The fear that we Shameless fans all share is that one day it will go stale, a fear perhaps heightened by the news that the next series will have even more episodes, turning it into something not a million miles from a 'soap'. However, that staleness has never come and let's hope it never will - this series is as brilliant as ever!
Debbie's departure to join the army is as sudden as it is unexpected, but it leads to a moving episode in which Liam (Johnny Bennett - surely one of the best child actors ever seen on television), distraught that she will be sent to Afghanistan, comes to terms with his feelings by befriending a World War II veteran.
Ian's life also takes a distinctly unexpected turn, much to the horror of his new housemate Mickey (the incomparable Ciaran Griffiths giving his all in the portrayal of a magnificently-realised character I'm sure Charles Dickens would have been proud to invent). Mimi's new role as the landlady of The Jockey simply reinforces my wish that it was a real pub (wouldn't you just love to attend their fancy dress 'Dead Celebrities' night?) As for Frank's new girlfriend, I do find it hard to forget that she was Mrs Doyle in Father Ted, but somehow that doesn't seem to matter.
However much Shameless may veer towards becoming a 'soap', its perfect scripts and acting performances will surely guarantee that this is a cut way above EastEnders or Corrie. Soap for grown-ups. Superior soap. Imperial Leather, perhaps...though that sounds like a service available from Lillian's knocking-shop. May Shameless live forever!