"Sparky" is the fifth episode of the tenth season of the American television comedy drama Shameless, an adaptation of the British series of the same name.
It is the 115th overall episode of the series and was written by supervising producer Philip Buiser, and directed by main cast member William H. Macy.
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 0.83 million household viewers and gained a 0.26 ratings share among adults aged 18–49.
Debbie (Emma Kenney) asks her friends to deliver a legal paperwork notice to Pepa, informing that she is finally seeking right to Derek's death benefit.
At the Alibi, Kevin (Steve Howey) is visited by a former childhood friend, who reveals that he and other classmates are suing their coach for sexually abusing them, with each getting $10,000 in settlement.
The episode was written by supervising producer Philip Buiser, and directed by main cast member William H. Macy.
"[4] Daniel Kurland of Den of Geek gave the episode a 3 star rating out of 5 and wrote "“Sparky” has Shameless' tenth season shifting into second gear and getting ready for what their endgame will look like.
This is an episode that still has characters making all sorts of mistakes and venturing into poor decisions, but there's a level of stability that's helping hold all of this together at the moment.
"[6] Meaghan Darwish of TV Insider wrote "The trials and tribulations of the Gallagher family continue in the latest episode of Shameless.