Following on the exceptionally strong ending to last week's episode, "Nana Gallagher Had an Affair" continues with the dilemma of Monica and Bob wanting to take Liam. The episode doesn't really have "the scene" as last week's episode did, but reinforces the emotional backbone of the show.
Fiona, after gathering with the rest of the kids, gives an impassioned speech about how Monica should leave Liam behind if she loved them, and at the end of the episode, Monica complies and leaves Liam behind. Now, I'm sure everyone has different opinions on who bares the blame. I say it's almost solely Frank. There are some compelling reasons why Monica left. Monica clearly isn't a strong person and as much as she loved her children, Frank must have been the worst husband ever. If she hung on longer, Frank might have gotten her killed. And then we see Frank, who is not only not apologetic, but almost boastful, taking claim of Fiona's hard work. There's a distinct discrepancy between Monica, who is bawling at the end of the episode, and Frank, who is drunk and being an asshole.
This isn't a big deal, but the plot to take Liam turned Bob into a dumb character. On the British version, I remember her being dykish and brusque, but she didn't have a "cause" other than protecting Monica. But now that she wants Liam, she becomes utterly strange and illogical. However, compared to the whole thing about Liam being the biological child of two white parents, it's actually pretty normal.
Karen's subplot was great this week, funny when describing her sexual behavior in front of the prudes and emotionally potent once Sheila comforts. Simultaneously, it allow Sheila to go outside and maybe her agoraphobic is solved.
The Monica arc is over, but there is still a lot going on. Tony has a close eye on Steve, Ian has to figure out what to do with Mikey, and who knows what Karen will do next.
Score: 8.9/10
Monday, March 14, 2011
View Comments
