Copyright: Showtime 2011
William H. Macy and Emmy Rossum play father and daughter in "Shameless," returning for a new season on Sunday.
"Shameless" tries too hard to convince us it's cool to watch.
From the blaring but generic rock music to the swagger of almost every character, it comes off as more than a little desperate.
But it doesn't need to try so hard.
Strip away a few layers, and "Shameless" (returning for a second season 10 p.m. Sunday, Showtime) is a refreshing comedy-drama underneath it all. Based on a British drama, "Shameless" profiles the Gallagher family, a working-class brood from Boston that lies, cheats and steals — for the most part — just to make ends meet. William H. Macy, as patriarch Frank, has a rich role as a flippant drunk who constantly reaches new levels of how to disappoint his family.
Emmy Rossum plays his oldest (and most responsible) child, Fiona, who has stepped up as mother and father to her underage siblings. She's the heart and soul of the family and gives a level head to the insanity of "Shameless."
Fiona's resolve cuts through the chaos that props up this series. The oldest brother's nickname is Lip (Jeremy Allen White), and he's got brains, though he rarely uses them unless he's trying to be crafty. Middle son, Ian, is gay and will bed just about anyone heading in his direction.
Carl is the second youngest Gallagher child and likes to play with fire.
Though the weirdness of its characters set a fascinating tone, "Shameless" is at its best when it's shocking enough to move the plot along. During season one, Fiona found out her boyfriend was a professional thief and Frank dated a woman who had a fear of the outdoors.
This season the quirkiness that feeds the beast of "Shameless" isn't as prevalent, making the show less fun to follow. After all, there's only so many chaotic characters one can take until it's bothersome.
And without clever twists for its characters to contend with, "Shameless" can be just a lot of noise.
Score: HHH(out of five)
Terry Morrow may be reached at 865-342-6445 or morrowt@knoxville.com.
© 2012, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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