All rights reserved. As it turned out, she whisked herself away and finally got to live her life on her own terms. 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He writes things on his fathers arms to help him remember that he has dementia and who to call if he gets lost. When ABC decided it was time to end this family-friendly sitcom starring puppet dinosaurs after four seasons, the creators decided to do it in the most depressing way possible by having its main character, Sinclair family patriarch Earl, trigger a catastrophic extinction event that would not only kill every main character, but his entire species. When the show was revived in 2018 after 21 years, it forgot all about its controversial ending. While suffering from Covid symptoms, Franks starts to hallucinate and believes that his nurse is Fiona Franks eldest daughter who left in season 9. Or was that a way to get Emmy Rossum back onscreen, even for a second? This was a series finale and Frank had come close to meeting his maker many times before, after all, and there were other stories to follow. Dont fucking waste it. We didnt try and solve anything. I love Kevin (Steve Howey) and Veronica (Shanola Hampton), and would love to see what happens to them. I think thats more fun, personally. He said that the episodes will see what the years of abuse have cost Frank. "I say you're just not drinking enough. Emmy Rossum) through flashbacks from the shows earliest episodes. Five simple words are all we need to explain why this iconic CW drama's finale missed the mark: Dan Humphrey was Gossip Girl. On Sunday night, Showtime's long-running and acclaimed remake of Shameless finally came to an end, closing the book on the popular Gallagher family. Even for Frank there can be a grace and joy in the passing, at least thats what I hope that we can go out a little more gracefully. In your mind, do you know how it ends for these characters? By the time the iconic HBO series reached its denouement in May 2019, a lot of fans were left wondering how this could've possibly been the best ending after eight epic seasons. So when Heidi suggested blowing Chicago and hitting the open road, Debbie seemed amenable to the idea, despite previously warring with Lip (Jeremy Allen White) over his attempts to sell their family home. Possible symptoms include: Fever or chills Cough Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Fatigue Muscle or body aches Headache Ruby's death would be covered up by the Maguire family. He eventually returned positive for COVID-19 and died in the ER after the nurses and doctors discovered the "DNR" instruction on his chest. Bran (Isaac Hempstead-Wright) the king? What's Coming to Disney Plus in April 2021, Everything Coming to Netflix in April 2021. I lost a close family member who had been ill in December of COVID, despite. "So, it was disappointing for everybody, and we would've loved to have her back, and she wanted to come back, but it was one of those things that couldn't get done during the pandemic.". And fans were PISSED. In typical Gallagher fashion, things came to an end in a darkly comedic way, as the series said goodbye to one of its main characters while setting the rest of the family on new paths for their future. For Debbie (Emma Kenney) that meant falling for the woman who, just last week, threatened to shoot her daughter. Knowing you didnt want to end Shameless, do you have any desire to do a spinoff? Since the initial diagnosis, his health has only declined. So, it could be that Franks death in the series could bring all his kids together one final time before Shameless comes to an end. But data from both China and Lombardy, Italy, show the fatality rate starts rising for people in their 60s. I was also interested in Arthur (guest star Josh Malina) and Carl running the Alibi, it could have been funny as a cop bar story. Covid is just the thing that finally pushed him over the edge.. Shameless is a family comedy-drama that revolves around Frank Gallagher and his dysfunctional family of six kids. As the episode wrapped up, his family was celebrating at the Alibi while he was dying in the hospital. No, and I watched them bulldoze the sets into a dumpster, so I dont think anybodys anticipating it, Wells told the outlet. However, the penultimate episode of season 11 has caught the fans off-guard as it implies the patriarch's death. His attempt to sell stolen bikes went south, with the cops coming to his house; he had to hide and then dispose of an infamous painting Frank stole; he lost out on a deal to sell the house to a developer, and he re-introduced alcohol into his life, even if he didnt slide down the slippery slope he did years prior. And he certainly had a number of preexisting conditions . While some feel that the patriarchs demise will bring the show full circle and give his kids the opportunity to move on in life, there is no doubt that it will be a sad moment for the Gallaghers. Wed find the humor in these stories but these are life-and-death issues for families who live on the margin. Having said this, it does seem like Franks future will be bleak. By the time the iconic HBO series reached its denouement in May 2019, a lot of fans were left wondering how this could've possibly been the best ending after eight epic seasons. Daenerys (Emilia Clark) suddenly a fascist villain? The current 7-day average of new deaths (453) decreased 9.7% compared with the previous 7-day average (502). And NO. Additionally, the fans may also recall that Fiona comes back for the season finale in the original UK version of the show. You really dont get to connect. Figures for Covid patients in hospitals and I.C.U.s are the most recent number of patients with Covid-19 who are hospitalized or in an intensive care unit on that day. You may have COVID-19, but tested before the virus was detectable, or you may have another illness. On Sunday, April 11, the hit Showtime dramedy series Shamelesscame to an end after 11 seasons. Taking incidents like this into consideration, it seems that the man insists on living on his terms and possibly have control over his death too. People would stop me on the street and tell me that Frank was like their dad. They agreed, It would be unrealistic to not have anybody in this community actually suffer severe consequences of the pandemic. And Frank seemed like the logical choice. "She lives in New York, and you know, we were trying to make it work, but there were quarantine setups that were in there if she came out to LA. In a phone interview from Victoria, British Columbia, where hes working on a new series for Netflix, Wells discussed the inspiration for Franks death, Fionas near-return and the legacy of Shameless. These are edited excerpts from the conversation. What went into the decision to kill off Frank with COVID after he was diagnosed with alcoholic dementia? {{#media.media_details}} {{#media.focal_point}}. In the post-credits, his body, saturated with ingested alcohol, is cremated, with explosive results. We will never know. So sorry for your loss. Your source for entertainment news, celebrities, celeb news, and celebrity gossip. Liam tells Lip that he's "sort of gone," with Lip believing Frank has died. What would you want to see in a Shameless spinoff? Sadly, the rest of the Gallagher clan never learn he is dying thanks to his ridiculously large hospital file, although Lip crosses paths with the ambulance without knowing it. We wanted her to return and had some storylines about her coming back and she wanted to do it. Original star Rossum departed Shameless in season nine, with barely a mention of her character since. FX Drops Trailer for 'Pose' Final Season (TV News Roundup), 'Shameless' Retrospective Series 'Hall of Shame' Ordered at Showtime, 'Shameless' Boss on Why It Would Have Felt 'Criminal' Not to Address COVID-19 in Final Season. Showtimes long-running series,Shameless, concluded with the series finale on April 11, 2021 and the death of Frank Gallagher (William H. Macy). I havent really given it any thought.. David Chase's game-changing HBO mob drama ushered in modern day's golden age of television. Yes, Frank Gallagher dies during the Shameless finale, season 11 episode 12, titled Father Frank, Full of Grace.. Dips and spikes could be due . The fans are even amazed at the severe health problems Frank has lived through when most of us thought that he wouldnt make it. We arrived at alcoholic dementia and had written more than half the season when we shut down., Showrunner John Wells spoke with The Hollywood Reporter about the ways the pandemic changed the series finale and how travel challenges prevented one long-awaited reunion from happening https://t.co/SFV6EpPZoC. Everything is getting a revival these days. Covid-19 is a mild infection for eight out of 10 people who get it and the core symptoms are a fever and a cough. Showrunner John Wells spoke to Deadline about the finale, explaining why Frank had to go, and why Fiona didn't return. However, he kept forgetting that he had dementia. The Hollywood Reporter is a part of Penske Media Corporation. That's what we do, at least. It was a fine line, trying to ride an ongoing conversation in the country. This is all most people will experience. I dont have any explanation for why The Wire was never the most decorated show in television history. Arguably, things were looking a bit brighter when an old friend from the neighborhood expressed interest in buying the vacant lot next to the Gallagher house and Lip asked him how much he had for his house, too. As Frank is dying, he daydreams about being back at the Alibi with his family and he begins to levitate. Franks final words were observations about and advice to his children, including that Lip all-too-often gets in his own way. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Ian (Cameron Monaghan) and Mickey (Noel Fisher) accept theirnew yuppie lifestyle. His eyes drift closed after writing a letter to the Gallagher family. #Shameless. It just hit at just the wrong time with the continuing shutdown," said Wells. You've never come into contact with it. It's unclear as to whether he dies from his alcoholic dementia, from COVID-19 complications, or as a result of his recent overdose. Yes, absolutely. Fans were stunned when ABC's groundbreaking sitcom signed off after nine seasons with the titular heroine (played by Roseanne Barr) revealing that the entire final season had been a figment of her imagination, with her beloved husband Dan (John Goodman) having not actually survived his heart attack in the season prior. Although it was a very Frank way to die, fans still werent sure if the Shameless series finale meant the Gallagher patriarch was actually dead. Franks last genuine smile was him reading the letter he wrote to his family #Shameless pic.twitter.com/RkrlvEju6F. But you can fill in the blanks however you want to fill in the blanks as a viewer. On the subject of Emmy Rossum reprising her role as Fiona, Wells said that both sides involved wanted to make the character's comeback work. Thats happening to lots of families. Frank's spirit then visited the Alibi as the family (plus Kev and V). Frank Gallagher A former journalist and communications professional, certified in AWS Cloud Computing and Google Project Management. Billions Season 6 | Official Teaser | SHOWTIME. Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day, Inside the business of TV with breaking news, expert analysis and showrunner interviews. The Flash Recap With Spoilers: "The Mask of the Red Death Part 1", Jon Favreau Reveals How Book of Boba Fett Set Mandalorian Season 3 Free, Kansas City Chiefs' Travis Kelce Becomes Indiana Jones in New SNL Promo, Jay Leno Jokes About His "Brand New Face" After Garage Fire, Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, Quantumania Exclusive Interview | Phase Zero ft. Jeff Loveness. Bleak. Check out the hottest fashion, photos, movies and TV shows! Have something to tell us about this article? Of course there were plenty of big life decisions to be made in the meantime, so when Frank woke up and wandered off, no one other than Liam took note. Its a crazy world out there with people reviving shows and characters. In the first season, we are introduced to Frank, a single father who can barely look after himself, let alone his kids. It seemed unrealistic to do something about the south side of Chicago and people living barely above the poverty line and not have anybody succumb to this horrible pandemic.. Best laid plans. The biological patriarch got the biggest sendoff of them all as the show followed him through a daze that could have been due to brain damage from the recent OD, his recently-diagnosed dementia or his surprise new diagnosis of COVID-19 or some combination of all of the above. It also delivered one of the most controversial finales ever with a simple smash cut to black just as somethingmaybe nefarious, maybe notwas about to happen to the show's iconic antihero, Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini). I would have been interested in seeing the plight of this family without Frank and all that he brings hovering over their heads. Would any of Fionas storylines have filled in what the character is doing now? On the finale, the Gallagher family patriarch ( William H. Macy) died of COVID-19. Fans Can Visit the 'Shameless' House in Chicago But, the Gallagher Family Won't be There! Those fates are obviously up to the audiences to decide. Have a good time. Shameless showrunner John Wells told Entertainment Weekly that he would love for Fiona's actress, Emmy Rossum, to return for the final season. As he passes away, he imagines himself rising upabove the rooftops while sitting in a chair in his hospital gownas he narrates a letter, filled with words of "advice," that he left for his family. Fiona, unfortunately, wasn't with the rest of the family at the end of the show, though most fans had hoped the character would be making a comeback. We were always planning for him to pass away from something at the end. The Gallaghers bid farewell after 11 seasons with the Shameless series finale on April 11. Carls story line became far more topical. The house is in Fionas name, and she remains Liams legal guardian. And Shameless? Frank spends his final moments alone, remembering his family in flashbacks from the show's earliest episodes. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms. That was biggest disappointment: not being able to make that work out, because we all wanted it to happen. We arrived at alcoholic dementia and had written more than half the season when we shut down. Debs (Emma Kenney) plans on moving to Texas with her daughter Franny (Paris Newton)and a new girlfriend. In other news, Why is Gina Carano not in The Mandalorian season 3 as Cara Dune? We did what we set out to do, he said. Does she wind up with anyone romantically? Another hint that Frank is dead comes from the title and synopsis of the last episode, "Father Frank, Full of Grace." Kevin (Steve Howey) and Veronica (Shanola Hampton). However, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the showrunner decided to change the story a little bit. Man, talk about that being underrepresented on television! And NO. In Episode 10.10, Frank agreed to take her to the coast, so she could view the Irish coast from the horizon. And even Frank feels that. As showrunner John Wells tells The Hollywood Reporter, the plan was always to have Frank face consequences of his addictions and horrible parenting an agreement he made with his Emmy-nominated star Macy. He eventually returned positive for COVID-19 and died in the ER after the nurses and doctors discovered the DNR instruction on his chest. The West Wing is about how government works. After suffering from memory lapses, he was diagnosed with early-stage alcoholic dementia. The episode followed immediately on the penultimate episodes final moments, with Frank (William H. Macy) having overdosed on the family sofa and not one member of the household even slightly concerned that the patriarch may have finally exited this world. Id love to be talking about pandemic checks, and what a huge difference affordable day care would make to Debbie and Tami (Kate Miner). After 11 seasons and 134 episodes, Showtimes Shameless wrapped its run Sunday with a series finale that was directly impacted by the global coronavirus pandemic in two key ways. Connect today SHARE Many businesses continue to adapt their operations and workforce to COVID-19, whether bringing their employees into the workplace safely or evolving work-from-home or hybrid work strategies. But she had some health concerns about returning, quarantining and trying to be safe. And thats OK. We had a great, loyal audience for a long time. However, nothing has been confirmed, and the only way to know if Frank dies is to watch the final episode of the series. A very minor but sad result of everything thats happened in the pandemic. We will never know. The cast of the Mean Girls musical movie keeps getting bigger, with Busy Philipps signing on for the Paramount Plus project. You never know. With all the comorbidity that Frank had, Bill and I both talked about it, he continued. William H. Macy, who plays Frank, is credited for every episode of Season 11, including the finale. Then there was the Lip of it all. It was kind of our inside joke: You can do about anything, but you cant steal a library book. I think that was because [Showtime co-president of entertainment] Gary Levine didnt want to encourage people to actually keep library books. His character has had so many ups and downs over the years, and in the episodes leading up to the finale, things were on the downswing. Contact a healthcare provider if you have any questions about your test result or if your symptoms worsen. Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. In the end the hospital-gown-clad character instead reprised his seat at The Alibi as a ghost of sorts, watching over his beloved, even though no one could see him. Print People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported - ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. We had some humorous versions of it, where they all got sick of Frank, put him in a box and sent him down to Florida. Despite much hope among fans, Emmy Rossum, who left the show in season nine in 2019, did not return forthe finale to reprise her role of Fiona Gallagher. While Wells had to rewrite the entire first half of the final season after production was stalled because of the pandemic, the prolific writer-producer (ER, The West Wing) added in Franks COVID-19 demise in a bid to accurately reflect the struggles of an economically challenged community like the South Side of Chicago. [double heart emoji]". A parade of returning guest stars testified about all the horrible things that had befallen them as a result of Jerry (Jerry Seinfeld), Elaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), George (Jason Alexander), and Kramer's (Michael Richards) extreme selfishness and, in the end, a judge threw them in jail for a full year as a result of it. With his family and he begins to levitate remembering his family # Shameless.! To call if he gets lost for eight out of 10 people who get it and the core symptoms a... Is credited for every episode of season 11 has caught the fans may also that! The hospital ), and she remains Liams legal guardian season 3 as Cara Dune why... 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Live on the street and tell me that Frank was like their dad the 'Shameless ' House in Chicago,... To his children, including the finale preexisting conditions to change the story a little bit and Lombardy,,... To products and services on this website and tell me that Frank was like dad... With people reviving shows and characters positive for COVID-19 and died in the Mandalorian season 3 as Cara Dune December! On for the season when we shut down the showrunner decided to change the story little! These stories but these are life-and-death issues for families who live on the margin that Lip gets... And would love to see what the years of abuse have cost Frank because we wanted!