Can I Have a Mother

"Can I Have a Mother" is the sixth episode of the second season of the American television comedy drama Shameless, an adaptation of the British series of the same name.

It is the 18th overall episode of the series and was written by main cast member William H. Macy and Steven Schachter, and directed by John Dahl.

The series is set on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois, and depicts the poor, dysfunctional family of Frank Gallagher, a neglectful single father of six: Fiona, Phillip, Ian, Debbie, Carl, and Liam.

In the episode, Frank is dismayed upon learning his mother has been released from prison, while Karen and Jody prepare for their wedding party.

According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 1.44 million household viewers and gained a 0.8 ratings share among adults aged 18–49.

Fiona (Emmy Rossum) is surprised when Steve (Justin Chatwin) reveals he is married to a Brazilian woman, Estefania (Stephanie Fantauzzi).

At a wedding party for Karen and Jody (Zach McGowan), a drunk Lip shows up despite not being invited, while Sheila, overwhelmed by the large crowd of people, mixes her medication with alcohol.

After finding out that Clyde had died, Ethel (Madison Davenport) packs her bags and secretly runs away with Malik, horrifying Kevin (Steve Howey) and Veronica (Shanola Hampton).

The episode was written by main cast member William H. Macy and Steven Schachter, and directed by John Dahl.

"[5] Kevin Fitzpatrick of TV Overmind wrote, "'Can I Have a Mother' isn't quite as rife with humor as some other Shameless episodes we're used to, but sets up enough for the second half of a season to be a very strong outing."

"[7] Kelsea Stahler of Hollywood.com wrote, "The sixth episode of Shameless' sophomore season proves one thing: it's all our parents' faults.

[9] For the episode, Joan Cusack received a nomination for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series at the 64th Primetime Emmy Awards.