This weekend saw the season finales of 3 SHO series! That leaves a drought until Dexter starts it’s last season at the end of June.

Shameless- Season 3 was a good season, but not a spectacular one. There was something missing that 1 and 2 had, but that makes it sound like I’m complaining. Still enjoyed it all and the season finale was brilliant. There were a lot of complete story arcs for many characters this year and the strings of each came together for episode 13. Potentially, we have the set up for quite a few characters leaving the show…for good or a return later is anyone’s guess. I find all of them to well thought out and plausible, something the UK version stumbles a lot on when jettisoning cast member after cast member.

“Survival of the Fittest” is an apt title for the finale. Major life events for everyone. Fiona is making strides to keep her family afloat by using Jimmy’s disappearance the best she could. The ultimate thorn in the side of the knowledge that the viewer knows way more about him leaving then she does. In fact, we really don’t know his real fate. Ian is also in a major transition, putting Mickey in his rear view by pulling the trigger on his military commitment. Considering he’s lying about his age to do so, it’s a question of how long he can go before he’s caught. No one in the family knows he’s gone so that’s another kick in the pants.

Lip is in on another plane of existence too. Done with high school, he has no idea what to do now. Thanks to his crazy (ex?) GF he has the huge opportunity of going to MIT on a full ride, he bonds with Frank with a horrible outcome. Karen is now gone with Jodi to Arizona for rehab leaving an empty nest for Sheila to handle…we’re left with a glimmer of hope for her, but there’s no telling how she’s going to cope. Carl and Debbie are growing up fast, they’re pushing more and more to be treated as adults and considering the stuff they’ve done this season, they have handled some pretty heady stuff. Kev and Veronica have a kid on the way, their circus working in the end. That should be a big component of next season.

Last but not least is Frank! Will death at his door lead to him changing his ways? “What if I don’t want to?” Is he capable of changing? He wouldn’t be Frank if he did. The scene with Carl going to the hospital at night to shave Frank’s head was brilliant from start to finish. A great call back, a great expression of love, one that seems to have touched Frank.

The writing was outstanding for the finale, just brilliant TV. Can’t wait for season 4.

House of Lies had a great ending too. There was a big build up towards Marty going out on his own and to bring the gang with him. His dealings whipped up quite a storm, how well he weathers it remains to be seen. It’s going to be a trying time for him after burning so many bridges.

Californication: The treadmill under Hank keeps moving at the same speed and inclination. Some stuff happens through the season but it always comes back to Karen. The one that he had, the one that keeps getting away, the one he can never really have again. Time to wrap this up fellas.