gallagher and Mickey Maguire have also departed the series which does leave me wondering how long Channel Four intend to run with the show.A poor series of a once legendary show!

Micky gets stronger but is still scared to admit he is gay.Hilarious watching him try to convince family and friends he is straight.Shane breaks your heart at times. Jamie shows that despite being the hard man, some things really do scare him.Frank continues to be all seeing, all hearing.Libby goes.Still no word of why and where Norma wentNobody mentions Ian and Maxine and Liam but it worksSome may say SHAMELESS shows a world of no morals, no love and no respect and no forgiveness.They are wrong.Each episode is a morality tale that Shakespeare would be envious of. The writing is just perfection

Bought to add to our collection and keep my husband happy while I work nights. Job done!

Thumbs up!!!!!

its a pity that this series did not quite equal the level of most the earlier series.with so many of the original gallagher clan gone,the series could not match the diversity of family life and problems that the series was known for.

everything fine and ok

Why this isnt still on i dont know?!Great series thanks channel 4 😂

1 star as 1 off the discs had a crack in