Ep 12. Father Frank, Full Of Grace

In the twelfth episode of the first season of Shameless, titled "Father Frank, Full Of Grace," the Gallagher family is in full crisis mode yet again. Fiona is struggling with her newfound relationship with Steve and trying to keep her siblings under control, Ian's sexuality is causing issues at school, and the youngest member of the family, Liam, is sick.

Meanwhile, the family's absentee father, Frank, has returned home after a long absence. At first, Frank seems almost like a changed man, having found religion during his absence. He spends his days volunteering at the local church and working on a new business venture, a limousine service for church events.

But it doesn't take long for the family to realize that Frank is still the same old deadbeat that he always was. He spends the money meant for Liam's medical treatment on his limo business, and ends up getting into a physical altercation with his son, Lip.

Fiona and Lip decide to take matters into their own hands and steal back the money from Frank, but their plan goes awry when Frank catches them in the act. It's at this point that Frank's true colors really begin to show. He becomes belligerent and abusive towards his children, and even threatens to kill them.

As the episode comes to a close, the Gallagher family is left reeling from yet another crisis. Fiona and Steve's relationship is on the ropes, Ian is still struggling with his sexuality, and Frank's return has only made things worse.

"Father Frank, Full Of Grace" is a fitting end to the first season of Shameless, which has been marked by dysfunction, drama, and heartbreak. As the Gallagher family faces yet another setback, viewers are left wondering what the future holds for these flawed but compelling characters.