Tag: Fiona Gallagher

Ranking the top 5 moments from “Shameless” season 9 episode 6: “You Can Only Count on Family Dude”

Happy Sunday TV fans!  After watching Showtime’s Shameless season 9 episode 6, Carl reminded Ian that “you can only count on family.”  Even if a Gallagher messes up, everyone is still there for him or her, supporting them until the end, because that’s what you do for family.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  In tonight’s episode, “Face It, You’re Gorgeous,” Ford wants Fiona to move in with him, but she has second thoughts when things don’t go exactly as planned with her new investment.  Meanwhile, Ian prepares himself for prison; Lip tries out being a sober companion, and Frank tracks down his new romantic interest with the help of Liam.  My top 5 moments from Shameless season 9 episode 6 are:

5

“I’m good at crazy.”

During the episode, Frank is determined to track down Dr. Ingrid Jones, played by Katey Sagal.  Frank takes Liam along with him and waits for her to be released from her 72 hour stay at the psychiatric facility, which Frank remembers all too well.  Frank reminisces about Monica and perhaps over shares a bit too much with his son, but Frank explains that it is never boring when you are with someone a little bit crazy.  Ingrid doesn’t initially admit to remembering Frank, but he later appears at her doorstep and tells her that she is fantastic and that he loves the part of her that is not really normal.  It looks like Frank might have finally found a new romantic interest worthy of his affection.  Katey Sagal is absolutely wonderful so I’m hoping that this is a recurring role for her, but we will have to wait and see.  Perhaps she can bring out the best in Frank or at least take them on a new adventure together.

4

“I can take that or you can keep it as a parting gift.”

Kev and V are surprised to get a knock on their door from Sister Francis and quickly learn that their daughter, Amy, brought in a vibrating dildo for show and tell when asked to bring something in that represents the love of her parents.  Sister Francis explains that most of the other children brought in pictures of hearts, but Amy certainly took the cake with her representation of Kev and V’s love.  Kev and V are required to meet with the priest who over shares in excessive detail about his own sexual past and he hangs on to the dildo for safe keeping…sure we’ll go with safe keeping.  Kev and V realize that this is serious and they have to be careful around the girls.  Kev decides that they should have a ceremony of sorts before discarding the rest of their sex toys.  They hilariously throw each item off the bridge into the water before sharing a few words about them.  Perhaps Kev gets a little bit too sentimental, but this moment is absolutely laugh out loud funny.

3

“Say the line!”

In this episode, Lip tries out being a sober companion for a celebrity named Jen Wagner, played by the fabulous Courteney Cox.  Jen tries to escape Lip, but she cannot get rid of him so easily.  When she asks why her sobriety is so important to him, Lip explains, “If I help you stay sober, it helps me stay sober.”  After a few more failed attempts to escape and drink, Jen joins Lip for a family dinner consisting of White Castle and has an absolute blast with the Gallagher family.  They request for her to say her famous line from her makeup commercials, “Face It, You’re Gorgeous,” and she actually offers them some really great advice.  Jen calms Ian’s nerves about prison and she even kisses Debbie and tells her that she needs someone in her life that truly gets her, reminding everyone that she did play a lesbian role once in one of her movies.  Jen realizes that she hasn’t even thought about drinking while hanging out with Lip and his family, revealing just how important a good support system is.  Perhaps Lip has a new calling and a new celebrity friend as well.  I’m proud of you Lip!

2

“I thought we were ready to take this relationship to the next level.”

In the beginning of the episode, Ford and Fiona decide to move in together, but Fiona says that she didn’t realize it would be so expensive.  Ford tells her that “to get ahead in life, you have to push past your comfort zone,” which is actually really good advice.  Fiona has second thoughts about moving in; however, when she realizes that she cannot get out of her new investment deal and learns that the project is being pushed back by 12 months and now requires $25,000 more out of her pocket.  After being denied another mortgage loan, Fiona is feeling defeated and begins drinking away her sorrows.  After kissing her co-worker, Fiona realizes that she is making a big mistake and that she needs to go home and apologize to Ford.  Ford is not there and she tracks his phone using his iPad and knocks on the door, not knowing what to expect.  A woman named Patty opens the door and reveals that she is Ford’s wife and he has a child as well.  Ford tries to explain to Fiona that he is separated, but Fiona is too hurt and upset to hear anything he has to say.  She crashes her car in his neighborhood and just gets out and starts walking away, refusing to let Ford help her.  Fiona is clearly hurt, but the physical pain is not enough to prevent her from getting away from Ford as quickly as possible.  This is not the first time we have seen Fiona be lied to and my heart goes out to her.  Fiona deserves the very best and while Ford may have a reasonable explanation for everything, it still doesn’t change the fact that he has been lying to her all this time.  Will Fiona be OK?  Will her family be able to intervene and help her before it’s too late?  Let’s hope so.

1

“You can only count on family dude.”

At the end of the episode, Ian is surprised that Fiona is not there to take him to prison, but Kev agrees to drive him and the rest of the Gallaghers tag along for moral support.  Ian explains that he thought some of his friends and supporters might be there, but Carl reminds him that you can only ever really truly count on family.  Everyone embraces Ian and he walks into prison with his head held high.  When he gets to his cell, I immediately started wondering about who his cell mate would be and in walks Mickey!  At this point, I was jumping up and down cheering and I’m sure you were too.  It’s about time these two were reunited.  Sure, they may be in prison, but something tells me that Ian and Mickey will make the best of their situation.  These two absolutely belong together and I am excited to have Noel Fisher back on the show.  Stay tuned!

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own thoughts on Shameless below in the comments section.  Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

**I would love it if you would take a moment to check out my Whizbuzz Book page via the link below for everything you need to know about my new book, The Search for Alice, including my author bio page and links to my website and social media sites!  Thank you!

My Whizbuzz Book Page

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

[twitter-follow screen_name=’TV_Fanatic_Girl’]

If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe.  Thanks for your support! 

I am so excited to announce that my book, The Search for Alice, is now available!  If you enjoy fairy-tale retellings, paranormal romance, horror, and mystery, then this might be the book for you or someone you know!  Thank you for taking the time to check it out and I appreciate any feedback as well.  I hope you enjoy!

When Kallie Bennett, a jaded teenage girl plagued by her alcoholic mother and her peers molded out of sheer bubble gum perfection, chases after Alice in Wonderland herself, she ends up lost in her own version of Wonderland, which forces her to face her utmost fears and introduces her to familiar characters with a dark twist. Among these characters is Ches, a gorgeous vampire with a conflicted conscience, who becomes Kallie’s guide and blossoming love interest. She also crosses paths with Queen Hartley, a manipulative witch who has the power to strip away one’s memories and imagination, which brings a bone chilling new meaning to “off with their heads.” In The Search for Alice, Kallie starts to realize that her Wonderland is just as frightening as her own reality and that she cannot always run away from her problems. She must figure out a way to defeat Queen Hartley and return home before it is too late, but she soon learns that escaping Wonderland means leaving Ches behind forever.

Want to read more?  You can click the link directly below for a free preview.  Thanks for your support!

Free Instant Preview of The Search for Alice is available here!

The Search for Alice is available here!

The Search for Alice Cover

Ranking the top 5 moments from “Shameless” season 9 episode 5: “Going Fiona is Not a Thing”

Happy Sunday TV fans!  After watching Showtime’s Shameless season 9 episode 5, I learned that labels do not really matter when it comes down to it and that “you like what you like.”  While some of the Gallaghers have trouble defining who they are, others come to an epiphany at just the right time.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  In tonight’s episode, “Black-Haired Ginger,” Fiona has trouble letting go and insists on getting involved in Ian’s trial.  Meanwhile, Lip finds himself restless when he gets an unexpected day off work, Liam has an encounter with a “trashy girl” and Carl meets a new potential girlfriend named Kelly, who will possibly have him saying Kassidi who?  No seriously where is Kassidi?  Is she really dead?  My top 5 moments from Shameless season 9 episode 5 are:

5

“I got nothin.”

After Frank passes out in the bathroom at the Alibi, Kev and V escort him to the hospital and he learns that he needs medication for his liver.  Frank doesn’t have insurance and is willing to compromise on most of the side effects of the cheaper medication option like temporary blindness, but has second thoughts when he hears that erectile dysfunction is one of them.  Frank panics and even runs up to a lingerie store window and screams out, “I got nothin!”  He tries watching porn on his phone and even fails to get it up with a prostitute.  V reminds Frank that he needs to make the right choice:  his liver or his penis and hopes that he makes the right one.  As fate would have it, Frank meets a woman at the hospital and he is back in business after helping her escape.  The mysterious woman is played by the absolutely fabulous Katey Sagal and I am excited to see her return next week.  Could she be a new romantic interest for Frank?  Here’s hoping!

4

#TimesUpMySisters

Kev is impressing quite a lot of people and is now pretty much known as “the vagina safe guy.”  A lady representing the women’s equality and empowerment march pays him a visit and explains that they are very impressed with what Kevin is doing and that they would love for him to give a speech at the march.  Kev is absolutely honored to do so, but starts to realize that his speech has nothing on the women speaking before him, who are courageous enough to speak out about some of their traumatic experiences.  Kev begins to put things into perspective and even sings his daughters a “stay away from men” lullaby.  V tells him to cut it out and gives him a pep talk, but it looks like Kev is starting to finally get the big picture, as he truly sympathizes with everything these women have had to go through.

3

“You make me want cock again!”

In this episode, Deb is determined to win Alex back and prove that she can stick with being a lesbian.  She tells Alex, “I know I may be a new lesbian, but I think I can be pretty good at it.”  Fast forward to eight hours later after Alex has been talking non-stop about her “feelings” and Deb can’t take it anymore.  She hilariously yells out, “You make me want cock again” before she leaves Patsy’s Pies with Franny, completely frustrated.  Debbie later goes to visit Fiona’s lesbian tenants and asks them for advice.  Mel decides to make things very simple for Debbie and takes off her robe and asks her how she feels and then proceeds to kiss her and Debbie doesn’t mind whatsoever.  They then further explain to Debbie that “you like what you like and none of the rest of it matters,” which is actually spot on advice.  Be you Debbie!

2

“Going Fiona is not a thing!”

Fiona can be overbearing sometimes with her family, but that’s because she cares so much about them and wants what is best for them.  Only now they are almost all adults and perhaps she can finally let go a little bit.  Fiona goes with Ian to meet his lawyer and promises, “I’m just gonna listen,” but then proceeds to yell, “Are you kidding me?” when she hears something she doesn’t like.  Fiona wants Ian to plead insanity and doesn’t care how this impacts his “Gay Jesus” image.  She further explains that “nothing is bigger than family” and proceeds to go all Fiona on Ian’s supporter.  Debbie sheds some light on the situation and Fiona tries to say that “going Fiona is not a thing,” but starts to really think it over when Lip basically says the same thing to her.

1

“Whatever you want to do…I’m with you.”

After Fiona stands up Ford when she was preoccupied with looking for Ian, she starts to realize that maybe she does need to let Ian make his own decisions, even if she doesn’t necessarily agree with them.  Fiona clearly wants to still feel needed by her family and in a touching moment Ford asks, “Would it help if I needed you?”  Is anyone else shipping these two?  Ford may not be Jimmy/Steve, but he is being so supportive of Fiona and seems worthy for sure.  After dyeing his hair black and grabbing his clothes in a moment of panic, Ian realizes that he needs to face his crime head on.  When he comes downstairs before the trial, everyone is there to fully support Ian, even though they absolutely hate his hair.  Fiona finally lets go enough and tells Ian that she is with him no matter what he decides to do and Ian happily accepts her support…as long as she keeps her mouth shut of course.  During the trial, Ian takes full ownership of his crime, but also eloquently explains why he did what he did and ends up pleading guilty by insanity since he was off his meds.  I have to say that I was very proud of Ian in this moment and hopefully he can handle two years in prison.  Even though Ian may face never-ending days of boredom like Mr. Milkovich warned, at least he has his entire family waiting for him and always supporting him no matter what.  Stay tuned!

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own thoughts on Shameless below in the comments section.  Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

[twitter-follow screen_name=’TV_Fanatic_Girl’]

If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe.  Thanks for your support! 

I am so excited to announce that my book, The Search for Alice, is now available!  If you enjoy fairy-tale retellings, paranormal romance, horror, and mystery, then this might be the book for you or someone you know!  Thank you for taking the time to check it out and I appreciate any feedback as well.  I hope you enjoy!

When Kallie Bennett, a jaded teenage girl plagued by her alcoholic mother and her peers molded out of sheer bubble gum perfection, chases after Alice in Wonderland herself, she ends up lost in her own version of Wonderland, which forces her to face her utmost fears and introduces her to familiar characters with a dark twist. Among these characters is Ches, a gorgeous vampire with a conflicted conscience, who becomes Kallie’s guide and blossoming love interest. She also crosses paths with Queen Hartley, a manipulative witch who has the power to strip away one’s memories and imagination, which brings a bone chilling new meaning to “off with their heads.” In The Search for Alice, Kallie starts to realize that her Wonderland is just as frightening as her own reality and that she cannot always run away from her problems. She must figure out a way to defeat Queen Hartley and return home before it is too late, but she soon learns that escaping Wonderland means leaving Ches behind forever.

Want to read more?  You can click the link directly below for a free preview.  Thanks for your support!

Free Instant Preview of The Search for Alice is available here!

The Search for Alice is available here!

The Search for Alice Cover

Ranking the top 5 moments from “Shameless” season 9 episode 4: “Knock Off That Golden Daffodil Sh*t!”

Happy Monday TV fans!  After watching Showtime’s Shameless season 9 episode 4, I learned some valuable lessons from the Gallagher family such as:  what a duel is, that every vote can be bought, and that loving waffles doesn’t necessarily mean you’re ready to move in with someone.  Perhaps some of the Gallagher gang need to pump the breaks a little bit, but we are definitely along for the ride.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  In last night’s episode, “Do Right, Vote White!” Debbie begins to fall for her new girlfriend, Alex, and is excited that they enjoy the same breakfast meal.  Meanwhile, Liam gets a FastPass to the sixth grade, Kev discovers his new talent as a consultant, and Fiona gets involved in politics.  My top 5 moments from Shameless season 9 episode 4 are:

5

“I love waffles!”

I also love waffles Debbie, but I’m not sure that means I’m ready to move in with you just yet.  During this episode, Debbie and Alex begin to take their relationship to the next level.  They quickly discover that they both like a lot of the same things, but jump into moving in together rather quickly.  When talking about their past relationships, Debbie starts talking about some of the men she has been with a little too much and Alex has second thoughts.  Alex asks Debbie to leave, fearing that she is going to fall in love with a straight girl again and make the same mistake.  Debbie is confused, but has literally been gay for maybe two days or hours?  When Debbie comes home, she blurts out that she is upset about the breakup and Lip unintentionally offends her by asking who Alex is.  It looks like Debbie’s brief encounter with her lesbian side may be over, but hopefully she will realize that baby Franny is the most important gal in her life right now.

4

“I’m not a traitor to my class.”

Fiona gets surprisingly over involved in politics and throws her support toward Ruiz initially.  Irish Ford is surprised by her choice and Fiona reveals that it is mostly because of rent control.   Fiona becomes passionate about who is she is backing and even takes down Mo White posters hanging in Patsy’s Pies while customers are sitting there.  She offers free pie to anyone who will wear a Ruiz button, proving her theory that “every vote can be bought.”  While Fiona may have a point, she soon realizes that she needs to change her tune and vote, but not before she punches one of Frank’s “white men” at a riot to get her point across.  Glad to see that you haven’t turned your back on the South Side, Fiona!

3

“Are you the vagina safe guy?”

Kev turns his small “vagina safe zone” drawing into a large sign and is ready to get the Alibi off the “rapiest bar” list.  Kev and V have put in a lot of effort on this and Kev even invites Beth from the “South Side Beat” back to “reinspect” the bar.  Kev is thrilled when they are off the list and are now known as a “female friendly dive bar.”  Progress right?  Either way, female customers are walking through the doors and a new business opportunity comes Kev’s way when another bar owner on the list approaches him and asks for his help and expertise.  Kev embraces his new talent as a kind of “vagina safe zone” consultant and even wears a suit to show that he means business.  Go Kev!

2

“What the f*ck is a duel?”

Carl is slightly worried that he may be losing his “homicidal mojo” and seeks out some help to get it back.  He is hilariously challenged to a duel after he takes someone’s spot at West Point, but he is having second thoughts on taking out the competition.  Carl and his competition end up at a standstill after taking their 20 paces, not really feeling right about shooting the other one.  Carl’s competition hilariously shoots himself in the leg and reveals that his father wants him to go to West Point and that he would rather go to school to be a poet.  After showing off some of his material and reciting something about the “golden daffodils,” Carl has had enough and shoots him again as requested so that he is too injured to go to West Point.  Carl is happy to have his mojo back and his competition hilariously calls out, “Thanks man!” but maybe he should get to a hospital…like right away.

1

“I want her back.”

During the episode, Lip meets Xan’s mother, who has come back to retrieve her daughter.  Lip is hesitant to let Xan go back to her mother because she is a junky and unreliable.  Lip doesn’t want Xan to get hurt and decides to take things further when he follows Xan’s mother and discovers that she is also “hooking” for some fast cash.  Lip later approaches Xan’s mother and offers her ten thousand dollars if she will relinquish her rights as Xan’s mother and designate Lip as Xan’s legal guardian.  Before they can go any further, Xan has followed Lip and is so excited to see her mother.  She runs into her mother’s arms and Lip realizes that he cannot possibly separate Xan from her mother, even though she has made so many mistakes.  In a heartbreaking moment, Lip leaves the envelope of money and runs away, trying so hard to do the right thing for Xan.  While it’s clear that Lip cares so much for Xan, he understands the importance of family and wants Xan to grow up loved.  Will Lip be able to move on with his life without Xan?  Stay tuned!

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own thoughts on Shameless below in the comments section.  Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

[twitter-follow screen_name=’TV_Fanatic_Girl’]

If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe.  Thanks for your support! 

I am so excited to announce that my book, The Search for Alice, is now available!  If you enjoy fairy-tale retellings, paranormal romance, horror, and mystery, then this might be the book for you or someone you know!  Thank you for taking the time to check it out and I appreciate any feedback as well.  I hope you enjoy!

When Kallie Bennett, a jaded teenage girl plagued by her alcoholic mother and her peers molded out of sheer bubble gum perfection, chases after Alice in Wonderland herself, she ends up lost in her own version of Wonderland, which forces her to face her utmost fears and introduces her to familiar characters with a dark twist. Among these characters is Ches, a gorgeous vampire with a conflicted conscience, who becomes Kallie’s guide and blossoming love interest. She also crosses paths with Queen Hartley, a manipulative witch who has the power to strip away one’s memories and imagination, which brings a bone chilling new meaning to “off with their heads.” In The Search for Alice, Kallie starts to realize that her Wonderland is just as frightening as her own reality and that she cannot always run away from her problems. She must figure out a way to defeat Queen Hartley and return home before it is too late, but she soon learns that escaping Wonderland means leaving Ches behind forever.

Want to read more?  You can click the link directly below for a free preview.  Thanks for your support!

Free Instant Preview of The Search for Alice is available here!

The Search for Alice is available here!

The Search for Alice Cover

Ranking the top 5 moments from “Shameless” season 9 episode 3: “S&M is not like Riding a Bike”

Happy Sunday TV fans!  After watching Showtime’s Shameless season 9 episode 3, I realized that it’s sometimes necessary to update your image.  Whether that means updating your wardrobe to a pant suit, turning your bar from “rapey” to “Certifide Vagina Safe,” misspelling intended, or dusting off your red leather boots to help a friend in need, Team Gallagher is ready for a makeover to help make a difference.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  In tonight’s episode, “Weirdo Gallagher Vortex,” Fiona and Irish Ford clash after she closes her business deal, Liam goes to public school, and Lip tries to protect Xan.  Meanwhile, Ian tries out some new religions, Debbie experiments with a woman, and Frank continues to help Mo White with his campaign to make some cash.  My top 5 moments from Shameless season 9 episode 3 are:

5

“We need more dick.”

During the episode, Debbie grows closer to her new friend and they bond over welding their dick creations to the cars of men outside a strip club.  Debbie enjoys spending time with her new friend, but starts to question her own sexuality when she has a moment with her and makes out with her in the bathroom.  Even though Ian tells Debbie that she is not gay, she can’t ignore these new feelings surfacing.  Will Debbie explore these feelings further?  Is this a new possible relationship for her?

4

“Stop trying to save the world and save yourself.”

After getting out of jail, Ian is having a difficult time adjusting, no longer wanting to embrace the “Gay Jesus” title.  He tries to listen for “shim” or God, but is getting a busy signal.  Frank tells Ian that he needs to stick to traditional religions in order to find his enlightenment and Ian decides to give it a try.  After trying out Buddhism, Judaism, and Catholicism, Ian doesn’t find the answers he is looking for.  He is focused so much on hearing the words of “shim” or God and he doesn’t possess much patience when looking for his own “enlightenment.”  Later in the episode, Debbie sets Ian straight and tells him to “stop trying to save the world and save yourself.”  Will Ian take her advice?  We’ll have to stay tuned to find out, but I think it’s time for Ian to find a new calling.  Maybe one of a lesser power.

3

“So now you want a relationship?”

Fiona is beyond excited to sign off on her new business deal with Max, but Irish Ford reveals his jealousy over the situation.  Fiona is initially confused by his behavior especially since they don’t really have a label on their relationship and have been “hanging out.”  Fiona’s dog, Rusty, makes a special guest appearance and keeps her company while she eats her cheeseburger, while Irish Ford eats at the table alone.  After speaking with V, V reminds Fiona that “people get hurt when you leave your options open.”  She further explains that she initially told Kev, “you’re my man, I’m your girl, and if you’re not happy with that…I’ll kill you in your sleep.”  While I’m not sure that Fiona and Ford need to go to this extreme, perhaps it is time for them to take their relationship to an official level, especially since Ford seems to have gone above and beyond to get his “apology” right for Fiona.  Will Fiona’s new business partner threaten her relationship with Ford?  Ford has openly expressed not liking Max, but is there more to the story here?

2

“Bitch I’m not asking.”

Carl is continuing to change lives one dog at a time, but is still determined to get into West Point.  He later discovers that V knows Congressman Ubberman, who used to be one of her former dominatrix clients.  Carl asks V if she can help him at all since he needs his recommendation, but V hilariously explains that “S&M is not like riding a bike.”  After going through some of her old clothes, she finds her whip and “Lenora” is back and better than ever.  V shows off her dominatrix skills and gets Congressman Ubberman to agree to recommend Carl for West Point.  Mission accomplished!

1

“They made a list of the rapiest bars in the South Side and the Alibi is number 1.”

During the episode, Kev and V discover that they were included on this list.  While they are initially shocked, they begin to look around and notice all of the posters and art that glorify sex and objectify women.  Kev is determined to make the bar less “rapey,” to bring back female customers and more importantly, because “rapey is wrong,” as V gently reminds him.  Kev reminds everyone that they should not refer to women as “chicks” and should perhaps try out “vaginal enterprises.”  V is not amused and he goes with “women” instead.  Kev tries to make sure the television programming is friendly for women, drinks like “Sex on the Beach” will now just simply be “The Beach,” and he even creates consent forms as well to ensure maximum safety.  Kev begins tracking his process and creates a chalk board sign on the back of the door that says, “Hours Since Last Rapey Talk.”  Kev is excited to start off with 2, but quickly has to change this back to 0 after Mo White reveals the truth about his past and an underage girl.  Kev is determined to make women feel safe in the bar and finally places his sign on the window, which says, “Certifide Vagina Safe,” complete with a drawing of what I can only assume is a vagina with boxing gloves.  While spelling has never been Kev’s strong suit, he is definitely putting forth a lot of effort to make everyone feel safe at his bar.  I guess it’s the thought that counts.  Stay tuned!

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own thoughts on Shameless below in the comments section.  Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

[twitter-follow screen_name=’TV_Fanatic_Girl’]

If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe.  Thanks for your support! 

I am so excited to announce that my book, The Search for Alice, is now available!  If you enjoy fairy-tale retellings, paranormal romance, horror, and mystery, then this might be the book for you or someone you know!  Thank you for taking the time to check it out and I appreciate any feedback as well.  I hope you enjoy!

When Kallie Bennett, a jaded teenage girl plagued by her alcoholic mother and her peers molded out of sheer bubble gum perfection, chases after Alice in Wonderland herself, she ends up lost in her own version of Wonderland, which forces her to face her utmost fears and introduces her to familiar characters with a dark twist. Among these characters is Ches, a gorgeous vampire with a conflicted conscience, who becomes Kallie’s guide and blossoming love interest. She also crosses paths with Queen Hartley, a manipulative witch who has the power to strip away one’s memories and imagination, which brings a bone chilling new meaning to “off with their heads.” In The Search for Alice, Kallie starts to realize that her Wonderland is just as frightening as her own reality and that she cannot always run away from her problems. She must figure out a way to defeat Queen Hartley and return home before it is too late, but she soon learns that escaping Wonderland means leaving Ches behind forever.

Want to read more?  You can click the link directly below for a free preview.  Thanks for your support!

Free Instant Preview of The Search for Alice is available here!

The Search for Alice is available here!

The Search for Alice Cover

Ranking the top 5 moments from “Shameless” season 9 episode 2: “I’m going to eat every one of your goddamn bread sticks!”

Happy Sunday TV fans!  After watching Showtime’s Shameless season 9 episode 2, I brushed up on my vocabulary and used “artisanal” in a sentence.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  In tonight’s episode, “Mo White!” Fiona is looking to invest in commercial property and enlists the help of her new intern, Liam, to close the deal.  Meanwhile, Ian is looking to return his get out of jail free card, Frank gets involved in politics, and Debbie comes up with a creative new slogan to get her point across about equal pay for women.  My top 5 moments from Shameless season 9 episode 2 are:

5

“I don’t eat pie.  Now you do.”

During the episode, Lip is preoccupied by Xan’s actions, but is stunned when someone asks him to be his sponsor at his AA meeting.  Initially Lip says he has to think about it and explains that “Gallaghers don’t sponsor.  They get sponsored.”  At the end of the episode, Lip has a change of heart and offers to sponsor the young man in need, recognizing that it is time to give back.  He tells him that they can get pie after the meeting and talk, but it looks like his new sponsee is not going to get a choice on the menu.  While Lip continues to grow closer to Xan, this new sponsor/sponsee relationship could be something truly significant for him and it’s absolutely a step in the right direction for Lip.

4

“I am a proud welder with a vagina.” 

After learning that she is making less than her male co-workers, Debbie continues her research on the subject and is shocked by her findings.  Debbie takes baby Franny with her to different construction sites and puts her megaphone skills to good use, trying to recruit other female employees to jump on board and fight the good fight.  Debbie’s slogan is definitely catchy, as she calls out, “I am a proud welder with a vagina!”  To Debbie’s disappointment, she doesn’t run into any female workers to recruit, but is surprised when someone pays her a visit at her home later on in the episode.  Debbie discovers that an employee she thought was a male is in fact a female and has been disguising herself at work.  Debbie doesn’t want to be rude, but does say, “You really look like a dude,” but it seems like this new potential friend doesn’t mind her brutal honesty.  To the shock of Debbie, she asks her out for a drink and tells her it’s a date.  I guess her speech was more inspiring than she realized.

3

“You’re both named Amy now.”

Kev and V are excited to explore preschool options for their energetic daughters and are absolutely impressed with the first place they see, which includes bunnies for all and princess costumes galore.  Kev even says, “This is where I want to go when I die.”  Unfortunately when they get to the paperwork, Kev is stunned by the number he sees and hilariously asks, “Is that a year in the future?”  Kev and V quickly learn that tuition for a month is triple the amount of their mortgage payments.  They begin researching some more “budget friendly” options, which consist of an “imagination area” in a back alley.  Finally, they come across a suitable option at a Catholic preschool, but learn that there is only one spot available.  Kev and V have a sit down with their daughters and explain that they will be wearing the same outfits and can never be in the same place at the same time.  Kev hilariously says, “You’re both named Amy now.  Jemma doesn’t exist anymore.”  The two girls nod in compliance, but it will be interesting to see how this unfolds since they don’t really follow directions too well.  Either way, Kev and V love Amy and “fake Amy” and are excited to enroll them into preschool.

2

“I like to cut things and watch them bleed.”

Carl is determined to get into West Point, but realizes that this will not be as easy as he initially anticipated.  He learns that he needs to complete community service and that his time served in juvy does not count.  When asked about his special skills, Carl enthusiastically explains that he has a “steady hand with a knife” and that he likes to “cut things and watch them bleed.”  The recruiter surprisingly has a recommendation for him and sends Carl to “Soothing Horizon.”  When Carl arrives, he learns that he will be putting dogs to sleep and is shocked to see the “gas chamber” van option the retired vet has in place.  When he meets one of the service dogs, Carl is not able to go through with this and decides to take all of the dogs home with him.  He tells the dogs that “the Gallagher basement beats the murder van” and I absolutely agree, as I was not sure I could watch Carl go through with this as a dog lover and owner myself.  Carl makes all of the dogs feel at home and when one dies naturally, he even goes all out to provide them with a traditional military funeral, but perhaps he should wait until everyone wakes up, as he decides to have this performed at 5am outside the Gallagher home.

1

“Where are we going?  To take what’s ours.”

During the episode, Fiona expresses an interest in investing in commercial real estate.  Irish Ford cautions her against this, but Fiona is determined to prove that she can excel here.  Fiona recruits the help of Liam who was expelled from school because of Frank’s actions.  “The sins of the father” and all that.  Liam shows off his own skills and helps Fiona quite a bit, proving to be an excellent intern with helpful information.  Liam helps Fiona negotiate over properties and she even works in some flashy lingo as well to show that she is a “savvy” business woman.  After being shown several properties, Fiona realizes that she wants to partner in on “Sunset Brook,” which is the new building for senior care in her neighborhood.  Fiona explains that she knows the neighborhood and the people here and that she would make an excellent partner and investor, but is initially turned down and obnoxiously hit on.  Fiona does some research at home and finds out that there are still partner spots available and crashes the investor’s dinner to prove that she means business.  Fiona doesn’t back down and tells him that she has 50K, or make that 100K, to invest.  She stands in front of the entire table and threatens that she will stay there and “eat every one of your goddamn bread sticks.”  Fiona closes the deal and is in business and I have to say that I absolutely love the partnership between her and Liam.  After all, they crushed it!  Now let’s hope that Liam can enroll in another school without an issue.  Stay tuned!

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own thoughts on Shameless below in the comments section.  Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

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I am so excited to announce that my book, The Search for Alice, is now available!  If you enjoy fairy-tale retellings, paranormal romance, horror, and mystery, then this might be the book for you or someone you know!  Thank you for taking the time to check it out and I appreciate any feedback as well.  I hope you enjoy!

When Kallie Bennett, a jaded teenage girl plagued by her alcoholic mother and her peers molded out of sheer bubble gum perfection, chases after Alice in Wonderland herself, she ends up lost in her own version of Wonderland, which forces her to face her utmost fears and introduces her to familiar characters with a dark twist. Among these characters is Ches, a gorgeous vampire with a conflicted conscience, who becomes Kallie’s guide and blossoming love interest. She also crosses paths with Queen Hartley, a manipulative witch who has the power to strip away one’s memories and imagination, which brings a bone chilling new meaning to “off with their heads.” In The Search for Alice, Kallie starts to realize that her Wonderland is just as frightening as her own reality and that she cannot always run away from her problems. She must figure out a way to defeat Queen Hartley and return home before it is too late, but she soon learns that escaping Wonderland means leaving Ches behind forever.

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Ranking the top 5 moments from “Shameless” season 8 episode 12 season finale: “Time to Go Gallagher!”

Happy Monday TV fans!  After watching Showtime’s Shameless season 8 episode 12 finale last night, I am certainly going to miss watching my favorite dysfunctional family for a while.  While new episodes will return later this year, I am happy that every member of the Gallagher family made the right call after being faced with a difficult decision.  Whether they were tempted by taking the easy way out or making someone else happy, each one of them ultimately found their way, reminding us that doing the right thing does pay off in the end.  Now Frank on the other hand is another story.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  In last night’s episode, “Sleepwalking,” Fiona seeks out the help of “Pyro Paulie” to go full Gallagher on Rodney and his family, refusing to give up what she has worked so hard on.  Lip is finally back together with Sierra, but is he ready to get sucked back in the drama all over again?  Svetlana pursues her American Dream to get married while holding Frelania hostage and Kev embraces his new role as “father of the bride.”  Meanwhile, a warrant is out for Ian’s arrest, Carl attempts to make it to military school, and Liam is faced with the dilemma of making his father happy or betraying his new friend.  My top 5 moments from Shameless season 8 episode 12 are:

5

Liam does some recon.

Liam’s new friend, Dylan, is more than rich.  After Frank pays Dylan’s father a visit and does a quick scan of his assets, he enlists the help of his youngest son to do some full recon and obtain the alarm code.  Liam does a great job taking the pictures for Frank and even comes up with a brilliant plan to get the alarm code.  He sets off the alarm with Dylan as a prank on the maid and then zooms in on the code:  6197.  After he discusses everything with Frank, Liam begins having second thoughts.  While this may be the root cause of his sleepwalking, Liam decides that he wants to keep his friendship with Dylan and of course enjoy some much deserved “yachting” and relaxation.  Liam gives Frank the wrong code, which leads to a hilarious escape from the police, ending with Frank jumping into the portable toilet.  Not just the stall…but the actual toilet.  Frank manages to hold on to a few items and walks into the Gallagher home in victory, covered in blue dye and sewage.  I guess he’ll take this one as a win.

4

Carl attempts to get to military school.

Carl’s wife, Cassidy, actually has her named spelled with a “K,” which I learned in this last episode when she explains that all of their 6 children will have names starting with a “C” or a “K.”  Sorry Kassidi.  Either way, Carl’s girlfriend…wife, Kassidi played by the brilliant Sammi Hanratty is not about to let him leave without a fight.  Carl strategically jumps out the window when Kassidi is showering to buy new gear for military school.  He avoids her as much as possible and even brings her flowers as a decoy, but this is no match for Kassidi’s obsession.  She hand-cuffs him to the bed and refuses to let him go.  When Carl spots Debbie, he begs her to get the keys, but Debbie takes this as an opportunity to test out her brother’s listening skills, refusing to get involved in the middle.  After all she does love Kassidi’s waffles.  With the help of Liam’s habit to steal keys when he sleepwalks, Carl manages to escape and successfully gets on the bus to military school to the dismay of Kassidi.  While Carl does love Kassidi, he is not about to completely dismiss his other love for military school and he has the chance to really become someone to be proud of.  Will their marriage be able to survive this?  Will Kassidi resort to even crazier methods to get him back?

3

Svetlana gets married.

Svetlana’s plan seems to be going well when she kidnaps her former Russian friend, Frelania and keeps her held hostage at Kev and V’s home.  After realizing that she has the chance to successfully steal her husband and obtain the American Dream of becoming a rich trophy wife, there is no stopping her.  Kev and V are on board to help her and Kev fully embraces his new role as the “father of the bride.”  However, when Svetlana explains that if Frelania “tries anything you cut her face,” he is a little hesitant to put the machete to use.  Svetlana explains that the next part of their plan involves keeping Frelania’s mother, Zlata distracted, as she is the only person who will be able to recognize Svetlana at the wedding.  Kev hilariously dresses up as a chauffeur, complete with ripped sleeves underneath the suit jacket, and displays a sign at the airport reading “Zlata…super long last name” with an arrow.  Zlata is known to have a “taste for human flesh,” so Kev and V decide to try out her appetite for vodka to keep her as far away from the wedding as possible.  Everything seems to be going seamlessly when Svetlana walks down the aisle in a gorgeous wedding gown, only for Kev to find out that there is a Prenup.  Just as he reveals this to V, Svetlana says “I do.”  One can only imagine what she will do when she finds out the truth next season.

2

Lip finally makes the right decision. 

Lip seems to be getting everything he wanted.  He’s sober, he has a job, and now he even has Sierra back.  Everything should be fine, right?  After witnessing Sierra and her former boyfriend, Charlie arguing in the street, he realizes that he is about to get sucked up into a whirlwind of drama all over again.  Has Lip learned from his past mistakes?  Yes!  Lip walks away from Sierra and tells her that he’s not sure how he feels and he thinks she should give Charlie another chance.  At the end of the episode, Lip decides to help out Eddie’s niece and offers for her to stay with him until everything is sorted out with Eddie and her mom.  The little girl is beyond delighted that someone actually cares enough about her not to abandon her and happily helps Lip with his motorcycle.  Lip finally realizes that love doesn’t have to be romantic or messy.  The friendship and bond he has with Eddie’s niece goes beyond this and is the best thing for him right now to maintain his sobriety and his sanity.

1

“Time to go Gallagher.”

After Fiona talks with her lawyer, she is horrified that Rodney and his family are actually demanding custody of her dog, Rusty…or “Sparkles” along with 3 million dollars.  Her lawyer explains that her best option is to sell the building and to declare bankruptcy but Fiona is not ready to give up on her hard work just yet.  After consulting with a few others, Fiona realizes that she is going to take back what is hers.  She meets Frank’s friend, “Pyro Paulie,” who provides her with instructions on how to smoke out Rodney and his family…literally.  After they vacate the building, Fiona gives them an offer on her terms.  She says she will pay them a few thousand now for them to leave and never come back and that she will continue paying them $500 a month after that.  Rodney’s wife refuses the offer, which prompts Fiona to begin lighting cash on fire to show them she means business.  Rodney realizes that a lawsuit can take a very long time before he may see any money and takes the deal.  Fiona is able to keep her building and now has a new relationship with Irish Ford to look forward to.  Things are looking up for Fiona after all.

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own thoughts and comments on Shameless below.  Thanks for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

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