Ep 1. Pilot

In "Shameless" Season 1 episode 1, titled "Pilot," we are introduced to the Gallagher family, who live in a rundown neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago. Patriarch Frank Gallagher (William H. Macy) is a single father and an alcoholic who spends most of his time drinking at the local bar. Fiona Gallagher (Emmy Rossum), the eldest daughter, has taken on the responsibility of raising her siblings while holding down multiple jobs.

As the episode begins, we see Frank passed out drunk on the living room floor, surrounded by empty beer bottles. Fiona and her siblings - Lip, Ian, Debbie, Carl, and Liam - are all trying to get ready for the day ahead. The family is struggling to make ends meet, and they have to resort to creative measures in order to get by. For example, Fiona uses the excuse of being pregnant in order to get free breakfast at a diner.

The main plot of the episode revolves around Frank's attempt to collect his disability check, which he needs in order to pay the bills and buy alcohol. However, when he discovers that his wife Monica (Chloe Webb) has already cashed the check and spent all the money, he has to come up with a new plan. Frank decides to steal his Aunt Ginger's social security number and pretend to be her in order to collect her check.

Meanwhile, Fiona is dealing with her own problems. She is trying to keep her younger siblings out of trouble while still managing to work multiple jobs. Lip is struggling in school and is in danger of failing. Ian is struggling with his sexuality and is unsure how to deal with his feelings. Debbie is being bullied at school, and Carl has become obsessed with getting a gun. We also learn that the youngest Gallagher, Liam, might not actually be Frank's child.

Throughout the episode, we see the realities of poverty and addiction. Frank's alcoholism and lack of responsibility have taken a toll on his family, and they have had to learn to fend for themselves. We also see the importance of family and how the Gallagher siblings are there for each other, even when it seems like no one else is.

"Pilot" sets up the premise of the series and introduces viewers to the Gallagher family and their struggles. The show tackles difficult topics such as poverty, addiction, and sexuality, while still managing to be funny and heartwarming at times. The dynamic between the family members is complex and often messy, but it's clear that they all care for each other more than anything else. By the end of the episode, viewers will be invested in the lives of these flawed but lovable characters and will be eager to see what happens to them next.