Ep 8. Parenthood

In the eighth episode of season two of Shameless, titled "Parenthood," the Gallagher family faces a number of challenges as they struggle to maintain their dysfunctional household. With Fiona balancing a new job and her relationship with her boss, Jimmy, tensions are high as she begins to question her own abilities to take care of her siblings.

Meanwhile, Frank's liver begins to fail, and he must come to terms with the reality that his children may be better off without him. As he struggles with his own mortality, he also must decide how to handle his relationship with Sheila, whose own family issues continue to impact her life.

At the same time, Lip struggles with his role as the father figure in the family, as he tries to keep his younger siblings out of trouble and away from Child Protective Services. With his own dreams of leaving the South Side behind, Lip is forced to confront the reality that he may never escape his family's cycle of poverty and dysfunction.

Elsewhere in the episode, Ian and Mickey's relationship takes a dramatic turn, as Ian's mental health begins to spiral out of control. With their families divided by their own personal demons, the two young men must decide whether or not to stay together, and whether or not they can find happiness in a world that seems determined to keep them apart.

Throughout "Parenthood," the Gallagher family continues to grapple with the challenges of poverty, addiction, and mental illness, as they strive to find their way in a world that has little sympathy for their struggles. As they face their own personal demons and come to terms with the reality of their lives, the Gallagher family must band together to find a way forward, or risk being torn apart forever.