Shameless: The Complete Fifth Season

The relentless Sturm und Drang of the Gallagher clan returns in this fifth season set. The show's raison d'être has always been to convey the woozy and chaotic uncertainty at the center of one multi-layered, large Irish family. Fresh out of prison, Fiona (Emmy Rossum) is getting caught up with a new boss and further entangled in bad (though steamy) romantic decisions; Frank (William H. Macy) is recovering from his liver transplant but still up to his neck in irresponsible, alcoholic behavior; and Ian (Cameron Monaghan) is diagnosed as bipolar and his actions become increasingly dangerous and bizarre. The Gallaghers' blue-collar South Side Chicago neighborhood is succumbing to gentrification—which doesn't sit well with anyone—and drugs are wreaking havoc in many quarters. None of this makes for a wholesome family dynamic, only by now it is really just the show's dedicated fans who will have much interest in following the outrageous and often insufferable antics of this brutal soap opera. Still, the series does score points for its portrait of a strong (albeit dysfunctional) family weathering storms together. Presenting all 12 episodes from the 2015 fifth season, extras include an audio commentary, behind-the-scene featurettes, and unaired scenes. A strong optional purchase. (T. Fry)