Shameless: The Complete Sixth Season

In its sixth season, the Showtime-aired Shameless—an American version of a British series—continues to approach family-style political incorrectness in uneven if often entertaining fashion. Significant events include an eviction, a proposal, a marriage, and two pregnancies. The season opens after the death of Frank's girlfriend, which would be a perfect opportunity for the Gallagher clan to show their unreliable patriarch Frank (William H. Macy) a little sympathy, but they can't be bothered. In the world of this Paul Abbott-created show, Frank remains a figure of mockery—even at his lowest ebb. On the plus side, Fiona (Emmy Rossum) gets a promotion at the diner, and Carl (Ethan Cutkosky) returns from juvie. Unfortunately, Carl now thinks he's black, resulting in some uncomfortable racial comedy; he also becomes a weapons dealer, which endangers just about everyone. Frank's youngest, Debbie (Emma Kenney), spends most of the this season looking forward to motherhood, although the father wants nothing to do with her. The (still married) Fiona has better luck with her boyfriend, Sean (Dermot Mulroney), even if his struggle to stay clean isn't always successful. Other storylines involve Lip (Jeremy Allen White), who is having an affair with a college professor (Sasha Alexander), and Ian (Cameron Monaghan), a gay bipolar dropout with a knack for saving lives. While there's some solid acting here, the show pushes the South Side Chicago stereotypes too far at times, particularly in regards to a flirtatious Russian waitress and a bigoted Greek neighbor. Presenting all 12 episodes from the 2016 sixth season, extras include behind-the-scenes featurettes and deleted scenes. A strong optional purchase. (K. Fennessy)