"Frank the Plumber" is the ninth episode of the third season of the American television comedy drama Shameless, an adaptation of the British series of the same name.
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.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 1.67 million household viewers and gained a 0.8 ratings share among adults aged 18–49.
While she is instructed to stick to the script provided for the customers, Fiona deviates from the standards and also alarms her co-workers when Veronica (Shanola Hampton) asks for help regarding a possible circumcision for her baby.
Frank (William H. Macy) is still living with Christopher (Christian Clemenson), and he decides to try to ask for financial benefits under a domestic partnership program.
Sheila opens up to Debbie about her mental health struggles and feeling betrayed that Karen (Laura Slade Wiggins) revealed this to the Wong family to get Hymie taken away from her.
Meanwhile, a homeless Frank is approached by lobbyist Abraham Paige (Bradley Whitford), who offers him a house and job to become the new face of their gay rights campaign.
Littered with really well-acted performances, the episode captures actors unpacking major shifts for their characters — catharsis, self-actualization, desperation — in profound ways.
Vilanova commented positively on the episode's exploration of Sheila and Karen's relationship, and praised Cusack's performance, calling it "[her] finest work this season, a reminder of her nuanced skill.
"[5] David Crow of Den of Geek praised the comedic nature of Frank's storyline, writing "This is a pretty damn clever episode for Shameless.