Dysfunction, dysfunction, dysfunction. To hell with television’s original model of the Ozzie and Harriet clean cut, nuclear family. Showtime’s Shameless has happily put a spotlight on the “worst” kind of parent America has to offer. Frank Gallagher (William H. Macy), single father of six, spends his days drinking while the kids largely raise themselves. An alcoholic, Frank is a complete idiot. Frank has made every stupid parenting decision possible. If the fifth season opens with a brief shot at redemption, it’s because Frank’s recent liver transplant has made his alcoholism a life or death issue. Even so, Shameless is a dark show and definitely not to everyone’s taste.

With Frank apparently recovered from surgery and not drinking, he’s set up a secret lab in Shelia’s (Joan Cusack) basement, where he’s making something that will “change the world.” Fiona (Emmy Rossum), is working at Patsy’s Pies, while dealing with her usual romantic entanglements. As per usual, she seems open to a fling with nearly any guy who comes her way. Meanwhile, Lip (Jeremy Allen White) is home from college from the summer, working a manual labor job, though he believes he can do better.

Veronica and Kevin (Shanola Hampton and Steve Howey) are dealing with the ups and downs of parenting newborn twin. It’s no surprise that the twins put a strain on Veronica and Kevin’s personal relationship. Carl (Ethan Cutosky) commits a crime in a desperate attempt to gain “street cred” and join a gang, while Debbie (Emma Kenney) want to find real love. Ian (Cameron Monaghan), probably has the most intense storyline, as he and deal with the severity of his bipolar disorder.

Nothing is easy for the Gallagher’s and almost everything seems to tick Frank off. He’s not thrilled that their once crime ridden neighborhood is changing; becoming somewhat safer with the arrival of upscale restaurants and nice condos. Weird, yeah, but that’s Frank. Season five of Shameless delivers the chaos and cutting commentary fans of the series have come to expect. If you haven’t watched the series before know, chances are series five with the Gallagher’s and friends will ring hollow, but fans should be pleased.

Presented in the 1.78:1 aspect ratio, Warner Bros. 1080p Blu-ray looks great. Shot digitally, the show still has an appropriately rough look to it. Details are top notch, with revealing close-ups and sharp wider shots. The colors are toned down but maintain their individuality and black levels are deep and inky.

The lossless DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio mix is very solid. Directionality is excellent throughout. Sounds are prioritized well and dialogue is clear. The sound effects and ambient noises of the city life are lively and bass kicks in when necessary. The music of the show sounds great and adds to the overall environment of a scene. Dynamic range is impressive, making it impossible to give this audio presentation anything less than a thumbs up.

English SDH, French, Spanish and German SDH subtitles are included.

The following extras are available:

Disc One

  • Deleted Scenes (HD, 4:59)

Disc Two

  • Shameless Sex Love (HD, 15:48) interviews with cast and crew members while looking at some of the interrelationships in the show.
  • Gentrify This!!! (HD, 4:45) addresses one of the subplots of this season.
  • Tell Me You F***ing Need Me Commentary with Actor and Director Bill Macy, Actress Emmy Rossum and Executive Producer/Writer Nancy Pimental
  • Deleted Scenes (HD, 8:16)
  • UltraViolet.