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 1.72 million household viewers and gained a 0.6 ratings share among adults aged 18–49.
The episode received highly positive reviews from critics, who praised the performances (particularly Rossum and Macy), writing, closure to Monica's character and tone.
Ian (Cameron Monaghan) returns to Chicago, while Carl (Ethan Cutkosky) is informed of Monica's death by his superior at the military school.
Fiona (Emmy Rossum) is once again approached by Ryan (Barry Sloane) on buying the tenement building, and she finally accepts.
Lip (Jeremy Allen White) visits Brad (Scott Michael Campbell) at his shop, as he feels the urge of drinking after Monica's death.
At the house, Frank recognizes the key as belonging to a storage unit and enlists Debbie (Emma Kenney), Carl and Liam to help him gain access.
Debbie begins taking welding classes, Ian resumes his paramedic job, Lip continues attending the AA meetings, Fiona is given the keys to the tenement building, and Frank and Carl make a graffiti in honor of Monica in an alley.
It chooses the macro over the micro in ways that create powerful moments, but fail to coalesce into a clear statement of what the show is and what it intends to be as it treads into uncharted territory for Showtime dramas.
"[6] Paul Dailly of TV Fanatic gave the episode a perfect 5 star rating out of 5, and wrote, ""Requiem for a Slut" was Shameless at its finest.